From bringing the kids to school, making food, laundry, sports, dance, work, keeping up with the house, and hopefully carving out a moment for yourself, adding one more thing to your list can feel like too much. Let’s take a collective deep breath. Let’s explore some simple ways to help your kid(s) feel loved and special. Simple and meaningful. Now we’re talking my love language!
1. Write a Note
I’m a sucker for a sweet little note. Grab some construction paper, cut it into a heart or use a heart paper stamp, and write something kind. You could cut out multiple hearts and write one thing you love about your child on each one.
Maybe the notes get hidden around the house for them to find. And if you have more than one child, each child could have a different color heart to look for. When you make it into a game, it becomes that much more memorable, fun, and special.
Another sweet idea is making a small book where each page is a reason you love them. How sweet is that?
2. Create a DIY Station
Think construction paper in various colors, markers, Valentine’s stickers, Valentine’s coloring pages, and whatever else you already have at home. Choose your own adventure.
Want to make a Valentine’s Day card? Great. Want to color a picture, cut it out, draw, or decorate? You choose. Guaranteed fun for the kid(s) and parent(s). Some mess included, but hey, we’re all occupied. That’s a win in my book.
3. Fun Food Ideas
Heart pancakes, or if that’s a flop, a heart in whipped cream on your misshapen pancake! Strawberries cut into hearts. Blueberries arranged into a heart shape.
Do you have cookie cutters? Use a heart shaped one to cut their sandwich for lunch.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A little intention goes a long way.
4. One on One Moments
What our children often crave more than anything is our time and attention. Let’s do just that. Set aside one on one time. This could be 10 to 30 minutes per child if you have multiple kiddos or a little “date” together.
I take my boys on dates outside of Valentine’s Day, and they get so excited every time. Sometimes our date is just going to the store together, but it’s special because I make it special. I make them feel special.
We hype it up and enjoy the one on one time that can be hard to come by in life’s craziness, especially when I usually have both boys attached at the hip! Other ideas could be reading their favorite book, having a snack together, going for a walk, or playing with their favorite toy or game. Connection outweighs everything, in my opinion.
5. Learn your Child’s Love Language
We all experience love in different ways. Words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, gift giving or receiving, and quality time.
Without guiding them to answers, ask your children to draw or share ways parents show love. This can help uncover how they feel loved, especially if they’re too young to explain it. Show love in a way that matches how they feel it most.
6. Start a Simple Tradition
What’s a simple and meaningful tradition you can start? Valentine’s breakfast, a heart shaped note in their backpack, a tasty dessert after dinner, a yearly photo, or a craft you do together each year based on something they love.
7. Set Aside Time for Yourself
Moms deserve love too! Dedicating time for yourself matters. Let’s practice some self-love as well. Maybe it’s ordering food instead of cooking, doing something you enjoy once the kids are in bed, or enjoying a sweet treat without little hands wanting to share.
You’re doing great, mom!
The fact that you read this far shows just how much you love your kid(s). They are lucky to have you! How you make them feel matters so much more than what you buy them or any big, extravagant Pinterest ideas. Small moments, simple gestures, and genuine connections go a long way. Your love, support, and connection mean the most.
