Dear Reese,
At pickup today, there’s a new sheet of paper in your cubby. It’s covered in hearts and reads “Here is a list of names for Valentine’s Day if your child would like to participate in a classroom exchange!”
Have I ever felt more like a parent, Reese? Now I have homework.
And what type of Valentine is appropriate for a classroom of infants? Everyone is too young for candy. If I gave you a Valentine’s card, you’d chew on it. Maybe there are teething Valentine's toys?
I feel a bolt of panic as I realize this is a week away. Just wait until you give me last-minute school projects to help with and expect me to pull a basket of crafts from nowhere or whip up a batch of cupcakes. But maybe I’ll have evolved by then.
Pause. I checked a Reddit thread hoping I could come back with inspiration. The consensus was it was silly to do this for 1 year olds and many parents did not participate. Unhelpful. I am not that type of parent.
Pause. Scrolled a few pages of Target’s website. Mostly stickers, candy, and temporary tattoos. One has Minecraft-themed bag tags as Valentine’s which seem promising? I don’t think a baby would choke on those? Update: checked reviews and they are cardboard so I’m not sure they would hold up.
Pause. Looked at small toys I could buy for the whole class. Reminded myself that’s excessive.
We are going to have to solve this parenting problem over the weekend.
Love,
Mama