Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as a time for grand romantic gestures, candlelit dinners, and extravagant gifts. However, for parents, this special day can look quite different. Between school runs, work commitments, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to celebrate love as a couple can feel impossible. But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about lavish outings or expensive presents. Instead, it can be a heartwarming reminder to prioritise each other and cherish the love that built your family.

This guide offers thoughtful and practical ways for parents to spend Valentine’s Day, making time for romance and appreciation while balancing family life. Whether you have the entire day free or just a few precious moments together, these ideas will help you celebrate in a meaningful way.

Start Your Day with Self-Love

As parents, the focus is often on caring for others—feeding, dressing, organising, and comforting. While this is an incredible act of love, it can sometimes leave little energy for yourself. This Valentine’s Day, begin by showing love to the person who deserves it just as much: you.

How to Practise Self-Love on Valentine’s Day

• Wake up a little earlier and enjoy a few peaceful moments with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

• Write yourself a love letter, reflecting on your strengths as a parent and partner.

• Take a relaxing bath or shower with your favourite scents to set a calming tone for the day.

• Wear something that makes you feel good, even if you’re staying at home.

• Engage in a small act of indulgence, whether it’s a few pages of a book, a podcast, or simply stretching in silence.

By caring for yourself first, you’ll be in a better place to share love with your partner and family throughout Valentine’s Day.

Watch Your Wedding Video (or Look Through Old Photos)

If you and your partner are married, watching your wedding video can be a beautiful way to reconnect with the emotions of that special day. If you don’t have a video, flipping through old photographs of your early days together can work just as well.

Why This Matters

• It reminds you of the love and excitement that brought you together in the first place.

• It sparks nostalgia, helping you appreciate how far you’ve come as a couple.

• It provides a moment of calm, away from the daily stress of parenting.

Make It Extra Special

• Snuggle up with a warm drink or a glass of wine.

• Pause and share your favourite memories as you watch.

• If your children are old enough, involve them by showing them how your love story began.

Taking a trip down memory lane is a simple yet powerful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day as parents.

Play a Late Dinner Game: “Remember When”

Once the children are tucked in bed, it’s time to create a space just for the two of you. Instead of rushing through dinner or sitting in silence while scrolling on your phones, try playing a game called “Remember When.”

How to Play

Each partner takes turns asking, "Remember when…?" followed by a memory from your relationship. This could be anything from your first holiday together to a funny parenting moment.

Some examples:

• "Remember when we stayed up all night talking on our first date?"

• "Remember when we panicked over our first nappy change?"

• "Remember when we tried to cook together and nearly set the kitchen on fire?"

This game encourages laughter, reminiscing, and connection, reminding you that at the heart of your family, there’s still a love story worth celebrating.

Recreate Your First Date at Home

Finding a babysitter and going out might not always be feasible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relive the magic of your first date. With a little creativity, you can bring the romance home.

How to Do It

• Set the scene. If your first date was at a restaurant, set up a candlelit dinner in your dining room. If it was at the cinema, create a cosy movie night.

• Dress the part. Wear something special to make it feel like a proper date.

• Recreate the menu. If you had Italian food, cook pasta. If it was a coffee shop date, make fancy drinks and pastries.

• Talk like you did back then. Avoid discussing work or children—focus on each other.

This simple yet romantic activity allows you to step back in time and feel those early butterflies again, all without leaving the house.

Other Meaningful Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day as Parents

If you’re looking for more ways to make Valentine’s Day special without the stress, consider these ideas:

1. Love Notes Around the House
Write small, heartfelt notes and hide them in places your partner will find them throughout the day—inside their wallet, on their pillow, or even in the fridge. These little reminders of love can brighten up their day.

2. Cook Together
Rather than one person handling dinner, make it a team effort. Cooking together allows you to reconnect while creating something delicious. Put on music, pour a drink, and enjoy the process.

3. Have a “Mini Getaway” at Home
Transform your bedroom or living room into a romantic escape. Light candles, play soft music, and enjoy a relaxing evening together without distractions.

4. Write a Love Letter to Each Other
Taking a few moments to write down your appreciation for each other can be incredibly touching. Share what you love about your partner and the things they do that make parenting easier.

5. Dance in the Living Room
Put on your wedding song or a playlist of your favourite tracks and dance together in the living room. A simple, spontaneous dance can bring back intimacy and joy.

Making Time for Love Beyond Valentine’s Day

While Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to reconnect, love should be nurtured all year round. As parents, it’s easy to let romance take a backseat, but small efforts can keep the spark alive.

Here are a few ways to maintain connection throughout the year:

• Schedule regular date nights, even if they’re at home.

• Send each other messages of appreciation during the day.

• Take turns planning small surprises.

• Remember to say “I love you” daily.

The key to a strong relationship isn’t in grand gestures but in the small, consistent acts of love that remind you why you chose each other in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Spending Valentine’s Day as parents doesn’t have to mean sacrificing romance. Instead, it’s about finding ways to celebrate love in a way that fits your current season of life. Whether it’s starting the day with self-care, reminiscing about your wedding, playing a game over dinner, or recreating your first date at home, there are countless ways to make the day special.

This Valentine’s Day, let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters—cherishing the love that built your family in the first place. Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the everyday moments that bring you closer, year after year.

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Read also my latest article: Parenting and 'Me Time': Finding Balance and Peace