Remember Valentine's Day back in the days before Diaper Genies and sippy cups. Back when you could afford to go out to dinner and you didn't have to arrange a sitter? The coupleship has to adapt to the inevitable changes that come as we move from being romantic partners to having children and being a family. But does pragmatic parenthood mean an end to romantic frivolity? Amore survives parenthood a lot better in other cultures.
Here is North Americans, we subdue the needs of the couple and put our exalted children first. Well, let me appeal to you then through your need to "do the best for your child." Let me explain how your children benefit when you put the love and romance of your coupleship back on the front burner again!
Children learn about the world by being keen observers. Their developing brain is working constantly to understand the world and its workings. Yes, they learn simple things like "that furry thing is called a dog" but because human beings are social creatures they are primarily concerned in learning about how people behave, how they interact and treat one another.
Very early in life, children must create some belief or construct for the world about what is "normal". Normal is predictable and safe and they will try to seek out and re-create "normal" as they build their lives. Normal says "life is as it should be". If you grow up in Kenya as a Masai, you can bet your "normal" will be different than a child raised in New York City or Nanuvit.
So ask yourself, what do your children see when they watch how their parents relate to one another on a daily "normal" basis? Is it loving and warm? Or is it icy and dismissive? Is it acts of helpfulness and caring? Or is it argumentative and sarcastic? Do they bawlk that Valentine's is just a Hallmark holiday? Or do they say "This is the high holiday of love and I embrace showing my love!"
Forget about sitting your daughters down in highschool and having the "you should find someone who treats your right" talk. She has long made up her mind up about how people should treat her from watching how you and your partner treated each other.
This Valentine's Day think of the kids and show them the relationship you would want for them. Show them respect, appreciation, co-operation and loving kindness. Gush on Valentine's day and decide its important enough to keep up all year long. I have friends who start every day with a kiss and hug and they say to each other "I am so glad I have you - together we are better." They enjoy a slow kiss and embrace every day after work too. What a nice tradition for your kids to walk in on and have to see! I know, I know -- they'll say "Ohhh gross!" but they'll probably grow up to pick a loving life partner who is as affectionate and intimate -- and that is good parenting!
Happy Valentine's!