Smarter Mom: Valentine's Day

[Jenn D.]

Valentine's Day hasn't really changed since I was in school, which was a long, long time ago. Kids still give out treats of candy, cookies, or cupcakes and Valentine's Day cards to their friends. As an adult, I'm jaded by this "holiday" but for kids, it's a sweet tradition and one we should help them enjoy.

Let your kids have an active part in this. Let them pick out the cards they want to send, or maybe they want to make their own. Printables lets you print out adorable options from home. There are some cute DIY cards that let you mix the card and treat, like this lollipop and flower card, which is a sweet idea.

Do you usually get your kids something for Valentine's day? If so, make sure you get them something that is in theme with the day. If they like Legos, for example, Lego Friends is a great treat. And what little girl doesn't love jewelry? This heart and key necklace is by Selena Gomez. (She's another little girl favorite.)

Also, nothing says love like heart shaped pancakes (for breakfast or dinner!), or heart shaped grilled cheese. This was one of my favorite things when back when I enjoyed Valentine's Day.

How do you and your kids celebrate Valentine's Day?

*image from FamilyFun Magazine

[Kainalu55]

i don't really do much for valentine' day normally.  But my daughter just asked me today if we could bake some Valentine's cookies.  So we will.  She also wants me to help her make a Valentine's card  for her sister.

[teesoloca]

 i have totally made the flower lollipops before. they are super duper cute but a pain in the b*** to make...LOL

[Kainalu55]

they are cute! but i'd never have the time to make them...

Quoting teesoloca:

 i have totally made the flower lollipops before. they are super duper cute but a pain in the b*** to make...LOL

[thehickinhickor]

Izzy and i will make stuff but nothing really big just something fun to do

[amy7243]

I usually get them a heart candy box.

[dwmom2008]

Thanks for the super cute ideas, I have never made any of those! One of my staples are the paper heart-shaped baskets that you weave together to hold treats. Put a few dark chocolates in one of those and you have a new sweetie for sure!

I also found this on Real Simple, and I'm dying to make it!

http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2012/01/16/18718/

[liveforever]

I always make some type of food into a heart shape. Shes pretty crafty so well make some Valentines for Daddy and the grandparents.

This is the first year DD is in school so shell be doing Valentines this year. Ill use a heart shape cookie cutter to make her sandwhich, and since she likes baking so much well decorate cookies. Im making chocolate covered rice krispie heart pops for her class party.

[MamaBear2cubs]

We don't go all out.

[liveforever]

Quoting dwmom2008:

Thanks for the super cute ideas, I have never made any of those! One of my staples are the paper heart-shaped baskets that you weave together to hold treats. Put a few dark chocolates in one of those and you have a new sweetie for sure!

I also found this on Real Simple, and I'm dying to make it!

http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2012/01/16/18718/

Thats a cute idea! My dd would love to do some of these.

[ceciliam]

We usually get my son a tiny box of chocolates and this year, I am making him a plush polar bear that he has been wanting.