Navigating Valentine’s Day with Your Teen: From Heart-Shaped Candies to High-Fives
Remember when Valentine’s Day meant crafting little love notes, cutting out hearts from red construction paper, and sneaking sweet treats into your kid’s lunchbox? Those were the days when your little one’s face would light up as you gushed at their homemade glitter-covered card or a candy heart that read Be Mine. Now fast-forward to today, and your once-adoring child is now a teen who calls you ‘bro’ and reacts to heartfelt gestures with an eye roll and a ‘cool, I guess.’
But just because they’re growing up doesn’t mean the love has to fade—it just needs to evolve a bit. Valentine’s Day is still a great time to show your teen they’re loved, even if heart-shaped pancakes and love notes in the lunchbox are met with eye-rolls.
Here’s how I like to keep the tradition alive, in a way that actually speaks teen:
1. Respect Their Independence (But Sneak in the Sentiment)
Teens crave independence, so anything too sappy might be a no-go. Instead, find subtle ways to show you care. A quick text that says, Hey, appreciate you, or leaving their favourite snack on the counter can go a long way.
2. Make It About More Than Romance
We know that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s about celebrating all kinds of love, including the unshakeable bond between family. You might not be able to get away with heart stickers any more, but you can still mark the day with a small tradition, like watching a favourite show together or grabbing their go-to takeout. Just being around matters more than you think.
3. Upgrade the Treats
Sure, they may not be into the candy hearts any more, but that doesn’t mean they’ll turn down good food. Surprise them with their favourite dessert or even a box of Compartés vegan chocolates—the 31st State team’s absolute favourite. It’s a little indulgence without the cringe factor. Check out our Instagram post to win!
4. Keep the Inside Jokes Alive
If there’s one thing that never gets old, it’s humour. Whether it’s the latest ridiculous meme you just saw on Instagram, an ongoing joke, or a playful nod to their childhood (remember when they swore they were going to marry Harry Styles?), a little laughter goes a long way in making Valentine’s Day feel fun instead of forced.
5. Give Them a Pass (But Not Really)
If they pretend not to care, don’t take it personally. Deep down, they’ll always appreciate the effort—even if their way of showing it is a smirk instead of a hug. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll surprise you with their own version of a Valentine’s Day ‘thank you.’
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day with your teen might not look like it used to, but the love is still there—just in a different (slightly less glittery) form. And if all else fails? Just accept that, for now, ‘bro’ is their way of saying, ‘I love you.’
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