"Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day for couples, but when you’re a single mom, this day can carry significant emotional weight. I was never a big Valentine’s Day person. I was of the mindset that you didn’t need a particular day to make someone feel loved or special. Then I went through a divorce, and all those seemingly mundane holidays turned into opportunities to spark joy and express love in a completely new way. Instead of a day filled with romantic gestures, being single on Valentine’s Day has transformed it into moments of cherishing the bond I have with my kids and embracing love in all its forms.
If you’re also celebrating Valentine’s Day as a single mom, the holiday may look different from year to year. Whether you’re having fun with your kids or taking time for yourself, use this day as an opportunity to create memories and show appreciation for the love you do have in your life. Here are six ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a single mom.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day With Your Kids After Divorce
Depending on whether or not you have your kids for Valentine’s Day will determine what your holiday plans end up looking like. You might make crafts, go out to dinner, or make heart-shaped pizza and cookies. Regardless, you have the opportunity to create lasting memories and fun Valentine’s Day traditions.
1. Host a V-Day themed craft night with your kids.
From homemade cards with special notes to pass along to family members to heart-themed tie blankets, crafting is a great way to celebrate the holiday. It teaches kids to practice expressing gratitude and love for others. These Valentine’s Day crafts make wonderful keepsakes, and a craft like tie blankets can be used for the next suggestion.
2. Make heart-shaped pizzas and have a living room picnic.
Friday night pizza night is a regular occurrence in our house. Pick up a ready-made crust and all the toppings for your favorite pizza, and have fun making heart-shaped pizzas in honor of Valentine’s Day. Take an ordinary moment and make it memorable. Sit on the tie blankets and create a cozy, fun atmosphere.
3. Take your kids on a date.
If eating out is a special treat, take your kids to a nice kid-friendly restaurant. Bonus points for restaurants that pass out flowers to their guests: Your kids will feel incredibly special and like they’re being treated to a fancy dinner, even if it is grilled cheese from the children’s menu.
Have a phone-free meal and ask your kids engaging questions centered around the theme of love. Some ideas could be: In what ways do you feel most loved? Name three foods that you love. What superpower would you love to have? You get the idea. Make it fun and get to know your kids on another level.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day Single Without Your Kids
If Valentine’s Day ends up being a kid-free holiday, your plans may look slightly different. Whether your kid(s) are with their other parent or maybe a grandparent has offered to take them off your hands, take the opportunity to have fun and indulge in a bit of self-care.
4. Host a dinner party with girlfriends.
When I don’t have my kids, I take advantage of being able to host my girlfriends without having to kick anyone out of my house. Pick a dinner party theme (Galentine’s Day, perhaps?) and have everyone bring something that relates to it. Keep it light and fun, and enjoy quality girlfriend time.
5. Indulge in a night of self-care.
There are few things I love more in life than coming home and relaxing after a long week of work. Think an everything shower, face masks, your favorite takeout, and a good movie or book. Everyone’s idea of self-care looks different. Regardless, you deserve to do something you love to do.
6. Take a staycation.
Is there a nice hotel you’ve wanted to check out near your hometown? Book a stay, order room service, and indulge in their spa. Or take a solo weekend getaway to explore a nearby city. Don’t wait until you have a special someone to do these things with; you are your special someone, and it’s fun exploring a new place on your own.
Regardless of how you spend the day, remember it’s not just about romantic love. It’s about celebrating love in all forms. As a single mom, you embody strength, resilience, and unconditional love daily. This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to celebrate yourself, your children, and the love that makes you a family.
Maria Childs, Contributing Writer
Maria Childs is a marketing and communications professional living in Milwaukee. She is passionate about motherhood, co-parenting, and being a girl mom. When she’s not busy working in K-12 public education, you can find her running her two daughters to sports practices, dancing to Taylor Swift, browsing bookstores, and catching up with friends.