Valentine’s Day Tradition: I Love You Shadow

On Groundhog Day, February 2, have your child lay down on a giant sheet of paper and trace their outline (if it’s a sunny day with good weather you can do this outside and actually trace the child’s shadow being cast on the paper). Cut out the outline and hang your child’s “shadow” on their bedroom door. From then until Valentine’s Day leave messages on your child’s “shadow” about why you love them. You can write directly on the “shadow” or write the message on hearts that you tape to the “shadow” (I prefer the latter since you can then save the messages from year to year without having to save the bigger sheet of paper). Have siblings write messages for each other too. The messages can be something small like, “I love the silly dance you do when you hear your favorite song.” or something more serious such as, “I love how kind you are! Thank you for sharing with your sister today.” You can leave notes with scripture and reminders like “Jesus Loves You!”. The possibilities are endless.

The idea of leaving love notes for your kids is nothing new. Adding the notes to their “shadow”, as if you were pinning these positive messages onto them directly, will have an even greater impact. Whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow this year your children can look at their own “shadow” and realize how truly loved they are.

RELATED POSTS:
*Fun Ideas for Groundhog Day

*Groundhog Day Goodies

*Valentine’s Day Links