Valentine’s Day is usually thought of as a day for people in relationships, but it doesn’t have to be that way. For single parents, the day can be about showing love for yourself and for your children. It’s a time to be proud of who you are and all the hard work you do to take care of your kids. It’s not about what you don’t have, but about what you do have, which is a lot of love to give.
The Key Takeaway.
Valentine’s Day for single parents can be many things. It can be quiet, reflective, or even playful. The point is knowing that love, in all its forms, is endless. You are not alone in your experiences, you’re not broken, you are so worthy of your own affection, you are not defined by your relationship status, you are whole, worthy, and deserving of self-love, no matter what form that takes. This day is a reminder from me to you that the love you have is not limited or defined by external expectations.
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Don’t think of yourself as being unwanted or alone just because you’re a single parent on Valentine’s Day. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, focus on the love you give your children, your friends, and yourself.
You can make this day your own and turn it into a celebration of your strength, the love you have, and all the wonderful things in your life. You deserve to be happy, and I’ll show you ways to make that happen.
Don’t Do Anything.
Valentine’s Day can make us feel like we need a partner to celebrate with, and this feeling can be strong because society expects us to celebrate love on this day. It’s okay to feel that way, but remember that your worth doesn’t depend on whether you have a partner or not. Choosing to ignore Valentine’s Day doesn’t make you any less valuable or capable of love. In fact, it’s a sign of strength and self-confidence to not let the day define you. Why? That is because YOU are so much more than what other people expect from you.
Spend the Day with Your Child (ren).
Instead of seeing Valentine’s Day as a holiday only for couples, rethink the day and make it about the love you have for your children. Plan a “mommy or daddy date” with your children and celebrate it as a family event. Let your babies be your Valentine’s dates, and show them that love isn’t just about romance. It will be a special day for your children, and a fun and memorable one for you as a parent.
Ignore What’s or Who’s “Missing.”
Love is a powerful force, and the love of a parent for their child is probably the purest form of love there is. On Valentine’s Day, focus on this love, and remind yourself that it’s not about what or who you don’t have, but about the love that is already present in your life. Own this love, cherish it, and celebrate it.
Treat Yourself!
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show yourself some love as well. Take a break from your busy life as a single parent, and do something that makes you feel happy, fulfilled, and loved. Treat yourself to something that helps your soul and recharges your energy. You simply can’t pour from an empty cup.
Own the Grit, the Grief, and the Gratitude.
Valentine’s Day might stir up a lot of emotions, like gratitude for the sweet relationship you have with your child and grief for the dreams or family you once had. The love you have for your child can coexist with the sense of loss you feel for what isn’t there. On this type of day, it’s good to honor all those emotions, even the ones that are difficult to face. There’s no right way to feel on Valentine’s Day, your emotions are valid and real, anytime and any day.
Being a single parent comes with hard times you know.. I hope that you can allow yourself sit with this complexity. Being a single parent is both beautiful and challenging. Today, I hope that you can see YOUR beautiful.
