Valentine's Day is a day that is celebrated around the United States and other parts of the world as well. February 14 of any year is either an exciting day full of love and care or a dreaded day that is hated and resented by multiple people. Valentine's Day according to History.com originated in the 14th century in the name of St. Valentine who was assumed to assist Christians with escaping from treacherous Roman Prisons. Today, Valentine's Day is a day that has transformed into a day that love, admiration and care is shown through gifting with cards, candy, flowers and other significant gifts. Valentine's Day is often intended for couples but has also been extended to other levels of relationships as well. Currently, Valentine's Day has been extended to girlfriends (Galentine's Day), guy friends, and family members as well. For married couples with children, celebrating Valentine’s Day can be difficult, especially without a community and the difficulty of finding a babysitter available on that day.
In this blog, we will be focusing on how to celebrate Valentine's Day as a family. First, let's start with facts. According to an article by Parents.com, a survey was completed with 2000 parents and 30% shared that they cannot remember the last date night that they had or has not had a date night without children in 3 years. It was also reported that 81% of parents are unhappy with their dating lives and would like to improve being able to spend more quality time with each other without their children. Part of the challenge of having more date nights for many parents is having childcare for their children. According to care.com a survey was conducted and 89% of parents have to decline activities and experiences due to not having childcare. Other difficulties with childcare include not being trusting of others to watch their children, “babysitter stealing” (passing a babysitter contact to someone else and not being able to book your babysitter), finances, and waitlist for childcare. Spending time apart from your children is important but can come with major difficulties and can also be an inconvenience. In the midst of not being able to go out alone or find child care, celebrating is generally important. So an alternative can be to celebrate Valentine's Day as a Family.
Let’s take a look at how to make this happen:
Tips for Celebrating Valentine's Day as a Family
Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a family can sound like a bummer when you hope to spend the day alone, but can be just as rewarding as celebrating as a family as well. Below we will share tips with you for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family.
Decorate: If staying at home, decorating the house in Valentine’s Day streamers, confetti and banners can really entice the mood and spirit of the Holiday
Gifting: buying small gifts for each member in the family can make every person feel appreciated and loved with a small token of appreciation. Small gifts such as candies, cards, letters, and small stuffed animals can suffice for both adults and any aged children.
Make a Special Meal or Treat: make a meal together. The meal can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Involve all members of the family so that everyone feels included. Even small children can have a role in making the special Valentine's Day meal. Ex) heart-shaped pancakes or waffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped brownies, Hersey pizzas, Heart shaped rice crispy treats, Valentine's Day mocktails, and fondue night for dinner time.
Activities: activities such as finger painting, coloring/drawing, and games are all fun ways to enjoy quality time with one another.
Movie Nights: Plan a Valentine’s Day movie. Make movie night extra special by creating a pillow fort that the entire family can help create and enjoy.
Walk on the Beach at Sunset: Walk on the beach at sunset is a great way for the family to enjoy nature and being outside of the house.
Weekend Getaway: Plan a weekend getaway that the entire family can enjoy and be able to participate in activities.
Plan Adult Time: Incorporate adult quality time for when the children go to sleep. Play adult games, connect card decks, or share your special gifts to one another during your adult quality time.
All in all, Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love. Spending Valentine's Day as a family can be the trick when lacking help with the children. The tips and tricks above are intended to make your Valentine's Day as a family just as special as spending Valentine's Day alone with your partner. For more tips, please check out our other tips here: https://www.plantationcounseling.com/blog) . You can always find us at 954-903-1676 for counseling services.
