By Nancy Schneider, PHEc, M.Sc.
We are always looking for ways to let our children know they are special. Here are a few ideas you can use on Valentines or throughout February.
- Courtesy of kraftfoods.com: Jello Jigglers http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/jell-o-jigglers-53920.aspx
Make red Jello Jigglers and cut into Valentine’s shapes using cookie cutters. - Pink Pasta
Serve pasta for supper on Valentines, but colour it pink! Put red food colour into the water before you begin boiling the pasta. Cook your pasta as you would normally. The pasta will take on a pink colour yet the taste is not affected. - Pancakes
Why not add red berries to pancakes for a Valentines treat? Or instead of syrup use strawberry or raspberry jam. If you want really special pancakes add some red food colouring. You will have a pink pancake. Finally, instead of round pancakes why not make a heart shape. Start by pouring the batter in an outline of a heart and letting it cook for a moment, then fill in the shape. - Toast
Cut the morning toast (or a lunch sandwich) into a heart or lips. You can use a cookie cutter or one of the specialty bread cutters that come in heart shape. You can use red fruit spread to make it even more special. - Put a special note in your child’s lunch box. You can write your know on red or pink paper or even cut regular paper into the shape of a heart.
- If you usually send a serviette with your child’s lunch, why not send a valentine’s one. You can pick up seasonal serviettes at most stores or use plain or patterned red serviettes and cut them into a heart shape. Something so simple will let your child know you were thinking of them. You could even write your message on the serviette.
- Don’t forget the lunch bag itself. You can put a sticker on the box, or if it is a paper bag you can draw a heart or put their name on using a red pen.
Finally, remember to give a big hug and say, “I love you”.
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Nancy is a Professional Home Economist and held management, administrative, and instructional appointments with the University of Manitoba. Her educational background includes child development, communication, human resources, and management. She has experience working with pre-schoolers and their families, university students, as well as adult learners.
