It's a family affair: Valentine's ideas for couples with kids!

So, you have children. Why not include them in your Valentine's Day plans to let know how much you love and value them as part of your family. Here are some ideas to get you started.

It’s February, love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Some parents may dress in their best, hire a babysitter and enjoy some “mommy and daddy” time. Others will stay home and make the evening a “family affair”. Staying home can still offer loads of fun while involving our children in the process.
It doesn’t take an extravagant restaurant or big expensive gifts to show you care. The time you share with your children is the most valuable gift you can give. Go bowling, take a swing at mini-putting, see a movie, visit friends, go sledding, skating or skiing. Spend the day together, doing something your family enjoys.
Back at home, being creative with crafts is one way to entertain the children. The finished crafts also make great decorations. Some simple craft ideas include: homemade cards, picture frames, tissue paper or coffee filter flowers, cutting out hearts in a variety of sizes (remember to add special messages), heart name cards(for the table), painting small clay flower pots, or making paper napkin rings (paper, heart stickers, and staples). Children will enjoy participating in activities that are meaningful to them.
• Suggestions for decorating the table with your children: Spread out your heart cut outs and have everyone read a special message. Place old family pictures out around the table and talk about fond memories. Wrap your napkins with the crafty napkin ring holders. Let everyone drink from a ‘fancy’ glass. Blow up balloons and hide a message and/ or a candy inside. Tall wine glasses filled with chocolate hugs and kisses or red and white jellybeans make great center pieces.
• A couple of tasty treats to try along with your special meal are: A Valentine smoothie (blend together strawberries, frozen yogurt, and milk), red jello with whipped cream, or chocolate fondue with an assortment of fresh fruit (mini marshmallows work great too). Lastly, if time permits, bake and decorate cupcakes or heart cookies. Don’t forget to involve the children, as much as possible, in the baking process.
• Try a treasure hunt. Write small notes on heart shapes and place them around the house. You can use pictures and words for the little ones. The messages can lead your family to the dinner table or to activity you may have planned.
As the evening moves along and you have finished your special meal, let the games begin. Pull out one of your fun-filled board games or a laugh-out-loud action game. If you are looking for more of a quiet way to end the evening, choose a family-friendly movie, cuddle up and enjoy. Remember, it’s the small “heart-filled” gestures that leave the lasting memories.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Share your ideas with our readers in the comments section below.)