Finding time for each other can be really hard once you become parents. Although we shouldn't need a 'special' day to show that we care and love one another, Valentine's day does sometimes prompt a reminder to spend some time together and do something meaningful.
I thought I'd take a look at a few ways in which us parents can still celebrate Valentines day, maybe even without leaving the house, whilst still enjoying a special day or evening together. It's so easy to let this one pass, but so nice when we make just that little bit of effort.
Here's a few ways us parents can enjoy Valentines day, with or without the kids in tow.
Here's a few ways us parents can enjoy Valentines day, with or without the kids in tow.
Do something however small
It's easy to dismiss a day like Valentine's day with a lack of time or money, but it is special for some people and even the smallest of gestures are meaningful. Whatever is getting in your way, just do something, anything, no matter how small. You don't have to spend a fortune, you can bake some heart shaped cookies, make a card, write a letter, write a love note to pop in their lunch box, surprise them with a small gift, a framed photo pf a special time, or even make a card with the kids using hand prints or something like that. You don't have to make grand gestures, often the little ones have the biggest impact. Don't give in to excuses though!
Have a special kind of ordinary
If life just gets in the way and you can't deviate from normality for a day/evening, just go with the ordinary. Make the ordinary a little more special though by perhaps mixing up the routine, having some treats, having dinner cooked for you so nobody has to cook, a special breakfast, with just a little planning to make it a bit more exciting than a regular day.
Write something nice to each other
With the daily routine of work, school runs, school clubs, house work and busy weekends, it doesn't leave much time to talk much, let alone giving compliments and declaring our love (ha!). Why not write a letter or card with a nice soppy message inside, reminding your other half just how much you love them, why you love them, maybe reminiscing on some special times and just reminding them how special they are to you. If letters aren't your thing then just a 'reasons why I love you' list will do just the job. It's cheap and simple, but means a great deal, can be kept forever and really does everything it needs to in one simple step. This is perfect if you're unlikely to see each other much on the day.
Celebrate on a different day
This year like always V day falls mid week, this time on a Wednesday. There's no reason you can't celebrate the occasion on a day or night that works better for you such as the weekend. While you have time, see if you can arrange a sitter for the kids and think about where you could go. What would be special for you? A meal, a pub crawl, the cinema, an experience day? Whatever the plan, there's no reason to stick to the one day where everywhere will be rammed!
Celebrate as a family
Why not involve the kids in the celebrations too? After all, they are a part of that love and will love being part of another day to make special. A nice family meal, a mass take out, a family trip out or some home made baked goodies, whatever makes it special for you, get the kids helping, making decorations and cards and celebrate a day of love all together.
Dine in
An obvious one but why not set up a special meal for two at home with candles, a beautifully decorated table and some new exciting recipes or your favourite takeaway. Take the time to enjoy each others company after the kids have gone to bed, exchange cards and finish with a bottle of something bubbly on the sofa and your favourite romantic movie.
Re-create a first date at home
Think back to those early days together. Whether it was a home date with a movie, think of that one stand out super special date night, however basic, however crap the food, bad the outfit, try and re-create it to surprise your partner. Extra brownie points for the more details remembered!
Will you be celebrating Valentine's day this year?
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