Tips for Parents on Valentine’s Day
For plenty of us, the Valentine's Days where we could sleep in, enjoy quiet, romantic dinners, and cuddle up watching a movie are a thing of the past.
When you have children, “quiet” and “dinner” don’t often go together unless you’ve found someone to look after them while you escape go out. And even if you do have the ability to go out, COVID restrictions have made the day of romance look a little different for the last couple of years, so many of us have had to get a little creative.
Here’s the great news: creativity doesn’t need to be “work.” Actions speak louder than words, so I thought I would share some creative ways to make the day special, even if you are staying home and have children underfoot. Read on for 5 ways parents can make it a special Valentine’s Day:
1. Write a List
We all love a good Top 10 list, and no one is immune to the ego boost of reading wonderful things about themselves.
So, try something like “The Top 10 Reasons I Love You,” “My Top 10 Best Memories With You,” or “The Top 10 Ways You Make Me Smile.” The bonus? Guaranteed your partner will keep this list and look at it every so often, so it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
2. Have a Device-Free Day
Now, more than ever, our devices are important for communication. With so many people working at home, they have become our link to the outside world. What would it be like for you and your partner to have a device-free day? Since you’re most likely stuck at home, it would mean putting the outside world on hold and being completely focused on communication within your house and relationship.
3. Make a “Care Package”
Your partner loves to cook? Great, throw a cookbook in there. Chocolate-lover? Check. Bookworm? A gift certificate for the Kobo, Kindle, etc. store would be useful. Magazines, snacks, drinks, and self-care items are generally appreciated – along with some time on one’s own to enjoy them. 😉
4. Design a Photobook
I can’t be the only one with hundreds thousands of photos on my phone that sit there with nothing to do but look good. There are loads of sites that help you design a photobook using templates that make it easy and fun.
You could make a book of your story as a couple, or design something for the whole family to enjoy. Opening it up and looking through the memories you’ve created together is sure to warm both your hearts.
5. Start the Day Off Right
Once upon a time, restaurants were overflowing with diners who had booked months in advance for special Valentine’s Day meals. Why wait until 5pm to celebrate your love? Starting your day with some treats will make the whole day feel special. You could decorate the breakfast table (go wild – put out candles!), have some love-themed donuts delivered right to your door, grab some fancy coffees/teas, and open the mushy cards you bought for each other.
With our “to-do” lists that never seem to get any smaller, some years, Valentine’s Day can feel like yet another task, adding to the pressure cooker of life. While showing your love and appreciation for your partner shouldn’t be a one-day-per-year activity, it gives us an excuse to do something extra special—if we can. The list above is to help inspire you to do what you feel you have the energy to do this year and make it something fun and simple, so you can enjoy it, too!
One final note: set your partner (and therefore yourself) up for success. If you’re hoping for something special from your Someone Special on Valentine’s Day,
Your partner never has been and never will be a mind-reader. You don’t have to give a precise list of exactly what you want (hello, mental/emotional labour!), but consider saying something like:
“I want us to do something special for Valentine’s this year, and it would mean a lot to me to have you plan it. I like when you do things that make me feel special. I’m happy to give a couple of suggestions, but I want this to come from you.”
