Valentine’s Day isn’t just about overpriced roses and fancy dinners you’ll probably never get to anyway—it’s a perfect excuse to turn up the love (and sugar intake) at home with your kids. Whether you’re into Pinterest-level crafts or just looking for something that doesn’t involve excessive glitter (because we all know how that ends), here are a few fun, easy, and mess-tolerant traditions to start with your little valentines.
Forget the pressure of perfectly rhymed poetry. Grab some sticky notes, construction paper, or even an old cereal box and have the kids write (or doodle) little love notes for each other. Stick them in lunchboxes, hide them in shoes, or tape them to the bathroom mirror for maximum morning grogginess. You can also join in—because nothing beats getting a crayon-written “I luv u mom, also can we have pizza for dinner?”
Whip up some heart-shaped cookies, pink pancakes, or whatever baked good your kids are least likely to set on fire. Give them full creative control over decorating, which means your kitchen may look like Cupid exploded, but hey—memories! Just accept now that 85% of the sprinkles will end up on the floor.
Cue up a feel-good family flick (Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown for little ones, The Princess Bride for older kids who appreciate quality banter) and load up on snacks. Pro tip: Make popcorn with red and pink M&Ms for an easy win—because if there's one thing kids love more than movies, it’s sugar disguised as dinner.
Everyone draws a name and has to do something sweet for that person—like making their bed, leaving a small treat, or giving them 10 minutes of uninterrupted screen time (the ultimate sibling sacrifice). The goal? Maximum kindness, minimum effort.
Valentine’s isn’t just about the people who share your Wi-Fi. Make cards for neighbors, drop treats at a local fire station, or donate to a children’s charity. Bonus: Teaching kids that love = kindness = chocolate karma points.
No matter how you celebrate, the point is to have fun, share love, and embrace the sugar rush. And hey, if you “accidentally” hide a few chocolates just for yourself, we won’t tell. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕