Is there any point in celebrating Valentine’s Day when you’re settled with kids?
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If you’ve been with your partner for a while and are raising kids together, you’ve probably seen it all! So is there really any point in making a fuss over Valentine’s Day this year?
In short, the answer is yes.
Yes, the world can go a bit over the top with V-Day celebrations and yes, it’s as much a money-making corporate holiday as it is a day to celebrate love… but at the end of the day, it is still an opportunity for you and your partner to take a step back and really appreciate each other. And let’s face it, sometimes we really, REALLY need that.
Raising a family is a tough and challenging business. No matter how organised you are, there’s always something demanding your time and energy. Between school runs, choir practice, nappy changes or the thousand other things you have to think about, setting aside some quality time for you and your partner doesn’t always take priority. And that’s where Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to put you, your partner and your relationship first for once.
Need help making your Valentine’s Day special?
Despite our best intentions, we can’t all be Ryan Gosling from The Notebook. Some of us need a little help getting creative to show how much we care. And of course, every family is different and there really is no one size fits all for the perfect Valentine’s Day. So here are some ideas to help you find the right Valentine’s Day gift for your better half, no matter what kind of person they are.
The time-poor traditionalist
If nothing else, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show that you care. And for those who don’t enjoy grand gestures or simply don’t have the time for lavish dates, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple and traditional. So how about some Valentine’s Day flowers or a box of their favourite chocolates?
It’s simple yet effective. In the chaos of raising children, a small gesture to remind them that they are loved and appreciated can go a long way.
The fairy-tale romantic
If your partner is a wide-eyed romantic, then take some inspiration from pretty much every romantic comedy and re-create your first date. You can go to the same restaurant, watch the same movie or recreate the scene however you wish.
It doesn’t even have to be your first date. You could take inspiration from other significant events in your relationship like your wedding, honeymoon or first time you said, ‘I love you’. The point is to make it personal and to indulge in a little bit of sentimentality to show that you care.
The overtired and overworked
We’ve already established that raising kids is tough. And as much as you love your offspring, sometimes you just need a bit of a break. So why not give your partner the gift of time and space by booking them an afternoon, evening or weekend away so they can relax?
It could be a spa break, a road trip or any kind of break you want. It could even be an adventure like a white water rafting or sky diving weekend. You could enjoy it together or treat them to a bit of solitude if you think they would appreciate the peace and quiet. Whatever it takes to convey the message that you notice and appreciate all the hard work they do for you and your family.
Get the gist?
So there you have it. Just because you’ve been together for what seems like forever, it doesn’t mean you can’t be romantic and even a little indulgent from time to time. Relationships require work even when you don’t have screaming kids or teenagers nagging you at every turn. And when you have the extra responsibilities of parenthood to juggle, it’s more important than ever to remind your partner that you love and cherish them.
So don’t roll your eyes at Valentine’s Day this year, see it as an opportunity to make yourself and your relationship a priority. And if that means getting pampered and eating lots of chocolates, then so be it!