Loving Valentine’s Day as a Single Parent

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Loving Valentine's Day as a Single ParentLove is in the air. Flowers, chocolates, and heart-shaped balloons are showcased in stores across the nation, and . . . I. Love. It. Ironically, I am single. Yes, happily single! I am not dating nor do I have anyone special for Valentine’s Day, and I am okay with it this year! Three years ago, I would have cried the entire month. I know, I know . . . but then, I was a newly divorced mother who remembered when I did have someone special for Valentine’s Day. 

But, life happens. So, this year I am on a journey to discover the true meaning of love. This four-letter word is packed with so much intensity; it can literally change a person inside and out. It constantly reminds me of the love of Jesus Christ who died to save us from our sins and shortcomings. Embarking on this LOVE journey has made me wonder how can I display the same type of love Jesus has for us, to others. No better way than to encourage and inspire single parents!

Society has commercialized Valentine’s Day and caused some single parents to feel the heaviness of being alone and depressed. What I’ve come to understand, however, is we are not alone. We have the constant love and affection of our children and family. Our marital status may be single, but it should not define who and what we are to the most important people in our lives: our children, our family, and our friends.

I recall days where I seemed to fail miserably as a parent. Life had me overwhelmed and relentlessly tired. While juggling work, school (the kiddos’ and mine), housework, finances — I mean, the list did not end — I would scream at my girls until I was blue in the face. Instead of getting the cold shoulder from the little misses, I received hugs so tight and loving statements like, “You’re the best mommy ever!” Aww! But, not me! Immediately, I felt guilty and would cry. I had every intention of living up to their statement, but I allowed life to dictate how I was feeling, instead of showing them meekness and gentleness through my actions. I have to constantly remind myself that although I am not a perfect parent, I am one who is willing to grow from my mistakes and love others to the best of my ability.

Therefore, during Valentine’s Day and the remainder of the year, I want to reassure you single parents that you are loved. Single parents are SUPERHEROES! Yes, we have the responsibility of two people at times, and it does get shaky along the journey; however, we are doing a fantastic job! Valentine’s Day may feed into our loneliness, but it should not define who we are. Instead of focusing on the lack of a companion or spouse, let’s focus on showing love to our children, family, and friends on a daily basis.  

To make this Valentine’s Day memorable, check out these activities that single parents can do with their kiddos! 

Five Valentine’s Day Activities for Single Parents and their Kiddos

Send “Open When” Letters

The kiddos will love this inexpensive idea! Parents will make envelopes for their children and place small gifts inside as a delight to their kiddos. Sample “open when” envelopes could include: Open When You Are in Bed, Open When You Are in the Car, or Open When You Are in Mommy’s Room.

Make Valentine’s Day Treats 

Who doesn’t love chocolate? The kids will love spending time with Mom making special Valentine’s Day treats and tasting their creation! Cooking with the kids is always a win-win for Mom. There is nothing more special than bonding with your little ones over yummy treats!

Watch a Movie 

Pop in a movie and popcorn with your cozy socks! Spending a night cuddled with your kids on the couch as you laugh and enjoy a family movie is definitely a fun way to spend Valentine’s Day!

Write Letters to a Senior Citizen 

Teaching our children to become selfless is always a treat! Allow your child to write a letter to a local senior citizen who does not have loved ones. Or send a letter to a senior citizen at your local church. The kids will love to be a part of putting a smile on someone’s face.

Dinner Time! 

Treat you and kiddos to a special dinner. Get fancy and make the night memorable for you and the kids. If you are on a budget, prepare dinner at home and pull out your finest dishes! Treating yourself and the kids like royalty will make lasting memories!

Have fun showing love and teaching love to your kiddos this Valentine’s Day!


Guest Blogger

Cammie B. is the mother of two beautiful, energetic, sassy, and sometimes rambunctious daughters. She was born and raised on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama. She enjoys working at a local college and pursuing her dreams of obtaining a degree in Education.

Aside from work and school, Cammie enjoys spending time with her daughters and family, reading, traveling, attending and serving at church, and embarking on this new adventure in motherhood. In addition, she loves to minister to divorced/single mothers through her Christian group entitled, M.O.M.S. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.”

If you or a single mom you know is interested in fellowship with other divorced/single moms, please e-mail Cammie B. at [email protected] or text 205.516.0503 for more information.

Loving Valentine's Day as a Single Parent - M.O.M.S.