Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for couples to express their love for one another, and it is also a great time to show your children how much you love them too. While children typically exchange cards and small gifts on Valentine’s Day, this year try starting some fun new traditions for your family.
Dessert first
Just once a year it can’t hurt to “eat backwards!” Offer cake or ice cream first and let the kids enjoy their dessert without having to eat the main meal first.
Make it heart-shaped
In addition to your dessert-first dinner, serve up some fun Valentine’s Day themed meals. Heart-shaped pancakes or heart-shaped pizza are both fun and easy. Get the kids involved in the kitchen and you will all be making light-hearted Valentine memories.
Bake and share
Bake some Valentine’s Day themed cookies to share with someone you love. While you are at it, double the batch and share them with someone who may be spending Valentine’s Day alone this year. Cookies are a great way to show others you care and bring some cheer.
Hide the hearts
Hide a few paper hearts around the house and have the kids go on a search for them. Have multiple small prizes for whoever finds the most, the biggest, the fanciest, etc., making sure that everyone is included.
Go on a date with your kids
Many people go on a date with their significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day, so consider taking your child on a “date” to a place of their choice. If you have more than one child, each parent can pair off or take turns so all kids get to participate. Spending quality time together is a great way to show your kids you care and get the conversation flowing.
Cuddle up
If going out isn’t for your family, set aside time to cuddle up on the couch with those you love. Make popcorn, put on some comfortable pajamas, rent some movies, and spend some time together relaxing and cuddling in the comfort of your living room. To make it extra special for Valentine’s Day, add red sprinkles to the popcorn and choose movies that have a love theme.
Tell your family you love them
The simplest way to show others you care is to tell them. Take a few minutes out of the day for each family member to tell the others why they are loved. You could also write these on scraps of paper and read them as a group, them tuck them away in a special envelope and pull them out year after year to reread them.
Check out the history of Valentine’s Day! http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
Posted in: Out & About
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