New Valentine’s Day Tradition for your Kids

You step into Target and you are surrounded by packages of character Valentine’s cards, big heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and rows and rows of conversation hearts.  You may pick up a thing or two for your kids, because let’s be real – they love that stuff! But, why not add another tradition this year? Try one of these Valentine’s themed activities with your kids and make some memories together!

Go on a day date

My toddler loves few things as much as she likes to get dressed up and go out and spend time together.  Explore a trail or go have a tea party. Whatever it is, focus on connecting with your little one.

Some of our family’s favorite date ideas: 

• Tea party at A Dash of Panache
• Coffee at a local coffee shop (have you tried a latte at Pause Coffee House?)
• Skip rocks at the river (Sunrise Recreation Area is great for this)
• Go explore on one of our amazing bike trails. Who can find the biggest leaf?

Make heart-shaped pancakes

Pancakes for breakfast can make any day special.  If you aren’t an artist, just do your best. Use a heart mold, freehand, or just throw on some sprinkles in the shape of a heart and call it a day.  It’s the effort that counts, right? As long as there is syrup involved, your little one shouldn’t be too critical of your artwork!

For a delicious, but healthy spin on pancakes, here’s our family recipe:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup of peanut butter
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• Beat or blend bananas, egg, and peanut butter. Stir in chocolate chips.
• Cook on med-low, flip after ~4 minutes or until firm, cook for another 3 minutes.
• Serve with fruit, syrup, or plain

Take photos together

End your lunch date with a quick photo session while you’re all dressed up.  Snap a few selfies, or check out my Sweetheart Minis for a budget friendly photo session.  Your little one will love to help you pick out a cute frame at the store to display your picture on their nightstand.

Make your own conversation hearts

I’m tired of the same “be mine” and “i care 4 u” messages on the blandest candy around.  Instead help your little one cut out hearts and come up with your own sweet messages.  This year, I wrote positive affirmations for my toddler that will remind her that she is loved and confident.

Pamper yourselves together

Mama could always use a little extra TLC, but why not include your little? You’re never too young to learn the importance of self care.Massage their little toes with coconut oil, paint their nails, or make your own edible face mask.  All they really crave is spending time with you so why not include them in something you love to do?

This year we decided to make our own conversation hearts and use a greek yogurt face mask together.  My child wasn’t sure about the mask but she enjoyed eating the cucumber afterwards!