Once you have kids, it certainly does change things-especially when it comes to Valentine's Day. What used to be a day for romantic dinners and cuddling by the fire is now about showing your kids how much you adore them. There are plenty of fun, easy ways to make your children feel the love this Valentine's Day. Here are just a few ideas. Who says parties are just for birthdays? Make Valentine's Day special for your kids by setting up a surprise party when they are at school.

Don't spare any details to make the event unforgettable. Party City has a great selection of Valentine's Day themed plates, cups, and other decorations to spruce up the room. Decorate with pink and red streamers and heart-shaped balloons for this festive occasion. And for dinner, serve up a variety of pink and red dishes, like pancakes made from pink batter and fresh-cut strawberries, or even some spaghetti and marinara sauce.

There is no reason to keep all of the joyous emotions within your immediate family. What better way to teach your children to do nice things for others than by having them make some handmade Valentines for patients at the local nursing home or children's hospital? Go a step further by having them pick out something special for their own grandparents, like one of FTD.com's Valentine's Day gifts (the bamboo hearts are a stunner!), to show them how much they care.

Even though it's traditionally a day for couples, Valentine's Day is even better spent with the whole family. Who wants to wait for hours to eat an overpriced steak anyway? Instead, have your kids pick what they want to do and just go along for the ride. Suggest options like the children's museum or an ice skating rink. Whatever they decide, let the activity be about the memories your family makes together. If you want to make it even more fun, get your kids some Valentine's Day t-shirts