3 Valentine Activities for February 14th

It's February, and love is in the air. What greater love is there than the love of a child? So whether you are expecting the birth of your child or already enjoying the many hugs and kisses of a little one, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate. Here are some fun and easy Valentine's Day ideas to help with building early memories with your child this holiday season.

For Expecting Parents:

This creative little gift is especially designed for expectant parents. Remember those silly messages found on candy hearts you used to eat in grade school? For fun, try personalizing your own messages on cut out construction paper hearts for your loved one! "Back Massage," "Belly Rub," "Midnight Run for Snacks," or "Extra Smiles" are just a few ideas for fun heart sayings. The paper hearts don't taste like candy, but guaranteed to bring grins to the recipient.

Finger Paint With Your Baby:

The use of non-toxic paints offers older babies endless possibilities for making discoveries and exploring. A red (pink) heart picture is perfect for Valentine’s Day and fun to do with your child using pudding paint. Mix one box of instant vanilla pudding according to directions on the package. Add drops of red food coloring to achieve the desired color. Hand on hand, help your baby fingerpaint on freezer paper or paper plates. When dry, cut the paper into a heart-shape. Fingerpainting is such an open-ended activity—the process of painting is more important than the finished project. Take time to tickle the senses—enjoy the feel of this paint, smell it and if your baby tries to take a taste, it’s OK-- it’s pudding!

Fun With Toddlers:

Take several large appliance boxes and open all the tops and bottoms. Using heavy tape, attach all the boxes together making sure the inside flaps are securely taped and smooth. Invite your toddler to decorate the outside of the boxes in his own way with lots of scribbled hearts and designs using crayons and markers. Valentine stickers may aid in the decorating and toddlers just love them. Write “Tunnel of Love” on the outside. Encourage your little one to crawl through the tunnel—you may just want to follow him!

Enjoy your holiday and happy parenting,

Tania :)

Photos courtesy of geralt, photoshop Tofs, Moscow Moms, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com