Teaching Kids the True Meaning of St. Valentine’s Day
When most people think of St. Valentine’s Day, they imagine heart-shaped chocolates, flowers, and love notes. While these traditions can be fun, there is a much deeper meaning behind this holiday—one rooted in faith, sacrifice, and the power of Christ-like love. Teaching children the real story of St. Valentine helps them understand that love isn’t just about gifts and romance—it’s about kindness, service, and devotion to God.
Who Was St. Valentine?
St. Valentine was a Christian priest in ancient Rome who lived during a time when the emperor outlawed Christian marriages. Despite the risks, he secretly performed weddings for Christian couples, choosing to honor God’s law rather than obey unjust earthly laws. His commitment to faith led to his arrest and eventual martyrdom, making him a powerful example of selfless love and devotion to Christ.
Why Teach Children About St. Valentine?
Instead of focusing only on candy and cards, St. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about:
✔️ Christian Love – Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. True love is shown through kindness, patience, and putting others before ourselves.
✔️ Faith and Courage – St. Valentine stood up for his faith, even in the face of persecution. His story inspires children to be bold in their beliefs.
✔️ The Power of Giving – Jesus calls us to love one another through service and generosity, just as St. Valentine did.
✔️ God’s Unconditional Love – Above all, this holiday is a chance to remind kids of God’s incredible love for them.
How to Make St. Valentine’s Day Meaningful for Kids
Here are some fun and faith-filled ways to celebrate:
❤️ Read the Story of St. Valentine – Learn about his life and why he is remembered as a symbol of love and faith.
❤️ Practice Acts of Kindness – Encourage kids to do something special for a friend, neighbor, or family member.
❤️ Memorize a Bible Verse About Love – A great choice is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which teaches about Godly love.
❤️ Create Faith-Based Valentine’s Cards – Make cards with Bible verses and uplifting messages to give to others.
❤️ Bake & Share Treats – Make heart-shaped cookies or another treat and give them to someone who could use encouragement.
Make Learning Easy with a St. Valentine Unit Study
If you’d like a structured way to teach your children about the real meaning of St. Valentine’s Day, my St. Valentine Unit Study is the perfect resource! This over 20 page study includes:
✅ The true story of St. Valentine
✅ Bible verses and discussion questions
✅ Fun activities, crafts, and recipes
✅ Ways to practice love and kindness as a family
📥 Instantly download and make St. Valentine’s Day meaningful! Click [here] to get the unit study and start a faith-filled celebration of love and devotion. This Valentine’s Day, let’s go beyond candy hearts and teach our children the powerful, selfless love that St. Valentine lived out—a love that reflects Christ’s love for us all!
