By: Alison Puzia, Guest Contributor
Before you head out to your big Valentine’s Day date, celebrate with your kids. Here are 5 ideas to get the whole family involved.
1. Prepare a fun, yet healthy treat for Valentine’s Day dinner with the family, like these meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting.
We all associate Valentine’s Day with sweets, whether it’s chocolates, candies or baked goods. However, festive food doesn’t have to be junk food. This recipe is great for even the pickiest of eaters, and is a fun meal that will be a treat for the whole family.
http://spoonful.com/recipes/meatloaf-muffins-with-whipped-cheddar-mashed-potato-frosting
2. Make a sweet craft together.
What’s more fun than giving out homemade Valentine’s? Adding a sweet touch to the Valentine with a piece of candy! Kids of all ages will love making and receiving this iPod-themed Valentine. All you need is a box of conversation hearts and two mini peanut butter cups, and you’re on your way to creating a “rocking” Valentine.
http://spoonful.com/crafts/rock-candy
3. Surprise your kids on Valentine’s Day morning with decorations.
Who says the festivities have to wait until after school? Surprise your family with a decorated house to wake up to! Set up a “Be My Valentine” banner on the mantle, a sweet floral arrangement, or a curtain of hearts in the doorway. These easy crafts are sure to wow your kids and help them start their Valentine’s Day off right!
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/valentines-day/decorating/hand-crafted-valentines-day-decor/#page=13
http://theglitterguide.com/2012/02/01/7-ways-to-decorate-for-valentines-day/2/
http://spoonful.com/crafts/curtain-of-hearts
4. Set up a “Treasure Hunt of Love.”
Place clues all around this house with a compliment, a reason you love your Valentine, and a clue to the next gift. You can make the hunt as simple or complex as you want. Bonus: You’ll have a great time thinking of sweet clues to send to your loved one! For clue ideas check out this link:
http://beautyandbedlam.com/valentines-tradition-treasure-hunt-of-love/
5. Make gifts for each other.
A small gesture can go a long way! Show your family how much you love and appreciate them by making gifts for each other. Need ideas for cute, heartfelt gifts that you can make at home? Try this heart-shaped “book of love” notepad. Want to go the extra mile? Add a list of reasons why you love the recipient to the front page.
Community Voices for Health 