Valentine’s Day is Thursday. How do moms get romantic when the kids are home and it’s a school night?

How about making it a few days of Valentines? Mini scavenger hunts are always fun. Little romantic notes can be left in a variety of places, such as lunch boxes, coat pockets, car windshields, etc. Everyone wants to feel appreciated and what better day to express this than the day for lovers? Make this an especially great gift by making “what I like about you” notes. For example, “I love your smile,” or “You are the person I want to grow old with.

The kids most likely will have parties at school, so they will be full of energy and sugar when they get home. Engage them in cutting out little red hearts for the dinner table. They will love being part of the decorating fun.

Dinner should be simple, preferably something that either has been prepared ahead of time or some type of take-out that isn’t of the fast food variety. Moms have the right to celebrate too!

Bring out the good dishes for the event or use some pretty paper products. The kids can help set the table, complete with champagne glasses for everyone. The kids will love having a toast with sparkling apple cider, while the adults share a split of champagne or sparkling cider, if that is the family choice.

Fresh strawberries dipped in dark chocolate are a decadent dessert that everyone will enjoy and is heart healthy as well!

Since it is a school night and probably not a time that parents can find time or energy for an evening out, how about a coupon for a date night in the near future, along with one red rose? Yes, men do like to get flowers, especially when the promise of a great evening goes along with it.

For some private talk time, put a great movie on for the kids (preferably one purchased as a Valentine’s Day gift for them, so it is extra special) and enjoy some quiet talk time after dinner. Some soft romantic music will be relaxing and encourage some nice cuddling. Please don’t be afraid to show affection in front of the children. They need to know that their parents love each other and how better to do that than by showing affection for each other? Not only on Valentine’s Day, but every day.