It all started as a fun Valentine’s idea we saw floating around, heart-shaped notes taped to each other’s doors. I thought it might be a sweet way to remind my kids how special they are, but I never expected how much it would mean to them.
Soon, our hallway was covered in colorful paper hearts, each one filled with simple words of love and kindness. Some said, “You’re so special to me,” or “I’m proud of you.” Others were pure kid magic: “You’re the best basketball player ever!” and “You’re a great sister.”
Many mornings, I’ve found my kids reading through their notes, smiling at each one. What surprised me most was that when Valentine’s Day ended, they didn’t want to take them down. In fact, I caught them sneaking new hearts onto each other’s doors throughout the year and even slipping little notes into lunchboxes for one another to find.
Now, those notes have become a quiet tradition in our home. We don’t just save our love for February. We celebrate it all year long. Because our words have power. They remind us we’re seen, valued, and loved, even in the middle of ordinary days.
It’s easy to think our kids already know how much we care, but there’s something beautiful about putting it into words. Every note becomes a little thread that ties us closer, a daily reminder that love doesn’t need a holiday to be celebrated.
Try This at Home
Want to start your own love note tradition?
Heart Attack: Cut out hearts from paper and tape one on each family member’s door daily, leading up to Valentine’s Day or any time you want to spread kindness.
Lunchbox Love: Slip quick notes like “I’m proud of you” or “You made me laugh today” into lunches.
Sibling Shoutouts: Encourage kids to write one another; it builds empathy and joy.
Year-Round Hearts: Keep a few supplies handy so the tradition can pop up any time someone needs a smile.
Submitted by Sarah Clark
