When you're a single parent in the dating world, you may be torn on how to spend your Valentine's Day. On one hand, you might want to spend it with your kids, doing crafts or just watching a fun movie. On the other, you might want to spend the day with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It's natural to want your Valentine's Day celebration both romantic and fun, so here are some ideas for a compromise.
Spend the Day With Your Kids
Kids love the crafts and meal ideas that go along with Valentine's Day, so make their entire day special before you go out on your date. Make some fun Valentine's Day crafts that you and the kids can cherish long after February 14th passes. Create a tradition where each year you make gifts for grandparents, teachers, or friends.
Have Your Partner Spend Some Time With Your Children
Have the best of both worlds by spending time alone with your kids, followed by a meal with your partner and children. If you choose this route you can still go out with your partner after the meal for a romantic drink or dessert.
February 14th is all about hearts and fun, so use that as your inspiration when it comes to meal planning. Preparing dinner or lunch with your kids makes the day that much more special. Food that is red or shaped in a heart will fit perfectly with your other Valentine's Day activities.
These red and white striped gelatin hearts are the perfect way to add something sweet to the end of your meal. They are low in fat and easy to make as well. Just alternate red gelatin layers with white condensed milk. Put in a pan and then cut out into heart-shaped pieces. Another sweet treat are these "lips," cut from red gelatin and embellished with pink frosting.
For the main dish, why not serve breakfast for dinner? An easy idea is to use a heart cutter for toast or pancakes, which you can serve with an egg or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Another simple idea? Spaghetti! The red tomato sauce goes perfectly with the theme of the day. (No one said everything needed to be homemade.)
Spend Time With Kids During the Day Followed by a Romantic Night With Your Partner
If you aren't comfortable having your kids and partner meet by the time Valentine's Day comes around, it's okay to spend the day (or the days leading up to Valentine's Day) with your kids and go out alone with your partner at night. You can still have a fun breakfast or lunch with your children, but this way you'll also be nurturing yourself as well.
It can be difficult to divide your time when you are dating with children, but remember that you need to attend to your own needs as well. A day spent with your kids will give them the quality time they need playing games or doing crafts, and nurture your own playful side as well. Afterward, you can have a great date night with your special someone and celebrate the different kinds of love in your life.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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