Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love or relationships with friends. Now that you are a parent, there are many fun ways to celebrate your cutest valentine of all - your kids! Show your kids how much you love them by doing some of these fun V-Day activities together.

1. Host A Tiny Tea Party

Hosting a tea party can be fun. Right now, the Target dollar spot has some cute themed Valentine’s day items, including a tea tier tray and cake stand for your sandwiches and treats. If the weather is nice, You can take this outside or host it in your dining room. Some fun hats and accessories can make it even more fun!

2. Make Heart-Shaped Pancakes for Breakfast

Kids love to help out! Give them an apron and spoon and have them help mix. We even have a video on our website to show you step by step how to make them. Go to our website and click on news/blog for a fun Sunday morning breakfast on Valentine’s Day.

3. Decorate Their Door

Each day add a heart-shaped love note to your child’s door that tells them how you feel. You can start at the beginning of the month or the beginning of the week before Valentine’s Day. Each day post a heart or two that tells them how you feel or things you love and appreciate about them Some examples are “you are a good friend,”“you are smart,” or “you make us laugh”.

4. Read Them Valentine’s Day Theme Books

Reading books to your child is an excellent way to bond. Read some of your favorites or pick up a few new ones. Some of our favorites are “Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool,” Llama Llama I Love You,” “Guess How Much I love You,” and “Sesame Street: My Fuzzy Valentine”.

5. Celebrate With Some Pampering.

Have a fun at-home spa day! Put on some fun masks. Recently at Target, I saw a fun unicorn themed mask that even sparkles! Have fun with mini manis and pedis. You can even draw hearts on your nails with nail art pens!

6. Have A Photo Shoot

Create your own shoot with fun props such as chalkboard, balloons, tutus, and candy or get in front of the camera and have an expert take your photos (Lynn at Lynn Studios is great www. lynnstudios1.com.)

7. Be Kind to Others

Valentine’s Day happens to fall on the start of

Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb. 14-20).Do you know a friend or perhaps an elderly neighbor that might not have a Valentine this year. Make their day by dropping off a homemade card, some candy or flowers. You could also arrange to give treats to first responders. Call up your local station or hospital and see if you can drop off some cookies or individual cakes like Nothing Bundt Cakes to nurses, EMTs, firefighters, or police officers to show your appreciation. For more ideas go to www.randomactsofkindness.org.

8. Make Gift Certificates For Each Other. Decorate and come up with some good “gifts” for each other. This mom would really love a “I will do a chore for you card” or maybe “I will clean my room card”. Other ideas include: “Play your favorite board game,” “Make Pancakes together,” or “Pick Dinner tonight”. You can come up with many ideas.

9. Get “Heart Healthy” Together

February is American Heart Month. So use Valentine’s Day as a way to exercise together as a family. Plan a family walk, hike, or bike ride. Is the weather not so great? Stay indoors but crank up the music and have a heart-pumping dance party!

10. Have a Special Valentine’s Family Dinner

Finish the day with a special meal together. No ordering pizza, Valentine’s day deserves something more fancy! If you are staying in have the kids help make beautiful place settings or decorate the table. You could make dinner (pasta is always a big hit with my kids) or order takeout from your favorite restaurant. If you are feeling very adventurous, everyone could dress up and go out together!

If you have plans with your partner on Valentines these things can be done leading up to Valentine's Day.

I hope you found some good ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids. This day is a great reminder to tell those we love them, especially our kids.

Check out these easy party planning tips to help make planning your child’s birthday party as easy and stress free as 1, 2, 3!

Start with an invite list. It dictates everything: How large a venue, what kind of theme or activities you pick, etc.

What about siblings? Before age 7, inviting siblings is a nice gesture if you have the space and funds. However, other parents understand your predicament firsthand. If it’s not feasible, don’t be afraid to say no. If childcare is an issue for the sibling perhaps offer to have them drop the birthday guest off.

If your child’s friend list is a mile long consider making it Just Family - Don’t be afraid to make your child’s party just family plus a few friends.

Skip the paper invite. Everyone is online