Valentine's Day: How to throw a kid-friendly Valentine’s Day bash
February 10, 2012
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Brandie Weikle
PARENTCENTRAL.CA EDITOR
Sure, some accuse Valentine’s Day of being “a Hallmark holiday.” Cupid skeptics the world over cite over-priced roses, sub-par restaurant service and the focus on romantic love that’s not so inclusive of single people.
But there’s plenty to love about Feb. 14, even if you don’t have a night of passion in the works. If you’re lucky enough to have children, you’ve got reason enough to celebrate – and let your kids know you think they’re pretty swell at the same time.
Mara Gulens has a breakfast tradition with her three daughters, 9, 11 and 13.
“The best and main thing is breakfast – red tablecloth, candles, OJ in wine glasses, pancakes and powered sugar, fruit salad or some other treat,” says Gulens. The family uses the good china and eats in the dining room instead of the kitchen, which enhances the sense of occasion.”
“One year we did the same for lunch and the girls had friends over and they loved sharing our tradition. This year because the girls are overnighting at their dad's on Sunday, it'll be dinner on Monday. Same set-up, different food.”
“Our philosophy on Valentines Day is that it’s an opportunity to show someone you love that they're special to you,” says Mara Shapiro, also a mom of three. “For sure, that means my husband and I, but for a long-term marriage, that has to happen every day. Plus, the restaurants make such a killing on Valentine’s Day I hate to participate in that. But I do love making a big deal about Valentine’s Day and any celebration for that matter.”
“We get them each a big, chocolatey thing – whatever their current favourites are, then hubs and I also give them each a lovey card and write special things in them,” says Shapiro. “And they keep them – even the boys. Sometimes I buy them a wee gift like boxers with hearts or red nail polish. Then I cook a favorite dinner and we eat and chat and have a great night.”
No matter what your extra-curricular schedule holds for Valentine’s Day, you’ve likely got time to have breakfast together before the busy day starts. If not, you can use these ideas to set the mood for a different V-day meal.
Here’s some inspiration to get you in the spirit.
SET A FESTIVE TABLE
If you don’t have a red or white tablecloth, consider lining your table with paper from your children’s easel, Kraft paper or whatever else you have on hand. Using markers or paint, draw hearts to mark each table setting and write the names of each family member. It’s a good idea to do this stuff the night before, especially when Valentine’s Day falls on a school day.
SEE PHOTO GALLERY OF A SWEET VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION
TAP YOUR INNER POET
Leave a little poem or card on each child’s place setting. Tune out your inner critic and just write a couple of stanzas. If rhyming couplets aren’t your thing, stick to prose.
TRY ONE ON
A heart-shaped box of chocolates is a fun treat for the kids, but if you’re not keen on giving that much of the sweet stuff, consider leaving an inexpensive Valentine’s Day-themed T-shirt for each of your children.
SERVE UP SOMETHING SWEET
A special menu adds to the excitement of the morning. If breakfast usually means cereal and toast, try pancakes, or just cut the toast with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. You could serve French toast, or eggs and bacon, but not every item needs to be calorie rich. You could serve pink smoothie in special goblets, or colour hard-boiled eggs with red food colouring. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are decadent, but the berries have vitamins, right?
Whichever meal you sit down for together, here’s to a great family Valentine’s Day!
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