SINGLE ON VAL’S DAY: Handy Ways to Enjoy It With Your Child
Whether you are newly single or have chosen the single life from the beginning, being the lone parent in a field of hearts, kisses and chocolate can be challenging. Getting through Valentine’s Day, with all of the cards, flowers and love-y dove-y poems, requires the kind of strength that only a single parent can muster. Here are a few ideas to enjoy the day and celebrate all that you have around you.
Make it about your child
Being a single parent takes the time, devotion and strength that you exhibit every day by going to work, attending school parties and kissing your child good night at the end of a long day. Make Valentine’s Day the time to celebrate your children and show them, and yourself, why you do what you do! Take a block of time, whether it’s the whole day or just a few hours, and talk about all the things that make your child special. Relive their accomplishments, and detail how they have grown. After all, a big part of loving someone is knowing who she is on the inside, so make this holiday an opportunity to share the gifts sprouting in each of your children.
Cook or bake together
If the old adage holds true, the way to a heart is through the stomach. Bring out all the fine china, set the table in a special way, cook a fabulous meal together and linger over the conversation that ensues. If you’re not pressed for time, consider baking or making a special dessert to fill the house with the warm scents of home and love. MIS has a few delicious recopies in our food guide section.
Order a Delivery
If cooking isn’t convenient for you, order a delivery. Quite a number of eateries now offer home delivery service. This will save you the rigors of being caught up in bad traffic, parking and having to wait for a vacant table, which is common on a day like this.
Find an activity
Tap into your creative side and plan some fun games, crafts or writing activities with your children. Line up the games that your child loves to play on Playstation or Wii, or whether it’s just an endless game of patty cake or a full on attack with battleships, spend time having fun together. Instead of buying cards for each other, why not make your own? The result will be far more personal and special.
Volunteer for a charity
There are lots of under funded shelters in Nigeria just begging for a little love. Community organizations and charities are always looking for volunteers.Get a few valentines for the closest nursing home or children’s shelter, and deliver them gifts with your child. Talk about the real meaning of love and show that it can extend beyond one’s family and into the community. Do something good for others while teaching your children a valuable life lesson.
Single parents no longer have to dread Valentine’s Day. Just look into the innocent eyes of your child and remember what true love really is.
Source: She Knows