How I'm Celebrating Valentine's Day With My Kids

Pinterest and social media can bring a lot of pressure to make Valentine’s Day an elaborate ordeal for our kids. But it doesn’t have to be! Here’s the simple (but love-filled) way I’m going to celebrate them, instead.

Spending much time on Pinterest in early February quickly brings on an odd and unexpected pressure — the pressure to make Valentine’s Day an elaborate event… for my kids.

Growing up, my mom always gave us a card on Valentine’s Day. There was often some chocolate (especially in our teen years — hello, hormonal girls). A few times there might have even been a small trinket or gift of some sort. But I don’t remember Valentine’s Day being all about us.

And I never really planned on going all out for my own kids on V-Day. For me, expressing my love for my husband takes greater precedence that day — and I have a hard enough time figuring out how to do that! Hah!

But next to my husband, my kids are the greatest loves of my life. And on a day that celebrates love, I most certainly want to include them.

However, as I searched Pinterest for some ideas, I quickly found that when it comes to celebrating holidays, Pinterest may not be the best source for moms like me.

Moms who don’t craft.

Who don’t have a knack for decorating or throwing themed parties.

Who aren’t especially keen on giving gifts for every little holiday.

Moms who just like to keep it simple.

So, I took matters into my own hands, relied on my own creativity (I mean, moms loved on their kids for thousands of years before Pinterest, right?), and came up with a Valentine’s Day celebration of my own. It fits my style (and my budget), and will say “I love you” in a way that’s 100% me.

If you’re like me and you’re not into all the hoopla of Pinterest-perfect Valentine’s Days — or if you just like to keep things simple — then read on! I’ll share with you how I’m going to celebrate my kids on Valentine’s Day in 5 easy steps.

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5 (Simple) Ways I’m Celebrating My Kids On Valentine’s Day

Make a special breakfast

One of my favorite ways to express love to my family has always been through food. And fortunately, it also appears to be my guys’ favorite way to be shown love.

So, a Valentine’s Day celebration at our house would not be complete without food. And I’m choosing to make a special breakfast to start the day off right.

However, with Aidan needing to leave for preschool fairly early, I don’t have a lot of time to get fancy. So, I’m going to keep it simple with heart-shaped pancakes (made the night before) and strawberries. It’ll still be a nice treat, but without a lot of fuss.
Create a simple but festive place setting

As I said, I’m no decorator, and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on this. But I found some cute items at Dollar Tree that will make a fun and festive place setting for their special breakfasts.
Give them a Valentine’s Day card or small gift

My boys are two and four, so they won’t be able to read the cards themselves. But I think they’ll enjoy the experience of getting Valentine’s Day cards. Especially if they include a little bit of chocolate. *wink*
Write them love notes

Everyone loves to hear they’re loved — even (especially?) little kids. And I found these perfect heart-shaped Post-It notes that I’m going to write little love notes on and stick around the house. Again, I’ll have to read the notes to the kids, but they’ll love it, anyway.
Make a special treat

Finally, I’m going to make Valentine’s Day brownies to enjoy after dinner. They’re super simple and easy to whip up, and they’re as fun to eat as they are to look at!

Here’s the recipe for the Valentine’s Day Brownies:

VALENTINE’S DAY BROWNIES

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup pink & red candies (such as M&Ms)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang.
In a large bowl, whisk butter and sugar. Add eggs, making sure to mix well after each one. Mix in vanilla until combined.
In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients and whisk until well combined. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
Pour brownie mixture into prepared pan. Batter will be very thick. Sprinkle candies over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges start to pull away and top looks done.
Cool and cut into squares.

This year, don’t let Pinterest or social media dictate how you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids.

If you love crafts and activities and going all out with themes and gifts, then by all means — go for it! There is nothing wrong with that, and I’m amazed by you!

But if elaborate celebrations just cause you anxiety, guilt, and pressure, then I give you full permission to just say no. Keep it simple and love on your kids the way you do it best.

After all, that’s the whole point of Valentine’s Day, isn’t it? — showing our love to the ones we love the most.

SHARE WITH US: Now that you know all about my plans, what are yours? Share with us in the comments below!