As a pre-school music education expert, I spend the month of February at several different preschools sharing songs with the children about love and kindness. Beautiful heart decorations are on school windows, bulletin boards and walls everywhere. All the children are busy creating lovely cards and pictures to share with their loved ones.
While I was waiting at one of my schools for the kids to finish up their morning snack so we could begin our music and movement class, I noticed one little boy who was taking his time finishing up his cereal. He suddenly looked up from his bowl and smiled a huge smile at me. Then he said, “You know what Miss Fern? I love you very much. I really, really do love you.” He flashed me another big smile and immediately continued to finish up his cereal. I was so touched. His comment and smile were totally genuine and from the heart. It was the best valentine gift ever, and I told him that. I told him I loved him too and gave him a great big hug.
During our music class I told the children that the best gift they could ever give their loved ones is to simply tell them how much they love them. A great big hug and kiss are pretty great too! Then I sang the following song my father-in-law wrote:
Do you love your dear Mommy have you told her so?
Do you love your dear Daddy does he really know?
Have you hugged them real tight, have you kissed them both good night?
Did you say, I love you, yes, I really love you, oh, I really love you so?
So kiss your dear Mommy and kiss your Daddy too
Hold them real tight and then tell them I love you!
So kiss your dear Mommy and kiss your Daddy too
Hug them real tight and then tell them I love you.
©Walter J. Michonski—1989 Fern’s Music / Fern Forest Enterprises
The children loved the song. I offer it to all of you. It’s great to celebrate Valentine’s Day during February, but I think it should be celebrated every single day of the year. Let everyone know how much you love them—all the time. The world needs love more than anything else.