Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Recently we’ve heard a lot about the problem of childhood obesity and the types of food that kids are getting at home. A few years ago I was traveling to a remote corner of Louisiana and ended up staying with some friends over Valentine’s Day. I was so impressed with the way that mom celebrated the holiday without loading her kids up on sugar. I walked into the kitchen that morning to find a “party” – pink balloons, fresh fruit and sweet cards were awaiting each of her children at their breakfast spot.
Here at OWG headquarters, we spent some time brainstorming fun ideas for you to help your kids have a healthy Valentine’s Day, too!
Make A Special Breakfast – throw together some whole wheat pancakes and grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter – instead of adding syrup, slice some fresh strawberries and even add a little honey on top. If you’re rushed for time, there are lots of great varieties of whole wheat waffles in the freezer section of your supermarket.
Decorate their room – heart-shaped balloons, red streamers, heart-shaped post-it notes with special messages, etc.
Prepare a Special Snack – low-fat chocolate or strawberry milk, low-fat yogurt with strawberries….all served on festive plates!
Get Moving – turn on some music and throw your very own Valentine’s Day dance – no awkward boys on one side of the room and girls on the other – just move!
Tell them how much you love them – because really the biggest thing that kids need to know is that they are loved! Take extra time today to tell them how much the mean to you!