In the Know for You to Know

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Time has really flown by. It feels like yesterday we were ringing in the new year and now Valentine’s Day is almost here. With all these never ending sweets, how are you supposed to protect your child’s healthy smile?

While there are a lot of Valentine’s traditions that involve sugary candies, there are other ways to celebrate this special day.

As a Mom and pediatric dentist, I understand. We want to preserve the fun traditions, the fun foods, but with a twist. A twist that’s equally special with a little less added sugar.

In honor of Valentine’s Day I’ve put together for you some tooth friendly ideas for you to try.

Make Breakfast And Lunch Valentine’s Special

Breakfast

Jazz up their morning pancakes by adding a drop or two of red food coloring to the batter and with a cookie cutter, cut them into heart shapes.

French toast more to their liking? Cut the bread into hearts after cooking.

Bagel and cream cheese or toast part of their breakfast. Add a drop of red food coloring to their cream cheese to make it pinky-red. You can also cut their toast into hearts.

Fruit with breakfast is always great. Cut strawberries into heart shapes and serve with pancakes, or french toast, or bagels, or toast. Or prepare your child’s favorite fruits and serve them in a heart shaped bowl.

Lunch

Keep the celebration going with lunch.

They’ll be so excited when they see their heart shaped sandwich and fruit, especially if you include a hand written heart shaped note next to their plate.

On a cold and frosty Valentine’s soup hits the spot. Why not serve it in a heart shaped bowl?

Having a salad? Arrange your salad fixings in a heart shape along with your heart shaped sides.

Classroom Valentine’s

Teachers love celebrating Valentine’s Day. They always ask for the children’s (and parents) participation.

Instead of sweets like candies or cupcakes, consider Valentine’s cards with small stickers or toys, and always include one for the teacher.

Family Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s really nice to receive that heart shaped box of candy. Once the candy is gone, what is there? Celebrating Valentine’s Day is more than candy, it’s lasting memories.

Some great classic gifts are stuffed animals like teddy bears, balloons (or heart shaped bouquets), and of course flowers.

Maybe there’s a certain toy or game your child wants and has been working towards or has earned. A trip to their favorite park is always fun and great together time or family time.

How about a Valentine’s family night out? What about staying home and making some family favorites together?

However you choose to celebrate, Happy Valentine’s Day!

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? What are some of your healthier tips for Valentine’s Day? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!