Make Valentine's Day Special for the Whole Family

Valentine's Day is, of course, a day for couples, but for those with children it can just as easily be made into a special day for the whole family.

The first step is to plan a day when no one in the family has too much going on - no work, no Cub Scouts and no school programs. It doesn't have to necessarily be Valentine's Day. Have everyone plan out the meal for later that night. It doesn't have to be the same for adults and children, but let the children decide what they would like to eat and help pick out what will be served for dessert.

Later, prepare the meal, allowing the children to help out whenever possible. As an example, the adults could have shrimp scampi in angel hair pasta with a garlic sauce, while the children could have macaroni and cheese or whatever else they would consider a favorite, but also special, meal.

Dessert would be the same way and can even be made the day before. Cupcakes are fairly easy to make and something they can help out with, especially at the end when it comes time to decorate them. Sprinkles, candy hearts or anything else that might go well on the treats can be used to personalize them.

When it comes time to eat, set up a kids card table or other smaller table for the children to eat at in an adjacent room, while the adults eat at the kitchen table. Use a table cloth at both sites that conveys Valentine's Day, even if just a simple red one. Dim the lights and set up candles at the adult table and a flameless candle at the children's table. Have some romantic music playing, but something the children will enjoy as well as the adults. Norah Jones' "Come Away with Me," Elvis Presley's "Heart and Soul" or something by Colbie Callait would probably work. A little dancing before or after the meal is nice, even alternating partners: Mom and dad, brother and sister, mom and son, dad and daughter or whatever combination would be appropriate for your family.

Impress upon the children this is a special event and they should be on their best behavior. Try to use place settings not used in everyday dining at the home, including special cups. You don't necessarily have to dress up for the occasion, but it is an option.

After dinner, have everyone help clear away the dishes and then serve dessert. If the children are old enough, have them help with the dishes.

After dinner entertainment could include renting a family movie and everyone watching it together.

A family Valentine's Day dinner will be enjoyed by all and create lasting memories.

Sources:

Personal experience.