Give Kids an Increase of Love on Valentine's Day

Making every holiday fun and special is a great tradition in our home.  I can thank the "empty nester" for this since she did that for me growing up.  Valentine's Day is on Sunday this year so your loved ones will probably be home with you all day.  So I am including a list of ideas to make the holiday fun for your kids if you have never celebrated or want to find a new idea to add to your current traditions.  These are extremely easy...that's all it takes to make an impression on a child.
Start with breakfast

• heart-shaped pancakes or toast is easy to make with a cookie cutter
• strawberries
• pink or red juice or smoothies
• use holiday themed sprinkles to decorate breakfast or plate
• white doilies, valentine napkins for plate settings
• Valentine's card with place setting

then

• send them on a Hershey's Hugs & Kisses treasure hunt    
• make your own holiday bingo boards and use conversation hearts

make a treat together (these are tried and true favorites for us)

• decorated sugar cookies (refrigerated dough or your favorite recipe) or cupcakes
• easy crisp rice cereal treat http://www.dianthomas.com/a-giveakissforvd.htm
• home-made valentine cards (with candy) 
• we like this one for boys http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/blast-off-rocket-candy-card-668339/
• and this one for girls http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/friendship-blossoms-825185/

end with a dinner party

• make a family favorite for dinner and don't forget a special dessert
• swap Valentine's cards with each other
• give them something they love  (I'll be giving my 9 year old sushi, my 7 year old flowers and my 3 year old a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.)

It's not complicated but your kids will remember you forever (and expect it forever too)!  Remember, it's all about L-O-V-E.