Valentines Day as parents
 

It may take a bit of extra effort, but you can bring a sparkle to your partners' eye this February!

• Organise a babysitter is the obvious solution. Then you can have a night out like any other couple. Try family and friends rather than teenage regulars as the teens may well have their own plans! If a babysitter is unavailable on the night, you could always choose your own Valentines Night a few days before or after the 14th.

• Given that Valentines Day is a Monday this year, you may find that your children are at school all day. Perhaps a long lunch and an afternoon off work is a good alternative to dinner out at night.

• Have dinner with the children as usual, but plan a midnight supper after they have gone to bed. Set out some chocolate coated strawberries or some oysters and a nice bottle of wine and enjoy a candle light supper or even spread it out on the back lawn.

• Feed the children early so you can eat alone by candle light a bit later. Of course, if your children don't go to bed early or easily this could be a problem. If this is the case, perhaps put them in front of a video whilst the two of you have a quiet meal in another room.

• Send a card or a surprise gift so your partner will receive it when least expected. Maybe flowers to the office or chocolates to home, or just a card in the mail will make your Valentine feel special and remembered on the day of lovers.

• Keep in touch all day. Make phone calls, email messages, SMS messages and even faxes so that your partner hears from you repeatedly. Each message can concentrate on a different aspect of your love for each other.

• Choose a very special gift for your partner. Even if you get no time alone, a gift shows your love and makes the day different to the norm. The gift need not be expensive as long as you have thought about it.

• Take on your partner's normal chores for the day. For instance, if she always cooks dinner buy take away or cook for her and the kids on February 14th.

Tash Hughes is a Mum of two in Melbourne. She is also a writer and owner of Word Constructions. Tash is available to write articles and profiles for any business, as well as doing other business documentation projects. You can see her site and services at www.wordconstructions.com
 

Seduction and delicious chocolates - what a great combination for Valentines Day!