Valentine’s Day is one of the many occasions that seem to be reserved for new couples and fresh(er) love. Once you start your parenting journey, V-Day is one of the first celebrations that simply die out.
And it makes sense. You’re a busy parent and so is your partner. You have the kids to look after – especially if they’re infants or newborns. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and being a parent should never stand in the way of that. Come to think of it, you have so much more love in your life now that must be celebrated. So how do you go about the entire thing when you’re probably short on time, stressed, and have your hands full?
Valentine’s Day is the best excuse to reignite your relationship and show your partner all the ways that you adore them. In fact, it means all the more when you are both busy parents. Every little thing counts and it shows how nothing can stand in the way of loving and appreciating your partner.
If you’re struggling with ideas on how to celebrate your partner this Valentine’s Day, we have some ideas for you.
Plan In Advance
Oh there’s nothing that makes a parent happier than having ample time to fit in anything that is outside of the daily routine. Surprises are incredible, there’s no doubt about that. But when you have your hands full, surprises can take a turn for the worse.
Instead of planning a surprise for your partner that could possibly interfere with their schedule, plan in advance and give your partner a heads up. Even if you don’t want to divulge the entire plan, simply letting them know to free up the day or make room for special plans goes a long way.
Some ways you can help your partner have more time on the big day include:
- Hiring a nanny for the day
- Asking friends and family for help with babysitting
- Getting the house chores out of the way
ALSO READ: 13 Self Care Strategies For Parents
Spread The Day Out
Instead of going for one grand gesture like an all-out fancy dinner, it might be easier to spread out the celebrations all day long. For example, start off with breakfast in bed. A relaxing spa appointment or massage around noon works wonderfully.
By breaking up the celebrations into smaller parts, you will be able to make your partner feel special all day long. Plus, it will be far easier to manage smaller activities than a singular big one.
Besides, this technique also allows room for any emergencies without ruining the whole day. If you only have one thing planned for the whole day and something comes up, you won’t be left with anything else to make up with.
It’s The Little Things
Valentine’s Day is all about showing your partner how important they are to you. While grand gestures are great, it’s the little things that really stick. According to Ingrid Schweiger, PhD, a New York City-based couples therapist, “Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to make your relationship center stage again.”
A box of chocolates, roses in the morning or a sneaky glass of wine shared between the two of you once the kids are in bed are all examples of small gestures that mean a lot. There are so many ways to show your love and appreciation for your partner without upending your entire routine.
Gifts, Gifts, Gifts
Gifts will never go out of style. Gifts don’t always have to be material things. You can give your partner the gift of time – which we all know is perhaps the most desired gift for new parents.
Instead of stressing out over the perfect gift or the most expensive one, look at what your partner needs most at this point in time. A clean home, a tidy bedroom, meals sorted for the whole day, are all examples of small yet meaningful gifts.
Sneaking in a few love notes are a great way to notice and appreciate your partner. After all, being seen is the biggest gift of all.
ALSO READ: How To Handle Housework with a Baby – 9 Tips
Involve The Whole Family
If you cannot seem to get your partner away and all to yourself, involve the whole family. Whether it is asking your family to help with baby sitting, or bringing your little one to the celebrations, involving the whole family can be fun as well.
Of course, it is ideal for you and your partner to take a break from the parent life for just a day. But, don’t let that stress you to the point where it gets in the way of doing anything at all. Go with the flow and find something that fits into your routine without it being a hassle.
Romance Is Never Dead
Ambiance plays a huge role in romance. Setting the scene is important and it definitely adds to the entire experience. If you cannot whisk your loved one to a beautiful spot for lunch or dinner, replicate the scene at home.
Order takeout, or try cooking something special. Candles, flowers, fairy lights and soft music are perfectly easy to replicate at home as well. Start off or finish with a romantic bath. The effort you put into treating your partner to a good time goes a long way.
ALSO READ: 5 Bonding Tips For Including Your Newborn In Family Life
Together Is Better
It’s wonderful to treat your partner to something special. But doing it together makes it all the better. Instead of sending your partner off for a spa day, book a session for the both of you. Take a long slow bath together. Enjoy a movie night together.
Not only will this be a treat for the two of you, but it will also make your partner that much happier. Sharing joy and love is always better than experiencing it alone. Besides, you will get to spend some quality time all by yourselves without any interruptions (read: your baby stealing the spotlight).
Whatever it is you choose to do for Valentine’s Day, you need to make sure it is thoughtful. Focus on your partner and what they prefer and need the most. Most times it’s not about how grand the gesture is. It’s more about the thought that goes into it and the effort you put in to make your partner feel special and loved.
Valentine’s for parents doesn’t have to be hard. It just has to be sincere and present. Happy Valentine’s Day, Parents!
