To the Single Moms on Valentine’s Day

If you are a single mama dreading Valentine’s Day, you are not alone.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the day of “love”, I am a big fan of finding a reason to celebrate. Spending Valentine’s Day without a significant other, especially after a recent divorce or breakup can be tough. Whether you dismiss Valentine’s Day as a cheesy, retailer’s dream, or as a sweet day to celebrate love, there are a variety of ways to commemorate the day whether you are spending it alone or with kids.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day With Kids: 

1. Host a Valentine Ball with other parents and their kiddos. The year I did this, I decorated the house in an obnoxious amount of hearts and all things red and pink. I asked my guests to wear something fancy and fun. We played Valentine-themed games, enjoyed doing crafts and ordered heart shaped pizzas. Heart sugar cookie decorating was also on the agenda, as well as a heart hunt in the backyard. We had a fantastic time celebrating friendships and making amazing memories.
2. Go to an amusement park. Who couldn’t have a good day at Disneyland? Enough said.
3. Pack a Valentine picnic and play at the beach with your kids.
4. Throw a Valentine slumber party complete with teepees or forts in the living room.
5. Play Valentine- themed “Minute to Win it” games.
6. Go to a zoo or aquarium and love on the animals.
7. Roller skating!
8. Mini golf and arcade with heart shaped pizza for dinner of course.
9. Visit your local fondue place.
10. Go on a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood, or go on a drive and play the ABC game around town.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Without kids:

1. Celebrate yourself with a day of pampering- get a massage, stop for a pedicure or spend some time engaging in good old-fashioned retail therapy.
2. Try an activity that isn’t kid friendly- like skydiving!
3. Buy yourself flowers.
4. Make yourself your favorite meal.
5. Order in and watch movies or snuggle up with a book.
6. Throw a Galentine’s or a singles party for everyone you know and all their friends! Why not give others in your shoes a place to hang out together?
7. Invite other single mom friends to a movie or play and be sure to have dinner at a non-kid friendly place beforehand.
8. Get outside and hike.
9. Take a day trip and peruse artist retreats or quirky boutiques. Maybe do some wine tasting.
10. Spend the day volunteering for a cause close to your heart.

Find a Reason To Celebrate

Whatever you do, be sure it makes your heart light and brings joy to your day. Being in a romantic relationship is not a requirement to feel the love on Valentine’s Day! Memories are ripe for the making and all that is needed is a positive spirit and an open mind. Of course, if you hate my cheery outlook and want to stay home and brood on heart day, I still love you sister! You have every right to take quiet time and space if that is where you are at right now.

Don’t let Valentine’s Day get you down. Even if you are single on Valentine’s Day, I would bet you have lots of love in your life and if you are like me, you can always find a reason to celebrate!