COVID Safe Valentine's Day!

What’s nicer for kids (and adults) than a day that’s set aside just for sending love? As we get through the next chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic, Valentine’s Day is perfectly time for an extra boost of togetherness – masked and socially distanced, of course. Even if your family is in quarantine, or your child’s classroom is skipping their usual Feb. 14 activities, there are lots of creative and safe ways for your child to celebrate Valentine’s Day right at home.

• Read a book about love. One of my all time favorite books to read to my kids is “I Love You With All of My Heart” by Noris Kern. 
  
  

• Make heart-shaped sandwiches. Put that heart-shaped cookie cutter to use, but instead of cutting cookies, cut out a PB&J for your little snacker.

• Write a poem to your child. Tell your little love what they mean to you in a poem. Be sure to sign and date it, and this will become a perfect keepsake for your tiny tot (and you, too!).

• Prepare custom-made heart-shaped pancakes. Serve with banana eyes, a strawberry nose, blueberry mouth and plenty of love. 

• Sing a love song. Pick out a song about love and sing it with your child in the car or at bedtime. “A Love Song” by Loggins and Messina 

• Make a heart frame. Insert a picture of you and your child. Your child will love looking at it everyday.

• Serve up a love lunch. See how much love your tot can spoon with fun, heart-shaped pasta.

• Take a special walk together. Call it your “love walk” and take the opportunity to talk about about the things you love, like nature or each other.

• Go red for the day. Wearing red not only tells the world you’re honoring the day of love with your wardrobe selection, but the bright color will boost your spirits and confidence.

​

• Collect wildflowers in your backyard. Not only is this a fun scavenger-hunt type of activity to do together, but you can also reap the rewards with a fresh bouquet on your dinner table for the whole family to enjoy.
   
  ​Kids just go with the flow, and they're just so grateful to have a celebration, even if it's different. They’ll appreciate the fun times and memories you’ll make together. It’s a day for love, so show it in all ways you can!