Valentine’s Day is a day that is typically marketed to couples, which can be a challenge for those who are single, divorced, or widowed. You could choose to spend the day alone, but loneliness in the elderly has been linked to numerous health threats, including early mortality, cognitive decline, dementia, depression, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Instead, you can flip the script on Valentine’s Day and celebrate with your grandchildren. A Valentine’s Day for grandparents can be fun, healthy and unforgettable for everyone involved.
Valentine’s Day Ideas For Kids
From arts and crafts to healthy Valentine’s Day recipes, there are plenty of kid Valentine’s Day activities you can enjoy together. Here are a few Valentine’s Day ideas for kids to consider:
Make Valentine’s Day Cards
Not only is this traditional Valentine’s Day activity the simplest way to brighten someone’s day, but it’s also a great way to spend time with your grandchildren. All you need are some arts and crafts supplies, like construction paper, markers, and crayons, and a list of people you’d like to make cards for—family members, friends, neighbors, or even servicemen and women. Organizations like Hugs for Soldiers make it easy to send warm wishes to soldiers who are far away from home on Valentine’s Day.
Cook Healthy Valentine’s Day Recipes
Although chocolate and sweets are the go-to foods of choice for Valentine’s Day, a good Valentine’s Day for grandparents might also include some parent-friendly healthy dishes. Here are some to consider:
Valentine’s Berry Platter
Using the festive colors associated with Valentine’s Day, this Valentine’s Berry Platter calls for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all of which you’ll enjoy dipping into a tasty chocolate strawberry yogurt dip.
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup chocolate pieces
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1/2 cup strawberry Greek yogurt
Instructions:
1. Melt chocolate, cool for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in yogurt until well combined.
3. Serve with fruit.
Peanut Butter and Pretzel Truffles
Sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and salty, this dessert is delicious and healthy, with only 64 calories per truffle!
Ingredients:
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½ cup crunchy natural peanut butter
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¼ cup finely chopped salted pretzels
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½ cup milk chocolate chips, melted
Instructions:
1. Combine peanut butter and pretzels in a small bowl. Chill in the freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
2. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 20 balls (about 1 teaspoon each). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze until very firm, about 1 hour.
3. To melt chocolate, microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving on medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted.
4. Roll the frozen balls in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
Plan a Movie or Game Night
With Valentine’s Day falling in the middle of winter, there shouldn’t be pressure to leave the house in order to celebrate the occasion. If you have older grandchildren, a movie night or game night could be the ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day for grandparents and kids. Whether you choose to indulge in a comedy, drama, romance, adventure or documentary, sharing the experience of watching a movie with loved ones will provide you with a feeling of togetherness and spark a conversation afterward.
Volunteer Together
What better way to celebrate a holiday dedicated to love than by showing your love for others with your family? You can check your local community center and non-profit organizations for volunteer opportunities that you can do together with your grandchildren. Giving back comes with many health benefits, including fewer functional limitations, longer life expectancy and combating loneliness in the elderly.
No Need To Be Alone At Home On Valentine’s Day
With these Valentine’s Day ideas for kids, you may just start a beloved new family tradition! It’s not only a great way to get to spend quality time with your family, but it is also a wonderful way to combat loneliness and depression that can often come along with age.
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