Happy Valentine’s Day!
My “little” Valentines are all grown up!
I was talking to several people over the last week about Valentine’s Day, and many Moms and Dads feel like it is another “chore” of parenting anymore. After all we see Valentine hearts in the stores and on TV from the moment the Christmas decorations come down and the stores are filled with “items” that you MUST buy to celebrate LOVE.
But, if we try to remove the commercial, and teach our kids that the day really is just a time to make sure that everyone that is special in our life knows it…what can be wrong with celebrating Valentine’s Day? Besides, if you are like me, I like to celebrate little things in life, it makes it more fun. There is nothing better in the middle of winter than a celebration about love at home.
Remember, these little rituals and traditions endear your children to your family, and build family closeness. I just got a phone call from my 28-year-old daughter who told me she still misses the heart-shaped pancakes and Valentine table decorations that were a tradition in our home. So I guess the red plastic tablecloth and Bisquick pink heart pancakes did mean something! So I hope that you plan a little something special for Valentine’s Day! Here are some suggestions that can help make the celebration fun for your kids. Ignore the commercialism and think simple. Make sure that you save a little time to do something special for that “extra special someone” in your life too.
Break out the red plastic tablecloth and Valentine napkins and serve a Valentine breakfast. There are some quick and easy things you can serve.
- How about instant oatmeal with a heart made with strawberry jam on top?
- Try a strawberry smoothie, quick and easy.
- Heart shaped pancakes are always a hit.
- How about an easy heart-shaped egg sandwich
Heart Shaped Egg Sandwich
- Cut out a heart using a cookie cutter in a piece of bread.
- Butter one side of the bread and put it butter side down in a skillet.
- Crack an egg into a cup and slowly pour that egg into the center of the heart cut out.
- Cook until the egg white is solid and then gently flip the toast and egg over using a spatula.
- Cook a few minutes longer and transfer to a plate…you have a heart-shaped egg sandwich that will keep your child from being hungry till lunch!
Lunch Surprises:
- What about putting a Valentine napkin in your child’s lunch? Write a note or a silly poem.
- A couple Hershey Kisses in the lunch box let’s them know you are thinking of them.
- Try cutting the PB and J into a heart using the cookie cutter!
- Even your older children will enjoy a little surprise in the lunch.
Dinner Surprises:
- Dinner can be heart-shaped pasta, heart-shaped pizza, or just a treat of sugar cookies or Valentine cupcakes.
- Light the candles and celebrate the evening!
- Don’t forget the red tablecloth and Valentine napkins!
Other Activities:
- Help your child make a Valentine to give to someone special and deliver it together.
- Send greetings to Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. Remember it is a day to TELL those people in their life that they love them!
- Older children love to help bake cookies and deliver them to a neighbor. This is a great way to start teaching your child the simple ways you can reach out to others and bring a smile to someone who might need one!
- Check out seasonal Valentine books from the library.
- Wear red!
Whatever you do, take a moment to give your little Valentine an extra hug and kiss. Celebrate the small things in life in simple ways, it makes life so much more fun! I know I have my red plastic tablecloth out and ready! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Take a breath, enjoy the joyful moments of each day, and remember you don’t have to be perfect to be the perfect parent.
Cindy
- Posted in: Enjoying parenting ♦ Uncategorized
- Tagged: enjoying parenting, family bonding, family memories, infant, preschooler, school age, teen years, toddler, tradition, Valentine
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