Valentine’s Day in a Single-Parent Family
Does anyone else feel lonely as a single parent on Valentine’s Day?
Suppose you are a single parent who currently does not have a lover to organize a romantic date night. The good news is you are certainly not the only person spending Valentine’s Day alone, and there are plenty of ways to spread your love beyond romance.
Valentine’s Day traditionally is the day of love and has become a global culture to celebrate annually! Some countries have their own unique customs, while most places are marked by giving gifts and spending time with their loved ones.
Your Valentine’s Day as a single parent does not have to be sad or lonely! It is the day to celebrate love with the people you care about (not just about romantic love). Redefine the day your way; focus on the people and things that make you happy. Do not shy away from the idea of putting a special day together with your friends, family, children, and YOURSELF!
How to Show Your Love
Love language is how that person best gives and receives love. Not everyone communicates love in the same way, and likewise, people have different ways they prefer to receive love. Digging into love languages is an important realization to gain full awareness of how your close friends, family, partner, and children show their love to you, which allows us to experience love better and reciprocate in a more meaningful way to them.
There are five primary love languages:
Word of Affirmation: People whose love language is words of affirmation enjoy the verbal connection. They want to hear “I love you” or anything you can express about how much you appreciate and admire them in words.
Physical Touch: This group of people is touchy. They feel love when they have your physical connections, such as hugs and kisses.
Acts of Service: Action speaks louder than words for this group of people whose love language is acts of service. These people greatly appreciate it when you offer to do something for them.
Receiving Gifts: Receiving a heartfelt gift is what makes some people feel most loved. It does not have to be something expensive; a lovely gift can range from a hand-written love letter to DIY crafts.
Quality Time: People with quality time as a love language wants your undivided attention. They desire to be near you and are simply happy to be around you.
Ten Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Love Yourself
Do whatever makes you happy! And remind yourself that you are worthy of love.
“Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball
1. TAKE YOURSELF ON A DATE
Parents are naturally givers, and tend to put everyone else’s needs first. Time-block your Valentine’s Day from now on to become your-day. Use this day to love yourself; take care of yourself as if you are the most lovable person you’ve ever met.
Listen to yourself carefully. If you are hearing things like “I love going out to enjoy live music, but I can’t remember the last time I did it,” make time! Valentine’s Day is the day! Use this day to receive massive amounts of love from yourself.
2. GO OUT AND MEET NEW FRIENDS
There’s nothing wrong to feel like wanting to meet new friends, or getting naughty (wink).
Are you a lonely-hearted single parent that is constantly thinking “I can’t meet a man/woman because there aren’t any good ones left,” ” I am so bad at flirting,” or “I don’t know how to date anymore.”? These messages you are delivering serve to get you to feel victimized and feel the right to be single.
Release the thoughts, and replace with a new messages, “The world is filled with awesome and loving people, and I am fully capable of and excited to find a good one for myself.” Repeat the new message, and focus on the new reality. Now go out into the world and enjoy!
Go to a painting and wine studio, language exchange, or hiking group. Join the social group that generates your interest; be more proactive, and you will find a group of like-minded people to hang out with you.
3. ADD GLAMOUR TO THE LOVE DAY
Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. How you feel about yourself inside is expressed in everything you do, including how you dress. Put away your everyday-comfy-sweatpants, and bring your smart-casual look back.
Follow your fantasies and create a day to make you feel the most fabulous self. Perhaps celebrate YOU with a bit of pampering; spoil yourself with a haircut, spa, or massage.
Glamour is so much deeper than fashion style. Indulge your mind in the arts, culture, music, or anything that inspires and expands your intellectual growth.
Shower Your Kids with Love
Love is action. Show your children what love is, and use the action to prove it. Tell them that you love them and shower them with affection, attention, and affirmation. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just a few small activities to express love.
4. MAKE IT A SPECIAL DAY
Prepared an exciting day to spend with children; create memories together that will last for a lifetime. For example, heart shape pancakes with strawberries to start the day becomes a good moment to talk about the colors and shape of love. Construct the conversation around it.
Forget the bouquet this Valentine’s Day and opt for a gorgeous potted flower. Use this opportunity to teach them the importance of gardening which can provide us with fresh food, clean air, and preserve the habitat for our environment. Your garden needs some love too!
Related article: Five seeds to sow in February By BBC Gardeners’ World magazine
5. CREATIVE CRAFT
There are many Valentine’s Day love-themed project ideas. Encourage children to create and celebrate their efforts throughout the project.
- Valentine’s Cookie Bouquet
- Rose Petal Cupcakes
- Madeleine
- 50 Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts That Kids Will Love to Make
6. MOVIE OR PLAY DATE
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for grown-ups. In fact, there are so many ways to celebrate this special day together. Perhaps the most family-friendly activity of all is snuggling up on the couch to watch a Valentine’s Day movie with kids.
Related article: 25 Best Valentine’s Day movies for the whole family
Setting up a play date is another great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. While the kids are playing, take the opportunity to enjoy a conversation with other parent(s). Parenthood can be stressful, and bonding with other parent(s) gives you a chance to de-stress in a safe and supportive environment.
Share Your Love with Others
Giving from your heart is the highest expression of love. You cannot expect to receive love if you don’t offer it on your own turn. Scientists believe that sharing can cause the release of oxytocin, a hormone that increases feelings of well-being. In other words, your brain likes when you give, and giving makes us feel so good.
7. SUMMON YOUR SQUAD
Arrange a get-together with your close or single friends, and show your friends the love they deserve!
- Make appointments for a self-care day
- Take a class together
- Write a Valentine’s day card to express your love
- Participate in volunteer activities
- Soak up the sun in the best picnic spot
- Go for a nice walk
- Join an activity like wine or chocolate tasting
- Set up a lovely brunch (maybe with a gift exchange)
- Plan a weekend getaway
- Pajama movie night (with kids, why not?)
8. VOLUNTEER IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. Bringing joy to others does not have to be complicated. Volunteering is a simple way to make an impact in someone’s life. From serving a warm meal to cleaning up garbage in a park, each small act contributes to a better day.
9. HOST A VALENTINE’S DAY THEME PARTY
Open your home, and invite as many friends as you want. Keep it simple; there is no need to stress yourself out about the event. Simply send out the invitation, and ask everyone to bring a Valentine’s day theme snacks and food. Perhaps find a crafty friend to be responsible for a Valentine’s Day game or craft! Turn on the music, and let’s dance!
10. NO SOCIAL MEDIA DAY
Social media has become a significant part of many people’s lives. It offers a range of benefits, but it can also have detrimental effects. Unplug yourself from the virtual world and use this Valentine’s Day to fully experience real life.
Devoting less time to social media will help you recover the time you didn’t know you had, and therefore you can be more present and aware of the things and people that make you truly happy.
Love is for every day. It is not just for one day, and only for a partner! Cut off the vision of being home sad and lonely on Valentine’s Day, and hang out with the people you love. Focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.
“What you choose to focus on becomes your reality.” – Jen Sincero, You are a Badass.
