Let’s replace Valentine’s Day with Galentine’s Day already. For moms of young children, showing our romantic obligations to a partner comes on the heels of orchestrating the entire holiday season. What about showing love and appreciation for other moms and caregivers in general? Well, that’s where Galentine’s Day comes in.

Introduced to many by the show “Parks and Recreation” in 2010, Galentine’s Day falls on Feb. 13 and is a day devoted to celebrating women and friendships. This holiday has caught on in local events and inserted itself into the zeitgeist (and the Merriam-Webster dictionary as of 2018).

And the best news, it’s way easier than Valentine’s Day. 

Yes, we’re busy doing absolutely everything, but just a simple text to a new parent or striking up a conversation at a kids’ event can make a difference.

According to local mental health counselor Tiffany Lowther of Lowther Counseling Services in Audubon Park, moms — especially new parents — constantly struggle with feelings of inadequacy, loss of identity and feeling a lack of support. Constant comparisons also tell us we need to look like we have it together. Instead let’s be vulnerable, honest and the change we want to see.

If you’re able to support other moms, that’s great! You are vital to our community. If you’re in a place of need, this is a reminder to be kind to yourself and ask for help. 

In the spirit of Galentine’s Day, make time this month to support other parents in the struggle with love and kindness. Bonus: You’re modeling kindness to your kids. As for Valentine’s Day itself, a heart-shaped pizza from Pizzeria Del-Dio never hurts.  

Here are some events that can bring us together this February. Many of these are recurring, so you can make it a regular thing, and some are outdoors.  

Recurring: 

Wednesdays at 9 a.m. — Baby & Me at Orlando Rep 

Wednesdays at 2 p. m. — Kids Play & Create at OCLS Downtown

Saturdays at 11 a.m. — Family Storytime at OCLS Downtown

Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. — Storytime at Joybird Books

This month:

Friday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. — TeaTime Dance Party with Mr. Richard at Infusion Tea 

Saturday, Feb. 4, noon­­­­­­ – 5 p.m. — Collective Corner Galentine’s Pop-Up Market at Succulent Empire 

Monday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. — Leu Gardens Storytime 

Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. — Orlando Philharmonic Symphony Storytime at The Plaza Live OrlandoPhil.org/symphony-storytime 

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 – 5 p.m. — Mega Pop-Up Market at The House on Lang AND Quantum Leap Winery Eventbrite.com/e/mega-pop-up-market-at-the-house-on-lang-and-quantum-leap-winery-registration-322477688447?aff=ebdsoporgprofile  

Sunday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. — Orlando Philharmonic Symphony Storytime at The Plaza Live 

Sunday, Feb. 12, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Mennello Museum’s Free Family Funday MennelloMuseum.org/education-programs/ongoing-programs  

Monday, Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m. — Mama Gansa at OCLS Downtown

Monday, Feb. 13, 6 – 10 p.m. — Galentine’s Day Market Party 

Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. — Story Stroll at Orlando Rep OrlandoRep.com/show/story-stroll 

Sunday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m. — Yoga with PLAYologist Yolonda at OCLS 

Monday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. — Mama Gansa at OCLS Downtown