Celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids is always so much fun! They are truly excited for all the chocolate, notes from friends, and family love. This year is likely going to look a little different with continued social distancing and many kids transitioning to online schooling and homeschool. But you can still celebrate with your little ones at home by doing themed activities.
I’m sharing four of my favorite ways I celebrate Valentine’s Day in the occupational therapy clinic with children! In true OT (occupational therapy) fashion, these activities are also designed to engage and promote developmental skills.
| 1. Raspberry Chocolate Sensory Bin Sensory bins are essentially a bin filled with different textures to help kids explore different textures and senses. This sensory bin is a combination of rice, cocoa powder, and freeze dried raspberries. You can also add in some toys like Valentine’s Day Erasers and pencils for extra fun. Bonus: using edible ingredients like cocoa powder and raspberries helps new and picky eaters learn different smells and textures they might not be used to, without the pressure of eating. Playing with it on their hands help them learn what to expect when the time comes to eat it. You can also substitute any other freeze dried fruit. Just keep an eye out to make sure your little one isn’t eating anything they’re not supposed to (like dried rice). This bin is intended for play only. |  |
| 2. Edible Chocolate mud Chocolate mud is the perfect activity for kids who like to get their hands dirty (and those who are learning to). You can practice following directions by having them make the mud with you. This mud is made just from 1 cup of yogurt and ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Once you’re done making the “mud”, put it on a wipe-able surface and let them squish it around in their hands. I also like to work on fine motor skills by having kids write their letters or draw shapes! If your child is still learning to get their hands dirty, you can also give them a utensil or paint brush. |  |
| 3. Chocolate Heart Box Movement Don’t throw away that empty heart shaped box of candy! Instead, once you’re done with the chocolates, repurpose it for a movement game with your kids. Simply write an activity/exercise on a paper, and put one in each candy slot. Then, have your kid pick one and do the movement. Get the whole family involved to keep your kids extra motivated! |  |
| 4. Mail Hunt During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, have every member of the family write a little “love” note to each other and stick it in a jar or mailbox. Hide them all around the house, and then have each person search for their note. This gets kids off the couch for a bit, and getting in some more steps! |  |
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only, and cannot and does not contain medical or therapy advice. Any medical or therapy information is provided as my/our personal experiences is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.
Dr. Samantha Goldman is an occupational therapist who helps parents who are concerned about their kid’s eating habits or activity level. Solve picky eating and get kids moving! Her specialty is making healthy FUN! You can ask Samantha @drsamgoldman questions by contacting her on social media.
