Dear CDA Families,
February is more than just hearts and cards, it’s a special time to focus on the everyday moments we share with our family, friends, neighbors, and even with ourselves. It’s in the way we show up, listen, offer a helping hand, or simply sit together in silence.
This month let’s celebrate all the ways love shows up in our lives, through care, kindness, connection, and presence.
Love Starts at Home
Home is the first place we learn how to give and receive love. You don’t need anything fancy to show your family they’re loved. A warm meal, a bedtime story, or an “I’m proud of you” goes a long way.
Try this:
- Let your child pick the family activity for the evening.
- Share what you love about each other over a meal.
- Leave kind notes on the fridge or include in lunchboxes.
- Create a “kindness card” together and give it to a neighbor.
- Say “I love you” in small ways: “I’m so glad you’re here,” or “You matter to me.”
Self-Love Matters Too
Taking care of yourself is part of caring for others. When we slow down and give ourselves patience, rest, and kindness, we are better able to show up for our families and communities.
Simple ways to practice self-love:
- Start your day with a few quiet minutes, maybe no phone, just you and your breath.
- Write one thing you’re proud of each day.
- Say something kind to yourself.
- Take a walk, stretch, or do something that makes your body feel good.
Self-love isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Our children learn by watching us. When they see us take care of ourselves, they learn to value themselves too.
Spread Love in Your Community
Community love means looking out for one another. It’s as simple as a smile to a neighbor or a small act of kindness to someone in need. Teaching our children to care about others builds compassion and connection.
Ideas to spread love:
- Share a homemade treat or card with a friend or neighbor.
- Donate toys or books you no longer need.
- Write thank-you notes to a teacher or community helper.
Family Heart Chain Activity
Cut out paper hearts and write messages of appreciation for each other. Tape them into a chain and hang them where everyone can see. Watch your “love chain” grow all month long!
Free Events & Resources
Looking for Free family-friendly events? The SD Public Library offers seasonal activities, craft workshops, and Storytime throughout the year. Visit their upcoming events calendar to find something near you.
Mark Your Calendars! The 15th Annual Love Your Heart event takes place February 9 to February 14, 2026. Love Your Heart is an annual event in which organizations from across the U.S. and Mexico join together to provide free blood pressure screenings to the public. Love Your Heart annually helps tens of thousands of people get to know their blood pressure numbers and know what they mean!
Sunday, Feb. 22 | 10 AM to 1 PM
Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone
6845 University Ave., SD, CA 92115
10 Ways to Show Love for Babies and Toddlers on Valentine’s Day.
Healthy Valentine’s Treat Recipe: Banana Split Kebabs
Looking for a fun and easy Valentine’s snack to make with your kids or loved ones? Try these simple Banana Split Kebabs, a healthier twist on a classic favorite!
You’ll need:
- Fresh strawberries
- Sliced bananas
- Pineapple chunks
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or yogurt
- Skewers
Instructions:
Thread the fruit onto the skewers in any pattern you like. Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate or yogurt. Enjoy together as a sweet and simple treat!
This February, whether you’re making big plans or simply enjoying quiet moments together, remember that love is in the little things. A kind word, a listening ear, a moment of laughter, or enjoying a treat together can go a long way.
With care,
Jennifer Ordinario
Family Resources Supervisor
Upcoming Workshops
We have FREE workshops all year round. Click the button below for more information and register today:
We’re Here to Help
For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team via the contact form on our workshops page:
