Kiddipedia
Valentine’s Day is typically seen as a time to express romantic love, often focused on our wives, partners, or girlfriends. But as a dad, Valentine’s Day presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen your bond with your kids. Instead of solely celebrating romantic love, why not use this day as a chance to show your children how much they mean to you?
A Chance to Show Love to Your Kids
Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about your romantic relationships. Why not use it as a trigger to show your kids how much you love them? For many dads, the idea of openly expressing love to their children might feel awkward or uncomfortable. Thoughts like, “That’s not necessary, my kids know I love them,” or, “I already show them love in other ways” may cross your mind.
But let me ask you this: Is your relationship with your children as close as you want it to be? Does it feel like a source of strength, or does it sometimes feel strained? Are you as connected with your kids as you truly desire?
The Importance of Reflection
The answer to those questions doesn’t matter as much as whether you’re open to using Valentine’s Day to improve your relationship. If you are, then let’s talk about how to get started.
Why Valentine’s Day?
You might wonder: Why Valentine’s Day? My answer is simple: Why not? If there’s any opportunity to connect more deeply with your kids, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse. It doesn’t have to be reserved just for romantic gestures—it can also be a time to reinforce your love and build a stronger connection with your children. In fact, any occasion that reminds you to show your love is a win!
The Struggle with Time and Distraction
As many dads will tell you, one of the biggest challenges they face is finding quality time to spend with their children. And when you do get time together, it’s easy to be distracted by work, your phone, or other responsibilities. Valentine’s Day provides an ideal excuse to step away from those distractions and focus entirely on your kids—giving them your full attention and love.
The Key Question: How Can I Show My Kids I Love Them?
A powerful starting point for deepening your relationship is to ask yourself: What can I do to show my children I love them for who they are? While the question may seem simple, the answer isn’t always obvious. To answer this question meaningfully, you have to understand each of your kids as individuals. The answer will differ from child to child, and you may even discover that you have a stronger connection with one child over another.
If you’re unsure how to connect, that’s okay! Many dads feel the same way, especially since we’re often so busy working to provide for our families. But the reality is, our kids need our Attention, Appreciation, and Acknowledgement—something we should be intentional about offering them. If we fail to provide these things, they may seek validation and connection elsewhere.
Take Action: Spend Quality Time with Each Child
Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to spend one-on-one time with each of your children. Take the time to truly be with them, without distractions. Whether it’s sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply talking, the goal is to connect. Showing interest in their lives, big or small, will make a meaningful impact.
Ask for Their Feedback: How Can I Be a Better Dad?
Now, here’s an even more powerful move: ask your kids what you can do to be a better dad. It may feel vulnerable, but if you approach them genuinely, your children will likely offer sincere answers. Even young kids, like my 3-year-old, might tell you what they want—my son has asked for more time to play together. Asking this question shows them that you care about how they feel and that you’re willing to put in the effort to be the best dad you can be.
A Day Is Just the Beginning
One day, of course, isn’t going to completely transform your relationship. And if your kids are old enough to have their own plans on Valentine’s Day, that’s okay. This is about you, as a father, taking the opportunity to show love and commitment. Valentine’s Day is just a starting point, but it’s a powerful moment to reconnect and refocus on the relationship you want to build.
Are You Ready to Take Action?
Are you willing to make Valentine’s Day more than just a day for romantic love? It can be a day to make a lasting impression on your children, a day to show them you care, and a day to strengthen your bond. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Take the first step in using Valentine’s Day as a springboard to improve your relationship with your kids—and remind them that they are truly loved.
You may also like to read:
Valentine’s Day is a chance to role model a loving relationship to your children
8 Ways to Model a Healthy Relationship to your Children
Why Valentine’s Day Is Often a Missed Opportunity for Dads
How to positively demonstrate your relationship to your children
Children Learn How to Have Adult Relationships from Observing their Parents
