For over two years 10 to 13 of my son’s friends have piled into our home once a week for an afterschool get-together. Now, in the midst of their fourth-grade year, the majority do not have homework unless they don’t finish something at school. This means that some weeks we come up with themes for the day, and other weeks the kids are running in and out of the house.
It’s February, the ooh la la “month of LOVE” is here. As much as some of these 9 and 10 year olds talk about “crushes,” most really don’t want anything to do with “dating” and “falling in love.” Eeeew! Snicker-snicker!
They are also somewhere in between wanting their moms to give them hugs in private, and “too cool” for it if it’s in front of their buds. These kids are in the fourth grade! What in the world will we do to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
When all else fails, go to the source. “Mom, we can have a Valentine’s Day party if there’s no kissy-kissy, mushy, stuff!” Okay then, kiddo! Score! So, this year we are having an “Anti-Valentine’s Day/Love Stinks” party! It’ll be kind of like a “Galentine’s Party,” but geared towards kids.
The Anti-Valentine’s Day Party…for Kids!
Pink, white, and cute little doilies are out of here! Enter black streamers and sassy conversation heart banners with sayings like “no way” and “not a chance.” Say hello to food with sayings like “fries before guys” or “curls before girls” (curly fries). Even though it’s an “Anti” party, you can’t have a party without a treat!
We will have the typical sugar cookie decorating, but with the optional twist of making gingerbread men with arrows through their hearts using a toothpick and gumdrop. Oh, and yes, we’ll hype the kids up some more with cupcakes frosted with chocolate frosting and little eyes. Instant “poop emoji,” right? Finally, the kids will enjoy a simple heart piñata that they get to destroy using Nerf guns, sticks or bats.
Don’t fret, friends! Our family still plans to do our traditional Valentine’s Day activities full of cute heart pancake breakfasts and special gifts. However, these fourth graders will LOVE this “Anti-Valentine’s Day Party.”
