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How To Have A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner At Home With Kids

by Latoyia Dean-Dennis

February 1, 2022 477 views
 

Valentine's Day is nearly upon us, but for some, it might be a bit difficult to get out for that romantic restaurant dinner. There's good news, though. You can still have your romantic Valentine's Day dinner! Just do it at home, yes, even if you have kids.

Keep It Simple

No matter what your cooking skill level is, keep dinner simple! You don't need to be trapped in the kitchen for hours making a five-course meal. A simple pasta dish prepared in under 40 minutes will do the trick.

Everybody Loves Flowers

While you're out shopping for flowers, don't forget to pick up some smaller bouquets for the kids, too. That way, when your spouse gets their flowers, your kids have something too. Make it special by putting the bouquets in their room in the perfect spot where they won't get knocked over. If you have particularly clumsy kids, you might consider fake flowers instead of the real deal for fewer tears.

Turn the Lights Down Low

Is there anything more romantic than eating by candlelight? Once you've got the table set and the kids seated, turn down the lights and light some candles. If you're worried about safety, try using battery-operated candles instead of the real thing. You'll get the same effect without any of the worries about them knocking the candles over and starting a fire.

Don't Skimp on Dessert!

If there is one place in this whole night that you should really go all out, it's dessert. A delicious dessert is a cherry on top of a great meal, and it can make all the difference in the world. If you aren't an expert in making desserts, don't be afraid to buy one already made! There will be a ton of local bakeries offering freshly baked treats for Valentine's Day. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and suddenly your dessert is divine! Don't forget the heart-shaped sprinkles for the kids!

Get Dressed Up

Just because you're having dinner at home doesn't mean you shouldn't dress up for the occasion. Break out your best suit and a nice dress. Get the kids dressed up, too. It will really help make dinner feel more special.

Presents for All

Get a special little something for everyone who will be seated at your dinner table. If possible, make your gifts have a theme. If you're getting a bracelet for your wife, get all the girls a bracelet, even if they're made of candy. If you're getting your husband a watch, get one for your son, too. The important thing to remember is that you don't want them to be something that will make them hyper just after dinner or make them restless. Give them something so they don't feel left out but isn't necessarily something fun to play with. Just make sure the gift is age appropriate.

Slow Dance

After dinner is over and the lights are still low, put on some slow music and dance. Yes, slow dance with your kids too! They'll love the experience.

Movie Time

After dinner has been cleaned up (worry about the dishes tomorrow!) and you've had some slow dancing with your special someone, put on a movie. Actually, have two movies planned. The first one should be the more family-friendly of the two. Older Disney movies are a great option here since many of them still include the theme of the night: romance.

Tuck in the Kids Together

After the kids' movie is done, tuck the kids in together. Don't worry about giving them a bath unless they've somehow managed to make a real mess of themselves. Sit down, read them a short love story, kiss their little foreheads, and close the door. Don't be afraid to explain to them that Mommy and Daddy want a little bit of quiet time together to cuddle. Fingers crossed that will do the trick and you'll have a quiet night!

What Comes Next? Return to watch that other movie you have waiting in the wings. Watch this quietly while cuddling together on the couch. What you're really doing is giving the kids time to fall asleep before you start your night back up again.

What happens after that? Well, we’ll leave that to your imagination. The point is you can still have a wonderfully romantic Valentine's Day at home with the kids. It may not be exactly what you had imagined your Valentine's Day evening being like, but it will still be special, and it will serve as an amazing example to your children of what a loving marriage should look like.

Make it a great Valentines Day!

 
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Latoyia Dean-Dennis
LaToyia is wife, mother, and parent enthusiast. She’s a dynamic, savvy, MBA-educated leader with 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Coined the Motivated Mom, she helps moms create strategies for success to live a healthy life of purpose, fully engaged, and financially free.

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