Valentine’s Day may be one of those holiday’s that you groan about having to buy another teacher gift for or dread the sugar rush your children are going to have as they bounce off the walls at 9PM. Did I mention Valentines Day is on a school night this year?!
However, this year, let’s change our perspective of Valentine’s Day and celebrate it for what it is. Though the origin of Valentine’s Day is murky, there is no question that it is a celebration of love. Because Valentine’s Day is all about love, it gives you the perfect opportunity to create more love in your family and here’s how:
1. Get up a few minutes earlier and enjoy a Valentine’s breakfast together as a family.
Make sure to include something sweet and heart shaped! Check out these adorable pink mini pancakes topped with a heart shaped strawberry or these super easy heart shaped cinnamon rolls.
2. Take a trip to your local library and pick up some books about love.
From funny to heartfelt there are a ton of children’s books out there about Valentine’s Day. Who
doesn’t want to snuggle up with their little sweeties and read a cute book before bedtime?! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Happy Valentine’s Day, Curious George by H.A. Rey
- Love from the The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Love, Splat by Rob Scotton
3. Create homemade Valentine’s Day crafts together
Checkout these “28 Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids” and pick one… or five to do with your kids. You probably have most of the supplies for these crafts around your house!
4. Find someone who may not have a Valentine this year, like an elderly neighbor or a friend, and deliver them a card or a bouquet of flowers.
Do good this Valentine’s Day and teach your kids to spread the love. It’s a good time to remind your kids (and yourself) the importance of giving instead of receiving. Take a little time out of your day to make others feel important and loved, especially those who may need to feel it a little extra.
5. At dinner, go around the table and give each person a chance to tell what they love about one another.
You can say things like “I love how you are always willing to help take care of your baby sister”
or
“I love your big heart and how you never leave anyone out”. Start with telling your children the things you love about them and they can follow suit. You are bound to get some cute, and maybe funny, responses.
Happy Valentine’s Day…Make this one count!
