Ever since I had children, I feel like there's nothing to do on Valentine's Day.
Any ideas?
Laureanne G. emails us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and Bunch Family Creative Director Rebecca Brown answered;
Sure, Valentine's Day is a holiday that companies have commercialized. But where's the harm in devoting a day to celebrating love? Spend some time being warm and fuzzy with the entire family, then abandon the kids for an adults-only night out (cue the bow-chicka-wow-wow). I mean leave the kids at home and get yourselves to a dimly-lit movie theatre or restaurant, or both. In any case, wine and snuggling should be involved. If this is even a possibility, I suggest booking a babysitter now, before they're all tied up.
In terms of what a family can do together on the 14th, here are some ideas I've collected.
1. If music be the food of love...
Have a mini Valentine's Day party in your home with the kids before the sitter arrives and then sneak out for a date. Compile a playlist of love songs, from "Love Machine" to "All You Need is Love", and make a Valentine's-themed treat or participate in a Valentine's themed activity as a family.
2. I just called to say I love you.
Remind those you love why they're so amazing. Get on the phone and call up everyone you love, from grandparents to aunts and uncles to the nanny (if you have one), for no other real reason than to simply say "I love you because..." Sounds corny, but just knowing how happy you've made the person on the other line will be heartwarming.
3. Spread the love.
Just as this mom saw Martin Luther King Day as a time to help others, your family can make Valentine's Day about sharing your love with those who really need it. One mom mentioned she celebrated Valentine's with her kids by driving to the local animal shelter and adopting a chocolate Lab, which they proceeded to absolutely smother with kisses, hugs and bacon-flavoured treats. Your bunch's act of kindness can be something as simple as dropping off a big donation of old toys and clothes to a women's shelter or visiting the elderly widow next door for some tea and a chat.
Whatever you do, I think it's important to make Valentine's Day a day of being in love with love, as opposed to, say, wearing pink and eating candy hearts until you get sick.
Rebecca Brown is the Creative Director of Bunch, the infamous Toronto company that creates art and culture-based events for kids and parents in galleries and nightclubs. Click here to receive Bunchland, their new family culture magazine, jampacked with interviews, photos and slideshows from awesome families around the world.
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