Make the Box

I’m going to venture an unpopular opinion here, so just hear me out. You need to make a Valentine box with your child. Just make the box. It matters.

I know. I know! Everyone is so dang busy. Children are over scheduled and parents are overworked. Some of us are just not crafty, and the thought of creating something cutesy makes our eyes roll. Plus, it’s another thing to do. We have enough of those! We are tired of all the things to do!

Do it anyway. It’s a season of your life that will be over soon, so live it while you’re in it.

This is your perfect opportunity to sit down with an old shoe box and some craft supplies and tune out the world. The wonderful thing you’ll discover is that while you and your child are cutting, gluing, and coloring, other conversations can blossom. It’s the perfect time to talk about that mean girl that has been bothering her, that new friendship he is growing, or what the latest games at recess are.

I love how unique my students’ boxes always are. I can guarantee you this year there will be a sloth box from my sloth-obsessed student, a pug box from my Diary of a Pug reader, a football box from my athlete, and probably even a Stranger Things box. I’m really crossing my fingers that the kiddo who covered his writer’s notebook with magazine cutouts of possums doesn’t feel the same inspiration when it comes to his Valentine box.

On Valentine’s day, the morning walk into school might as well have a red carpet. The kids proudly hold their boxes, some with excessive care, some with practiced nonchalance. They all feel like royalty. And why shouldn’t they? They made something special with the help of a person they love. Now they get to show it off to the world.

When it’s time for the class party, all the kids set up their boxes on their desks, positioning them just so. They check and recheck that the slot for Valentines is open and ready. The kids are overflowing with excitement. They ooh and aah over everyone’s different box, and imagine their giant haul of candy and cards.  In terms of school holidays, it doesn’t get bigger or better than Valentine’s Day.

Take the time to make a special box with your child. Even though you may feel like it’s not a big deal, it’s serious stuff in elementary school. Spoil them with your time. Spoil them with your attention. They will feel like royalty, as they should.