Family Dinner Love for Valentine's Day

This year, Valentine's Day is on the most un-romantic day of the week--Monday. But if you have kids at home, it's a good excuse to make this Valentine's Day a family affair. Family dinner is the ultimate big hug to give to your loved ones. 

Here's a round up of some great Valentine's Day recipes that are easy enough for a weeknight treat. (See also a "vintage" eatdinner post:  We "Heart" Family Dinners and be sure to schedule a date night over the weekend!)

Some favorite Valentine's Day links and recipes:

Create Holiday Traditions, Valentine's Day edition, Kristin Uhrenholdt The Family Dinner Cookbook Blog. 02.08.11

I Heart You Fresh Strawberry Smoothie for Kids by Kathy Patalsky on The Family Kitchen, Babble, 02.11.11

Dessert (For Breakfast or Dinner!) Strawberry Shortcake Waffles from The Naptime Chef on The Family Kitchen, Babble, 02.11.11

Naturally Sweet DYI Valentines from One Hungry Mama, 02.06.11 (She's got other great treats too in Valentine's section.

Valentine's Day WITHOUT Food Coloring, The Jolly Tomato 02.10.11

Mothers and Meals: Attitude Makes a Difference

Research finding: Mom's attitude towards family dinner makes a difference. When mothers care about family meals, and take time to plan, shop and prepare for them, older kids and teens care about family meals too and are more likely to participate. Appetite, Sept 2010

Reality Check: Mom can set the priority, but she doesn't have to do all the work. Get Dad involved in the cooking or shopping and get the kids to help prep, cook, or clean up.

A common negative attitude was the time pressure associated with making family meals. More planning and organization can help ease this pressure and make family meals easier to accomplish. Easier said than done, of course (!), but try weekly menu planning so that nightly dinner is a less of a scramble.