A Valentine for your tween

Valentine’s Day and tween friendships

Tweens today may be sophisticated socially , but there seems to be less emphasis on having boy or girlfriends Most tweens are into friendships . Of course, there are some preteens that are first discovering romance. In any event, there are a few ways to celebrate with your tween Valentines.

www.about.com gives us some great suggestions for movies for tweens on Valentine’s Day. Whether your tween has a party with friends or a family get together, the following are some excellent film recommendations to rent:

1. The Parent Trap, PG, 1998 Starring Dennis Qiaod. Matasha Richardson, and Lindsey Lohan. This is a great remake of the earlier film that stars Maureen O’Hara and Hayley Mills. The original film is also wonderful. The story revolves around identical twins who were separated as babies and meet at camp, plotting to get their parents back together.
2. The Princess Bride., PG, 1987. This funny, adventurous fairy tale is a Rob Reiner film starring Robin Wright and Cary Elwes, and the characters face many obstacles in order to stay together.
3. Little Women, PG, 1994. This remake of Louisa May Alcott’s classic story of a family with four sisters, each with her own dreams. It stars Winona Ryder as Jo. and the original Jo was played by Kathryn Hepburn.
4. Ella Enchanted, PG, 2004 . This is another fairy tale with a sense of humor that made Anne Hathaway a star. Ella overcomes the gift of obedience which is more of a curse, and encountering obstacles, she finally meets the Prince.
5. Enchanted, PG, 2001. Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, nnd Susan Sarandon in a charming half-animated, half real life Disney film Princess Giselle finds her Prince but is cast into modern day Manhattan by the evil Narcissa. Giselle finds true love and learns a few lessons on the way.

Los Angeles has several DVD rental places, including Blockbuster (www.blockbuster.com) and Redbox, which can be found in grocery stores. Some other rental places are www.oldbankdvd.com at 400 Main St., Los Angeles (213) 813-9654; www.videojourneysrentals.com at 2730 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles (213)663-5857; 6th Street Video , 3500 W. 6th St., #119, Los Angeles (213)386-6609.

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s gift for your tween,, check out www.seventeen.com, or Seventeen Magazine. The magazine’s ideas include a cozy “I Heart U” throw (www.dormify.com); Tattly Friendship Bracelet Tattoos, www.tattly.com ; a Changing Mug (www.thinkgeek.com) with a heart that changes to red when mug has something hot in it; adorable love-themed makeup set called Lipstick Queen (www.spacenk.com ; Heart Print Boxers (www.oldnavy.com) ; Nail Trio by Topshop (www.topshop.com); Phone Case (www.medgestore.com) ; That Madonna Girl, The Valentine Halo (flowers) (www.thatmadonnagirl.com).

As I wrote in my article two years ago, “Valentine’s Day for Tweens “ by thinking of others and doing something for others, we can show our preteens what loving is all about. Helping a friend in need or donating toys to children in hospitals can be a wonderful experience for kids. Have a wonderful Valentine's weekend with your tweens!