Community Corner
Moms Talk: Rekindling the Romance
In our first Moms Talk Q&A, Kennesaw moms discuss how they'll be celebrating this Valentine's Day.
Moms Talk is a new feature on Kennesaw Patch that is part of a new initiative on our Patch sites to reach out to moms and families. Kennesaw Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Kennesaw.
Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.
Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of other issues that arise while raising children.
Find out what's happening in Kennesawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Moms Talk will also be the place to drop in for a talk about the latest parenting hot topic. Do you know of local moms raising their children in the Tiger Mother's way? Where can we get information on local flu shot clinics for children? How do we talk to our children about the Tucson shootings? How can we help our children's schools weather their budget cutbacks?
So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from our panel.
Find out what's happening in Kennesawwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Today's Topic: What are your ideas for reconnecting with your favorite Valentine?
Do you feel guilty about spending time with your spouse without your kids? Maybe our readers have some thoughts to share about ways to include time with your kids in a family celebration, while still making time for yourself as a couple.
What can you do to make your honey’s day special, even with tight economic considerations? Heard of any great deals around Kennesaw? Are you staying in for a romantic dinner for two, or getting a sitter and painting the town red?
Maybe you could plan a Valentine’s babysitting co-op with another couple. They could host your kids Friday night, and you could take their kids on Saturday night. Your evening out wouldn’t break the bank, and you both get time with your partner.
Have a more non-traditional Valentine’s celebration in mind? Share your connection secrets and creative ideas with our readers.
~Kristi Vinson, Moms Talk Moderator
Members of the Kennesaw Patch Moms Council weigh in on today's discussion:
Kristi Vinson: This year, consider treating your hubby or significant other to something a little different, in lieu of expecting something for yourself. The reward may rekindle long lost passion for the both of you.
Here are a few ideas. This week, begin to leave some sweet notes in your hubby’s lunch, briefcase or on his dashboard. Tell him something positive he does for you or a special way he makes you feel.
Make an official sacrifice (even after the Super Bowl) and suggest watching his favorite T.V. show.
When he asks where you’d like to go for dinner, tell him you were thinking about just ordering in and spending time focused on him. Hand him the phone number to his favorite Chinese or pizza takeout.
Pick up a copy of a book you know he’s wanted to read. Change the blade in his razor or fix his favorite dessert. There are a million little gestures you can do to show him how you feel.
When the big day arrives, put on some lipstick and kiss the bathroom mirror. Leave a lipstick note beside your lip imprint. Write something you haven’t told him in years.
You may be surprised by how genuinely amorous he feels after remembering just why he picked you to be his soul mate.
(Read more of Kristi Vinson's Valentine's tips .)
Vanessa Aguilar: I have never been one for the stress of Valentines. I remember being in school and the thought of whether or not I would get a flower made me unable to concentrate at school. Why is there only one day a year to show your love?
Regardless, we grow up with the romantic idea of Valentine ’s Day. When I was older and noticing how much my boyfriend (now husband) was spending on flowers, I realized that Valentines is not about what you receive but who you receive it from. So, after that I told my boyfriend at the time (now husband) that creativity is the key to Valentine’s Day.
So, every year after that we forced each other to do something special for the other one that does not necessarily involve money. It could be making coffee for me in the morning, bringing home take-out so I do not have to cook or remembering to change the light bulb that has been out for months.
To me, these thing have more meaning because it means your partner listens and understands you and is there to have your back.
Everyone is different and has different need for Valentine’s Day. Listen and know your partner and what Valentines means to them and you will never go wrong!
Dayna Contreras: I'm not feeling very romantic this year. The economy has us feeling practical and not in the way of splurging. However, this topic has me thinking about how truly practical I can be this Valentine's Day by having fun.
The kids always like a good scavenger hunt, so this year the kids and I will create a scavenger hunt for my husband. The kids will help guide him to his destination. Each step will include a heart with hints as to where to go next. He'll find me wrapped up at the end of the hunt while our favorite song is playing in the background. We'll all dance with glee, then enjoy some flower frosted cupcakes together.
We do enjoy each other but feel strongly about including the whole family. Any holiday is for the family, even if it is Valentine's Day. Sorry all you romantics.