By Krystle J Bailey
As I spoke with a friend this week and we gushed over how much our children had grown up since the last time we reconnected, she whispered with a twinge of sadness, “If there’s one thing I could do differently, it would have been to spend more time.”
As a new parent, everyone reminds you not to blink, or the passing of time will be expedited. Suddenly, your newborn is walking and talking, then before you know it, they’re off to school. It would be nice if that’s where time stopped feeling like it was slipping through your fingertips, but the sayings about time are true – it certainly waits for no one.
As we approach Valentine’s Day, I recall fond memories of making Valentine’s Day boxes and signing cards with my sweet first-grade daughter. When we walked through Target last week, and I asked if she needed anything for Valentine’s Day at school, she kindly and lovingly reminded me that those days are behind us. Beyond a certain age, there is no longer a need for 24 cards signed to each classmate or meticulously decorated tissue boxes ready for the candy collection.
In my experience, each stage of parenting comes with new joys if you allow them. I’m thankful for the sweet memories with my rapidly growing kids, and while I miss the good old days, I’m actively working on keeping myself leaned into the present moment as we make new memories.
Instead of buying one more stuffed animal from a big-box store this year, I encourage you to lean into the greatest gift of all-time. Here are five family Valentine’s Day ideas to inspire togetherness.
Nature Walks
The recent warm weather has been inviting us back into nature. This Valentine’s Day, spend time with the family on one of the local bike or hiking trails. Around South Jersey, there are surprising hidden gems to enjoy, including the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve, Wharton State Forest, Lake Lenape Park, and Birch Grove. Visit one of these beautiful locations and spend time searching for colorful leaves, ice patterns in the water, unique rocks, or scavenger hunt items. For the older kids, bring out a good camera or their new iPhone and encourage creative expression through photography.
Skate the Day Away
Skating is a time-tested date for couples and families alike that is sure to inspire laughter and a feeling of exhilaration as you breeze through the air with the people you love. Check out Young’s Skating Rink as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, or visit Renault’s Vinter Wonderland for a brand new South Jersey ice skating experience.
Family Reading Night
Everybody may dislike reading out loud in school but around snacks and cozied up with family sounds a little more inviting. Choose a book that the whole family will enjoy and take turns reading a captivating story to one another. Use character voices and dramatization for a little extra fun. A few books to consider include “The Witches of Moonshyne Manor,” by Bianca Marais; “Under the Whispering Door,” by T.J. Klune; and “The Most Likely Club,” by Elyssa Friedland.
Family Writing Night
If reading isn’t inspiring the fun, try writing! Take turns writing pieces of a fictional story created by you and the people you love. Have the little ones illustrate the book, get creative with rhyming words, and encourage free-flowing creativity. Whether you make it a mystery or a silly story, it’s a Valentine’s gift that will keep on giving for years to come.
Poetry Party
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Finish the poem
With words just for you
Pull out the arts and crafts and gather the family around for a poetry party. Whether you write a piece together or write something for each other, Valentine’s Day is the perfect invitation to express your love through poetry.
Happy Valentine’s Week!
Krystle J Bailey is the author of Nourish: A Journey to Loving and Embracing the Woman Within, host of The Coolest People in the World Podcast, and co-host of Joe’s Table for Two on WOND. She is a regular contributor for Shore Local Newsmagazine and co-host of Shore Local Women’s Network. Krystle can be reached at linktree.com/krystlejbailey.
