Mom Talk: How Valentine's Day Has Changed

Moms Talk is a new feature on St. Clair Shores Patch that is part of a new initiative on our Patch sites to reach out to moms and families.

St. Clair Shores Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for moms and their families right here in St. Clair Shores.

Each week in Moms Talk Q&A, our local Moms Council of experts and been-there-done-that moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.

Moms Talk Q&A will also be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic. Do you know of local moms raising their children in the Tiger Mother's way and is it the best way? Where can we get information on local flu shot clinics for children? How do we talk to our children about the Tucson shootings? How can we help our children's schools weather their budget cutbacks?

This week's question is how has Valentine's Day changed over the years?

Colleen Jones: "With how heavy this time of year can feel, Valentine's Day is something that brings a little cheer to many people of all ages. Besides those who have a lost love that they probably will think of more, and feel melancholy over on this day, most people smile a little or a lot on this day—and that is always good medicine. As far as my kids, who are now teenagers, we don't talk much about it. However, this allows me to surprise them when I give them a colorful and sweet treat in the middle of their day. They are now both at stages where this day primarily focuses on their 'friends,' not so much family.  But I grab that moment when they are pleasantly surprised with whatever I have picked up for them and I embrace it."

Jennifer Irvine: "Valentine's Day over the past 11 years has pretty much looked the same around here. This is one 'holiday' that has changed very little in our home since we have had children. I am terrible with cards (some things will never change, and this is likely one of them).  I much prefer a specialty coffee from my husband, a little sticky note that says 'I Love You,' or even a quick e-mail will get the A.O.K from me. We will usually stay home as a family. I will make a yummy Valentine's-themed dinner, maybe even just heart pancakes will do. We will make chocolate-covered strawberries as a yummy red treat (I have done this as long as I can remember). Although, this activity has changed a bit over the years ...  I now have little helpers. I might also add that I'm lucky if a few good ones make the plate for my husband and I—the girls eat as many as they make! Overall, Valentine's Day in our home is spent as a family and with the ones we love the most! Pretty basic and nothing too fussy. Sometimes it is the little things I enjoy most about being a mom."

Amanda Bonser: "Valentine's Day has been a fun time for me with the children. It is usually filled with crafts and fun foods. Our middle daughter is always overly excited to give daddy a handmade, glittered, glued and stapled valentine. I can't remember the last time, if ever, we went out for Valentine's Day. In my opinion a special dinner at home is so much better. This year I am planning on bruschetta, shrimp scampi over pasta and Caesar salad." 

Kellie  L Abrams: "Our family shares this special day with several traditions. We have three children, all of them receive a handmade card, candy and a wonderful sit-down homemade family dinner.  Our dinner includes some of each person's favorite foods, kind of a hodgepodge, not pretty but fun! My husband and I also share a card and gift with each other. Valentine's Day is a family affair for us shared with our children and each other."