It’s still early in February, but you’ve probably noticed store displays full of various-sized hearts, pink everything, and chocolate as far as the eye can see. A romantic holiday can be lonely for newly divorced dads, but there are still ways to celebrate and have a memorable experience with your kids.
You obviously don’t need a holiday to remind your children how much you care. But it never hurts to take every available opportunity.
With that in mind, here are a few ways for divorced dads to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the kids.
Valentine’s Day for Divorced Dads:
1. Make Your Kids the Focus
It’s all too easy to wallow in misery and depression for divorced dads on Valentine’s Day, especially the recently divorced.
So, instead of moping, make it all about the kids.
Focus on your children, listen to what they want to do, and give them a fun memory to hold onto down the road.
2. Share a Special Meal
Are heart-shaped pancakes your specialty? Do your kids crave your spaghetti above all other foods? You can hit up their favorite Chinese restaurant or local wood-fired pizza joint.
Whatever form it takes, consider sharing a special Valentine’s meal with your kids.
You never know, you may start a new annual tradition.
3. A Divorced Dad Family Activity
Does your son have a future as a professional bowler? Is your daughter a gym rat who prefers shooting hoops to…well, everything else?
Find an activity everyone agrees on and make an event of it.
It can be something as simple as going to a movie or having an epic board game night. Or you can go big if that’s more your style.
4. Do Something Creative
Divorced dads can craft hand-made Valentine’s for their kids, cook an elaborate meal together, tackle an art project, or build an end table if carpentry is your bag.
Creative activities are a great bonding experience.
Again, the most important part of all of whatever you do is to do it together. That’s the key here.
These are obviously just a few ideas for fun ways to approach this February 14. Like we said, you don’t need a holiday to show your kids how much you care. But it never hurts to make a special effort, even if it’s with a corny store-bought card.
If you don’t get to spend the day with them, even a quick phone call or text message can be a reminder you’re thinking of them.
What are your favorite Valentine’s Day activities to do with the kids? Help out some other divorced dads and sound off in the comments below.