Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching! This time of year, everywhere you look- from Pinterest to the grocery store- red and pink are everywhere. Magazines share their favorite ideas for date nights or romantic gifts for your significant other- but what about your children?
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for grown-ups- it’s a great excuse to remind your kids how much you love them as well! Of course, since it’s a special occasion, you’re going to need a special way to show it- and here are 15 fun ideas!
1. Make a Valentine’s Day themed breakfast. You can make heart shaped pancakes or even use food coloring to make a favorite breakfast food {pancakes? waffles?} red! Don’t forget the heart-shaped sprinkles!
2. Write your child a note. It’s always nice to say “I Love You” out loud, but giving them a special card or handwritten note can give them something to keep that they can look at whenever they need a reminder. {I still have a card my dad gave me when I was just a baby!}
3. Spend time together. Designate a special time that is just for them- do their favorite activities or go to their favorite restaurant, and tell them you love them!
4. Do a Valentine’s Day craft together. There are so many fun crafts you can do together! You can talk while you craft or just use teamwork to make a beautiful creation. Check out my Pinterest board for some great Valentine’s Day craft ideas.
5. Write it on the bathroom mirror. I like to leave my boys {and even my hubby!} messages on the bathroom mirror- you can use a dry erase marker or even a bar of soap. They see the message first thing in the morning and it makes them smile.
6. Give them something special. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive- I’ve been spotting cute little Valentine’s Day goodies for $1 or $2 at Target for a month already. Picking them up from school with a special surprise just for them lets them know you were thinking about them!
7. Eat lunch with them at school. See if your child’s school will let you come for a lunch date at school! They’ll love showing you a little bit of their world.
8. Take them on a scavenger hunt. Put a scavenger hunt together and allow your child to go to their favorite places in town! You can also do a small scale one that leads them through your home- it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be fun!
9. Make their favorite dinner. Every child has a favorite food! Make it for the whole family one night or find a way to make their favorite food extra special. A heart-shaped PB&J? Chicken nuggets with ketchup shaped like a heart on the side? So many possibilities!
10. Write a poem about your kiddo. You can make it sweet or silly- I’m just saying, “Rose” rhymes with “Smelly Toes” pretty well. Feel free to run with that.
11. Draw a picture for your child. My son draws pictures for me all the time. If your kids do, too, return the favor!
12. Accidentally-on-purpose let them hear you bragging. It’s so important to tell your children how proud you are, but sometimes it helps when they also hear you tell someone else! Have a loud conversation with your significant other or another family member about your child’s accomplishments or good character.
13. Make a piece of pottery. Go to a pottery decorating place and design a plate or cup that can be their special piece!
14. Blow up some balloons! Most kids I know go absolutely bananas for balloons. Just get a small bag of red or pink ones and fill the floor with them on Valentine’s Day!
15. Take time to pick some flowers with them. Pick dandelions at the park or let them choose a bouquet at the store if that’s more their taste
Spending time with your child on a special day like Valentine’s Day lets them feel extra special. Really, it doesn’t matter what you choose to do with your child, they’ll know you love them through your actions and words. What’s your favorite way to tell your child you love them?