Being a single mother is difficult on any given day. But being a single mother on the day of hearts can be brutal. With all the fuss surrounding Valentine’s Day, single parents can easily be sucked into feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
Not having a life partner on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you should hide in some dark corner, glass of wine in hand, and wallow in misery. Valentine’s Day need not be about the love between couples. It can also be about the love shared between a mother and her children.
So take the opportunity to redefine Valentine’s Day and bond with your children instead. Here are a few activities you can do with your kids to celebrate your motherhood:
Share the love
If Valentine’s Day is all about sharing love, then what better way to express love than to share your blessings? Getting involved in an outreach activity with your children reminds you to count your blessings in life despite the hardships of single parenthood.
This exposure also allows children to take stock of their own lives and realize that they are more blessed than others, teaching them valuable lessons on selflessness, love and compassion.
Read: 5 values to teach your tot before they turn 5
You may want to consider visiting an orphanage or a home for the aged. In Metro Manila, you can check out Gentle Hands Incorporated, which is located in Cubao. The orphanage is always in need of easy-to-cook-food, items for medical needs and personal hygiene, as well as basic child and infant items.
Another option is Precious Children’s Heritage Home in Antipolo.
If you decide to visit a home for the aged, you may want to consider San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly in Pasay, Golden Acres Home for the Aged in Quezon City, or Saint Maria Josefa Home for the Aged in Malate.
There are numerous other charitable organizations (and even animal shelters) you can visit, but do call ahead to know about visiting hours and protocol.
Treat the family out
If you can brave the Valentine’s Day rush, treat your kids out for nice meal. You don’t have to take them to a fancy restaurant. Just be sure to take them to a place that is kid-friendly, so you won't get stressed out during the meal.
You can also take advantage of special Valentine’s discounts offered by various restaurants.
Teach your kids a new recipe
Take out your cook books or browse the web for an easy dish or dessert you can teach your kids like this No-bake Graham Balls recipe. Working together in the kitchen is a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
If you have young children, cooking and baking can help develop fine motor skills or let them learn mathematical concepts such as measuring and counting. Plus, cleaning up after (you can bet there will be a big mess) is good training for your children.
Other recipes you may want to try are leche puto, yema, or these 3-ingredient desserts.
Start an arts and crafts project
Arts and crafts are a fabulous way to keep you and your kids busy. Bring out your photo albums and boxes of memorabilia, and begin your very own scrapbook. Going through boxes of memories is sure to give you hours of nostalgic fun.
Remembering years gone by will also help you realize how much you and your kids have been through. Hopefully, you’ll come to realize what an excellent job you’ve done in raising your kids too.
Let your kids decide
Ask your kids what they want to do as a family. They may want to watch a movie, or play board games, have a picnic, or go for a walk.
Engage them in conversations and just catch up. The point of the day is to express your love for your children.
If you do decide to watch a movie, suggest watching your old home videos. Your kids are sure to enjoy watching videos of themselves from when they were younger.
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