Image: My T-shirt says "Mothering is an Act of Revolutionary LOVE" |
Yesterday, my high-school senior shared a story with me after a weekend activity helping with middle-schoolers. They volunteer for a program for kids from high-risk environments, and the group was talking about Valentine’s Day. A boy shared that he always looks forward to Valentine’s Day because his mom makes hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries. He related that “everyone buys them” and then there is more money for the family to have things they need or something special.
Wow.
Image: Little toddler with a big strawberry |
So, I’m writing this little reminder on Valentine’s Day that there are lots of ways to be kind and love each other. There’s no need to rail against the commercialism of the day or “yuck” someone else’s “yum.” I just urge everyone to do what we’re supposed to do any day of the year:
- Show love to one another
- Do something kind for someone
- Make some messy art
- Buy locally
- Call or write your U.S. representatives and senators to support the Child Tax Credit to make sure that lots of other kids can feel cared for in April. You can use this link from RESULTS to find talking points about it!
Image: Pre-schooler looking at Valentine's themed window decorations |
Cynthia Changyit Levin is the author of "From Changing Diapers to Changing the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started" available on pre-sale now at www.changyit.com/books