Valentine’s Day: A Time for Self-Love and Family Connection
Feb. 4, 2025
Valentine’s Day is typically a time for romantic love, but it can also be a moment to practice self-love and love for your children. For families of any shape dealing with changes such as separation or divorce, this holiday is a great time to create positive traditions that are more about connection and self-care. Here are easy and meaningful ways to make Valentine’s Day special for you and your children.
Celebrate Self-Love
It’s important to teach your kids self-care and self-love to ensure they are growing into confident, emotionally healthy adults. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to present these ideas in fun and engaging ways.
Love Jar
Make a “Love Jar” filled with nice things you love about each family member. Jot down things you appreciate about yourself and each other, then take turns reading the notes to each other. This activity builds self-esteem and bonds with family members.
Pamper Day
Treat yourself and your kids to a home spa day to unwind and spend quality time together. Create stations for facemasks, foot soaks, and maybe even nail painting. It’s a great way to teach your kids the importance of making time for self-care.
Love Letters
Have your kids write letters to themselves about all the things they love that make them special. Join them by composing your own letter. This exercise enhances self-acceptance, self-love, and self-appreciation.
Start New Family Traditions
New traditions can draw families together and create memories that last long after the experience is over, especially during tough times.
Family Movie Night
Choose a family movie that embodies love and kindness. Have heart-shaped snacks and cozy blankets to make the evening special. This simple tradition provides connection and relaxation.
Craft Together
Don’t skip making Valentine’s cards or decorations with your kids. Crafting is a creative outlet that forms bonding and gives kids an opportunity to expression themselves.
Bake Treats
Bake heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes to decorate together. Culinary fun as a family provides teamwork lessons and sweet memories.
Spread Kindness
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to teach your kids about kindness and giving.
Kindness Cards
Make cards with kind messages to distribute to friends, neighbors, or people in need. Spreading kindness helps kids learn the importance of empathy and community.
Volunteer Together
Find a local charity or cause that your family cares about and volunteer together. This could be donating items, volunteering at a shelter, or writing letters to those in need.
Kindness Challenge
Challenge the family to a day of kindness: Set a goal for the day to do a certain number of kind things. Come together over dinner to share experiences in celebration of the change you’ve created.
Plan for One-on-One Time
It helps them know they are valued and loved.
Special Dates
Schedule mini outings with each child so that they can have you all to themselves. It might be going to the park, going for ice cream, or going for a neighborhood walk. Such moments forge deep, lasting bonds.
Heartfelt Talks
Pause to share what you love and appreciate about each child. Speaking affirmations over them helps them feel safe.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a shift from scarcity thinking — what you’re missing — to thinking of whatever’s present and valuable in your life. It’s a great mechanism for positive reinforcement.
Gratitude Jar
Start a “Gratitude Jar,” in which everyone writes down what they’re thankful for. During family dinners, read the notes to remind each other of the good things in life.
Gratitude Walk
Take a family walk, and take turns naming things you each appreciate about one another and your surroundings. This mindful activity fosters connection and gratitude.
Redefine Love
Teach your children that love can take many forms beyond romantic relationships.
Love Tree
Make a “Love Tree” using photos and notes about what each family member thinks love means. Hang it in your home as a monument to all the ways love can show itself.
Vision Board
Create a vision board filled the with images and words that symbolize what makes each family member feel loved. This is a visual project of hope and positivity.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day is a lovely opportunity to show all sorts of love — for yourself, your children, your community. Love begins within but grows through deeper connections with others. This Valentine’s Day, honor the love that’s in your life. At the Law Office of Jana K. Jones, PLLC, we are committed to helping you navigate the co-parenting process. Reach out to schedule a consultation today!