For those in a relationship, Valentine’s is a day to prove how much you love your significant other by spending a ridiculous amount of money on a nice supper out, jewelry, candy and flowers. For the bitter singles, it’s a day to get plastered and complain about how stupid Valentine’s Day is. It’s a day where grand romantic gestures are made and rejected. People either love it, hate it, or don’t really give a shit.
But what about those of you with kids (and no babysitter)? If you aren’t going to get your romantic evening alone with your loved one, or get drunk with other single friends, what can you do in Brandon with your kids? Unfortunately, there are not many events that cater to families, as there are not many Valentine’s events in Brandon at all, aside from restaurants holding special (and expensive) dinners. So, what can you do?
In terms of events, Brandon Pride is holding an all ages trivia night at Prairie Firehouse from 6:00pm—9:00pm on the 14th. According to the Facebook event it will be all ages, with board games and trivia, and booze for those over 18. It is a free event, and there are free nachos and pop! The trivia portion of the night begins at 7:00pm and teams are limited to six people. There will also be goodie bags for sale, and a door prize from Smitten (that may or may not be appropriate for children). Chili Chutney has a Valentine’s Day Dinner from 4:30-9 that they note is child friendly. Other restaurants in town are also an option but be sure to make a reservation. But what if your kid is a picky eater? What if you don’t want to drop a ton of money to take them for a supper they won’t eat anyway?
Some other options are making your own traditions. Take this as an opportunity to teach your kids about the birds and the bees. I mean, sex is everywhere on Valentine’s Day, so it’s a great day to explain it to your kids! In all seriousness, Valentine’s Day is a great family day. Spend it watching movies and ordering pizza. Let them show you the five million Valentine’s they got at school. If it isn’t as cold as Antarctica, go tobogganing or skating. Create home-made Valentine’s. Make Valentine’s Day a day that the whole family looks forward to, at least until the kids are old enough to start dating, or finally move out so you can bring the romance back into Valentine’s Day, or the drinking.
A hundred years ago, and before Hallmark created the Valentine’s Day we know, what would families have done with their kiddos on Valentine’s Day? Probably left them home alone to fend for themselves, while the parents went out. There was no way they could take all 15 children to the local pub. Actually, Mom probably got ditched at home too while dad blew his earnings on booze. How romantic.
Is Valentine’s Day always going to be a non-romantic day if you have kids and no babysitter? I mean, some parents may think that it is a good thing, but others just want a little romance or time with friends bashing the holiday. Good news! By 2040, every home will have robots to watch the children, for free! No babysitter? No worries! Rosie the robot maid will gladly (by gladly, I mean she has no choice, she’s a robot after all) watch the kids while you go out!