Valentine's Day is, notoriously, a holiday for couples. With dates and romance, gifts and cards, it's easy to get caught up in the concept of the day with your significant other. But none of us wants to leave our kids out; we want to make sure their day is special, too. Here, a few ideas for crafts and activities that will help you share the day's love with your little one.
Even if your child won't have need for the traditional Valentine's Day cards we've all given out at school parties, you can still make use of them. For as little as $1.00 a box for 20 or more, you can keep your child entertained with their favorite characters. Sit your child down with some crayons, and help them complete the cards for all their friends and loved ones. You can even mail or pass them out by hand next time you see the special people they're for.
Take a large piece of construction paper (red, pink or white, in honor of the holiday) and fold it in half. Re-open it, flattening it on the table. Help your child take craft paints of the same colors and, on one side of the paper, paint half a heart (making sure to touch the center crease at both the top and bottom). Do this a few times, making each half-heart bigger than the last. Then have your child fold the paper again, smoothing the two sides together. Once they've done a good job transferring the paint to the second side of the paper, have them open it back up. Ta-da! They'll be looking at three (or more) complete hearts in front of them. Let it dry and help them hang it in a special place.
Kids love to help mom bake. Pull out your heart-shaped cookie cutter or cake pan and make a super treat! They'll love to pour the ingredients into your mixing bowl for you and, even more, they'll love helping decorate your baked goods when they're done. Use red food coloring, sprinkles or icing to add to the festivities. (And don't forget to devour said goodies.)
Use any paper of an appropriate color, like with the paint craft above. Cut a large heart. (If your child is adept with scissors, they can help.) Next, create a puzzle from the heart, comprised of just four or five pieces. Your job is to hide them throughout the room. Let your child find the pieces and put them back together. They'll love seeing the heart complete!
Draw and write (even if you're not a pro) a small book for your son or daughter. It doesn't have to be long (or perfect) to make them feel special. Make it brightly colored and include their name, telling them how much you love them. They'll certainly feel special, and it's something they can keep forever.
You can also get your child involved with giving a Valentine's gift to their dad. They'll love to help with any number of the ideas listed above, then pass the craft or goody out to Daddy. He'll love it, too.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be an expensive holiday, especially where your kids are concerned. And you don't have to fill it with sweet treats and candies, either. Any number of activities can go a long way toward letting your child know how special he or she is on this day of love.
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