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Expert Advice: Cut the Chaos This Valentine’s Day
Parenting contributor Lian Dolan urges everyone to spread a little love.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday with ancient roots but plenty of modern-day anxieties. This year, make Valentine’s Day fun for all. Try putting the holiday in a broader context: think love with a capital L. Here are some Cupid-inspired suggestions for spreading the sentiment.
For Kids
A Box Full of Valentines
I’m not a big believer in the everybody-must-be invited-to-the-party edicts at some schools (cost and convenience being my issue), but I do believe that all elementary-age kids should share in the simple distribution of valentines. Encourage your child to give a valentine to every student in the class — no favoritism allowed. Store-bought cards are an inexpensive way to express friendship, which is an appropriate emotion at that age. To save your child time at home and during distribution in the classroom, leave the front of the envelope blank and just have your child sign the inside of the card.
Herbs for the Teacher
I did a scientific survey of my children’s teachers, and they told me, graciously but firmly, “No more chocolate. No more mugs!” We hear you, teachers! How about a small herb plant to brighten up their kitchens? The smell of rosemary or basil can cheer the midwinter spirits.
Melt It
The best Valentine’s Day gift I ever gave my family was a small red ceramic chocolate-fondue pot. It’s not fancy, but it does the job. It’s special, easy and, if you use dark chocolate and lots of fruit, almost healthy! We have enjoyed fondue many times over the years, but never more than on Valentine’s Day.
For Couples
Oh No, It’s a Saturday Night!
Yes, this year Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday, so there goes the “no time, it’s midweek” excuse for not scheduling a wildly expensive theme dinner with “free” champagne and a single rose. The pressure is mounting as you try to book a table and find a sitter for the Big Night. But who says a Saturday afternoon movie can’t be just as romantic? Or how about sharing a really nice bottle of wine after the kids go to bed? I think a long, lazy, kid-free Sunday brunch still counts. Take the pressure off the celebration and find real romance on your own time.
Gifts for Guys
See “Melt It,” above. Men love chocolate fondue too, but for different reasons. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.
For Others
Send a Card
Grandmothers, aunts, your helpful neighbor, your single girlfriend — these days there is a card for everyone to mark the holiday. Funny, warm or heartfelt Valentine’s greetings can all be purchased and mailed. Or e-mailed! The recipient will appreciate the effort, and you’ll feel great about the gesture.
About the author: Lian Dolan is a writer, mother, Satellite Sister and creator of The Chaos Chronicles, a podcast, blog and Website about modern motherhood.
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Hi Lian, I completely agree with all youv'e brought to us in your little valentine piece. I think that children should keep giving valentine cards at school, it's such a nice way to teach children the gift of giving and receiving. We sometimes try to teach our children that it's not good to be anxiously awaiting "material" things, but I think it's a great feeling to receive and give something as simple as a valentine card. Thank you for your thoughts Lian.
Where do all of those teacher mugs end up? I never understood how a person could drink their coffee or tea from a mug that said #1 Teacher or Best Mom in the World. That's just too much pressure on a person to see that every morning. I think the small herb plant is a perfect gift. I do love Valentine's Day because there's no big lead up (only 43 days left 'til VD!) and no pressure to have the perfect meal for the occasion. Just chocolate and love - how simple!
i love the herbal plant idea! thanks
My favorite tip on Valentine Day delights came from my clever daughter who always buys a big yummy box of V-Day chocolates the day AFTER Valentine's. They taste so much better at 1/2 price!
Good tips Lian! I have been making Chocolate Scotcharoos for my husband for more that a quarter of a century. Yikes! It's the only time I buy Rice Krispies cereal and this year I noticed that there was half a box in the pantry. I almost used them but said to myself- "what the heck- it's Valentine's Day" and sprung for a whole new box! There are two good things about making these for my husband. First, he loves them and feels loved when I make them. Secondly, I don't care for them so I tend not to sneak some.