5 Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate all kinds of love, not just romantic love. Parents understand that there is something unique and special about the love we have for our kids, so why not make this holiday as much about them as we make it about romantic partners? After the winter we’ve had, most of us are ready for a reason to celebrate! Here are five fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids.

1. Put it on paper

How often do we tell our kids exactly what we love about them? Count the ways by writing each item on a heart-shaped paper and taping it to their bedroom door or bathroom mirror. You can also list the items on a chalkboard or wherever your home command center is. Seeing so many hearts will give them a glimpse into the magnitude of your love for them, and also show them that they have many great qualities to be proud of.

2. Read love-themed books

Get your kids into the spirit by reading books about various types of love. In this way, you don’t have to be their only authority on the subject; they can read about friendship, self-love, love for the environment, for animals, and for humanity from a variety of authors.

3. Take your kid on a date

Go somewhere you don’t normally go. Make your child feel special by taking her to dinner at a place she loves, followed by a movie theater for the latest kids’ flick. Get tickets to Sesame Street Live or Disney on Ice. If you’ve got a pre-teen on your hands, take her to see her favorite musician in concert. Check out love-themed art at the nearest gallery or museum. Whatever you do, give your child the personalized attention you would give to any date.

4. Throw a party for your kids and their friends

Give your children an opportunity to show their friends how much they love them with a craft party, baking party, fun-and-games party, or even a sleepover. As a kid, if it’s not someone’s birthday, parties are unexpected, so it will be a gift for them and their friends.

5. Show love through service

Volunteer together as a family. Bring small gifts, donations, or giveaways wherever you’ll be volunteering. Through community service, you’re teaching your children to care for the less fortunate and to work together for a greater good. You’re also showing them that giving can feel just as gratifying as receiving, and that they have so much to be grateful for.

This Valentine’s Day, reframe the way you think about the holiday by celebrating with your kids in a fun way. Count the ways you love them; volunteer together; read love-themed books; throw a party; or take them on a date!

How do you like to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids?