If you’re a parent, you probably did something special on Valentine’s Day to show your children how much you love them. Sometimes those little reminders go by the wayside the rest of the year. Here are some simple ways to keep that message alive all year long:

• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make their toast or sandwich.

• Tuck a love note into their backpack. Write a short note or draw a smiley face on a napkin and put it in their lunch box. Slide the note under their dinner plate or place it under their pillow.

• Give your child coupons redeemable for things like a half hour of your undivided attention, their favorite dinner, playing a board game with them, etc. Send your child on a scavenger hunt around the house to find those coupons.

• Write a letter to your child and mail it. Children rarely receive mail so when they do it’s special (e.g. Dear________________________, I was just thinking about you and what I was thinking is you are so__________ . Love, ___________ ).

• Hang a calendar above your child's bed. Each day write one thing one positive thing about your child or one positive behavior your child did. At bedtime you share what was written. It sets a positive tone and it's much easier for both child and parents to fall asleep knowing the day ended on a positive note.

Don’t leave behind showing love to your children with Valentine’s Day. Make it a part of your everyday routine.

For more information on Pam Dyson and her services, please visit www.pamdyson.com