Can you smell it? The chocolates, the roses, the fluffy teddy bears, and the deep red wine! It's Valentine's Day, something we should celebrate every day of the year—but this one is celebrated especially often with a few extra pamperings, hugs, and kisses!
What makes this year a little different? The obvious reason, which no one wants to hear the name of, is probably the Covid-19 virus. The second reason is that you might be a new parent or nearing the end of your pregnancy :)
When you're young and in love, Valentine's Day feels so special and magical, but once our precious little babies arrive, things seem a little less glamorous for mom and dad. When your children are still small, you probably don't have much time for yourself, or you're simply exhausted.
Celebrating the little things in life is especially important in such a crazy reality. We may not be able to celebrate like we used to, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate at all!
If you're pregnant, this is a beautiful time to embrace your partner and enjoy the quiet moments before the baby arrives. If you're new or first-time parents, it's the perfect time to sit down and reflect on what you've just created with love. If your children are a little older, it's an opportunity to consider how far you've come and how love has shaped them into the incredibly sweet little people they are today.
Whether you're someone who celebrates Valentine's Day or not, we just want to make sure you enjoy today, feel loved and appreciated, and are present in the moment. Here are 5 things you can do with your children this Valentine's Day that are also kid-friendly.
Cinema in the living room
With or without your kids, this is always a winner. Grab the biggest mattress in the house and move it to the living room to make sure everyone has plenty of comfortable space, pillows, and blankets. You could even build a little tent for the kids to add some excitement. Pick a family-friendly movie and a funny or romantic one for Mom and Dad once the kids are asleep. Don't forget to stock up on the best snacks, a sneaky pizza, and popcorn to make it the best night ever!
Picnic in the garden
If your children are busy bees, there's nothing better than getting them outside. If you have a nice big garden and it's not too cold, spread out a large blanket or light a fire, pack some snacks, and prepare some outdoor games to keep the kids entertained while Mom and Dad relax and enjoy the moment and the fresh air. If it's too cold, you can always settle for option number one.
Scenic drive
Everyone loves a scenic drive with beautiful scenery! Young children usually fall asleep pretty quickly, giving Mom and Dad some time to themselves. Create a playlist of romantic songs or just your favorite tunes, pack a basket of snacks, and off you go. Keep an eye out for rest stops where you can pull over to explore the area and take some photos.
Romantic dinner at home
If you have parents who can look after the children, or even if they are good sleepers and go to bed at a reasonable hour, this point is for you. Go all out and enjoy every minute of alone time. Put your phones away, catch up on things, and find out how your partner is really handling life and their new role as a parent. We often get distracted by our daily routines and forget to take time to simply connect with each other. Wine, or no wine, good food, good music, or movies—just enjoy it!
Games night
If your children aren't home, make a list of fun or icebreaker games that you and your partner can play together. It's a great way to have some fun without the kids! If your children are home and old enough, find some fun family games with acting or props to make them laugh and create some great memories!
