Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationships. Show all posts

Valentine's Day for Grandparents

Valentine's Day and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grandparents, take advantage of this fun holiday to send some extra special love and hugs to those kids and give them a word of encouragement that they'll remember for a long time!

As you see those grandchildren grow from tiny little bundles into active school-age children, into the teens, and even young adult life, you have a chance to be a regular encouragement in their lives with sending unexpected cards in the mail just to remind them that you love them, you're proud of them, and you like the people they're becoming.

Even if your grandkids are having some trouble -- and maybe especially then -- they need to receive those unconditional reminders of love that will keep them believing in themselves if the going is tough. You have more influence than you may realize in those young lives, and kids of all ages need to know that someone is watching and cheering them on!

If your grandkids have told you anything exciting in their lives, even the smallest thing, remember it's not small to them! Send them a card to say "Wow, a new turtle is really exciting!" or "What a superstar you are -- I'm so proud you got that part in the play." It will mean the world to them and you'll be building those memories for years to come.

Especially if you're grandparenting from a distance, look for unique ways to keep in touch. Send them a surprise every once in a while, along with regular emails if they're old enough. Kids never outgrow that need to be remembered and congratulated and celebrated.

My favorite way to send real cards right from the internet is at http://www.TheCardGal.com where you can send a free card to your favorite grandkid.

You can even include a picture of yourself that will make them laugh, or maybe a picture of you together. Try it for Valentine's Day, birthdays, or 'just because.'

From Becki Maxson -- The Card Gal

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The Woman You Love - Valentine's Day Do's and Don'ts

I will start simply by stating the things you should NEVER do.

Never buy her something 'practical' unless it's only a part of the gift or you are hiding something better inside of it. No kitchenware, no small appliances, no furniture and nothing that she knows you wanted.

What to do for the day?

Surprises are great. What are her interests? Plan a trip to a nearby town for the day or even a weekend and do the things SHE likes to do. If she loves boating, nature, science, art, seafood and karaoke find places that offer those services. Perhaps you can start the day with a light breakfast and a stroll down a nature trail that leads to a canoe rental place and take her for a stroll on the lake/stream/river. After that hit a local museum for a dose of art and science. Stroll around and find a place to have a snack. Perhaps go back to the hotel to change and head to a Seafood restaurant. If you live near water, it doesn't have to be expensive. Usually places with a pier have very affordable fresh seafood. After dinner, hit the town's Karaoke bar and dedicate a song you will sing just for her. If you are a terrible singer ask her to sing for you -- because you can't live without hearing the sound of her voice.

If you're on a budget, don't worry. Women find it terribly romantic when a man plans a date at home. Take a day to stroll through your town and see the sights and once you are home have her change into something nice -- and make sure you remember to dress for the occasion. Yes, I know a tie is uncomfortable and those dress shoes hurt but do it for her, she will like it! Have her sit down to a dinner you are making. Pick her favorite dishes and have at it. Dancing alone in the living room is also a must for couples. No one is watching so there are NO EXCUSES!

As far as buying the right gift, it's really not that difficult. Flowers may seem overdone but we all love them, especially if you choose our favorite one or find an arrangement in our favorite color. Valentine's themed items are great in small amounts. A candle, a stuffed animal, a balloon -- but don't over do it. It makes it look like you don't know her at all and you just 'picked something up' out of habit. I also find that live flowers are more romantic than a cut bouquet.

If you want to do something really special make something for her yourself that she won't forget. Perhaps you both still save your first love letters to each other (or e-mails/text messages) - Having it printed up on special paper and framed along with a keepsake or two from the early stages of your relationship would be a nice way of saying 'I still love you this much'.

The important thing is that you show her that you KNOW her. These things tell her you are listening and that you care. Gifts on Valentine's day need to be FOR HER!

This also applies to the early stages of a relationship. You can still do special things without going overboard -- take your best guess or flat out ask her what she likes and "LISTEN". If you are not sure even after you ask her, you can always give her the gift that every woman loves -- a day of pampering. Do an at home SPA for her with you as her personal servant.

For the other women in your life -- Mom: Something for the home that tells her how much you love her is always the perfect gift.

Little Sister, Niece or Daughter: Something age appropriate and cool. Small kids love those musical stuffed animals that dance and sing or even a plush heart pillow. Older girls may like something like an MP3 player, Spa Basket, Candles or a great book.

With that I leave you and hope that you all have a fantastic Valentine's Day filled with love and appreciation.

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