I LOVE Valentine’s Day. Sure, some people say it’s just a holiday dreamed up by greeting card companies to sell more stuff, but honestly? I am happily buying in. The candy. The heart-shaped everything. A whole day dedicated to celebrating love. Sign. Me. Up.
Valentine’s Day always takes me straight back to elementary school. Decorating shoebox mailboxes. Carefully choosing the perfect Valentine for every classmate. The thrill of passing them out and seeing what you got in return. Trying to decode any hidden meaning in a box of candy hearts. Pure, rose-colored magic.
Now, as a parent to a child with a food allergy, Valentine’s Day, much like Halloween, comes with a little extra anxiety. Along with making sure the Valentines are cute, I’m also reading ingredient labels, double-checking for allergens and emailing or calling companies when labels aren’t clear. It can feel like a lot when you’re focused on keeping your own child safe, let alone when you want to be mindful of an entire classroom’s dietary needs.
But inclusion matters. Everyone deserves to feel celebrated, safe and included on Valentine’s Day. That’s why I’ve put together some simple ideas for allergen-free and food-free Valentine treats that everyone can enjoy. Because we all deserve a day to, well, love love ❤️
— Jenna Hunsinger, co-director of sales and digital manager at the Addison Independent
Do you have a story to share about life with young kids in Addison County? We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected].