Valentines is for everyone not just the couples.

When I was little,I remember valentines very well . Each year my sister and I recevied a ''Happy Valentines daughter'' card through the post with that ? as the signature. It was exciting not for the fact we had an idea who it was from because we knew it was from our dad but the fact we got one to start with.

I do not think I have seen them these past years in the shops just the cards for the couples but it was a lovely idea that stuck with me since.

I also remember making cards for my soo called secret crush in juniors, I fancied the same boy all through school and so he knew it was from me every year, but it was all fun and we were only kids. Times change and so do people. The cards must have worked because we got together a couple of times after that when we met years later in our Army training in Bassingbourn Barricks even though it never lasted and was never serious and just a childhood crush it still leaves it mark of good memories and we are still friends to this day.

Being a child at Valentines was not about the love (we did not know what that meant) it was not about the presents and cards, it was just something we used at the time to tell someone we thought they were great and we thought they were a good friend.

Saint Valentine's Day, also known as Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it remains a working day in most of them. Which is fare enough to be honest. Why should we celebrate our love for people on one day only in the year, we should do it everyday not just one?

 It is not a holiday in my eyes but I can see it from those who like to Discover their love for each other in another country on a romantic break away, (If only I could be soo lucky). With having 7 little ones there is no chance of getting on any romantic break away, infact I think the only time was when my husband and I went on our honeymoon in 2012 for the Spa weekend at the Belfry Hotel in Nottingham (not exactly France but we loved it just the same and hope some day to return). 

I want to make sure everyone can be involved in Valentines this year and it is possible. I do not see why it should only be the couples who celebrate it and we should all feel loved no matter what age or marital status.

Young children -
Being small does not mean you should or can not join in on Valentines and I for one love that there are many ideas to get your little ones involved.

Parents with children either do not get the time off or have babysitters to go and enjoy a break away so why not let them have fun too by getting crafty or even throw a tea party for them . Its is a great idea and here are some of my ideas.

Make a Homemade Banner- Print this Banner and as many more for as long as yo wish your banner to be. Then have the children (or if too little ,you ) cut out the hearts then have them thread a thick wool or string  through the top of them . 
You could even make an Easter like hunt and use these or little heart shaped chocolates to hide on a nature walk or in the home or garden and have them go search for them.

Print of the card template above then use the picture below to print and cut out the pictures for your little ones to make their own personalised cards.

There are some amazing tea party ideas too . Make them Jammy dodger like sandwiches by using a heart shape cutter .Check out Smuckers for their recipe . You can use any filler not just this one if you wish to choose a more savoury option like ham or cheese.

You can find some more great ideas over at Parenting  . They have a fabulous list of food and drink that are easy to make with children .

What will your little ones be doing this Valentines, will you be trying any of these with them?

     Happy Valentines.