Your baby has been born at the most romantic time of the year but what sort of impact will this have on you as parents and your baby?
Your holiday baby
Corinne Sweet is a relationship psychologist and had her baby two days
after Christmas so she knows all about the effects that having a baby at special times can have. “Having a baby around the ‘big’ holidays, such as Christmas can be quite difficult as everyone is wrapped up in their own celebrations and mums may find that they don’t always get the attention they need. However, a Valentine’s baby is often an extra special present, a wonderful gift between two loving partners.”
Corinne goes on to say that it is important to consider the impact on the child. “A child born on any holiday could find themselves competing against that day. It is important to keep their birthday separate. However, that child could feel special, especially if they share their name with their birthday, such as Valentine or Val.”
Debbie’s Valentine Rose
Babyworld member, Debbie, had her daughter on 14th February 2006. She called her Rosie “in honour of the day!”
Debbie chose to give birth on Valentine’s Day. “Rosie was due on 5th February but just like my other 4 pregnancies I went past my due dates. With the school holidays coming up I was very insistent that my Consultant induce me and he eventually gave in!”
Debbie’s waters were broken at 10am and she eventually went into labour at about 4 in the afternoon. Rosie arrived just two hours later and was the first Valentine’s present Sandra had ever received from her husband. “He’s not conventionally romantic but he did buy me a card for the pay-per-view tv in my hospital room and said it was a Valentine’s present. That and Rosie are about the only things he’s ever given me!”
Debbie did feel very special having a baby on Valentine’s Day. “I love telling people she’s my Valentine’s Rose. I think I mention her birthday more than I would if it was just an ordinary day and people always say ‘aaaw’ when I tell them.” Rosie will be enjoying her 2nd birthday this year and will be starting playgroup soon. Debbie can’t wait. “Rosie is really active, into everything and very independent. She’s very loving, although she does have a nasty streak!”
What the stars say
A baby born on Valentine’s Day is born under the Star sign of Aquarius. Debbie attributes Rosie’s independence to being the youngest child of five but it could also be due to her star sign.
The Aquarian baby is chatty, very bright, original and independent. She will learn things quickly and absorbs information with great energy. Because of this, she has a lot to teach his playmates. A Valentine baby can be very stubborn at times and, despite valuing the company of others, also enjoys his time alone. He can often appear detached from others but, despite appearances, is often thinking about those close to her and is extremely loyal.
Parenting a Valentine’s baby
You will quickly come to expect the unexpected where your Aquarian baby is concerned. Her individuality teamed with her strong stubborn streak means that she will certainly keep you on your toes!
Your baby’s independent nature means that she will often prefer to work out her own worries and problems, so much so that it can often be best to let her scream her way through that tantrum on her own. Her naturally creative ability should be nurtured and encouraged as the Aquarian baby can be very much into their own dream world.
A Valentine’s baby is very quick to learn but can become frustrated so the trick is to keep her occupied and stimulated. She also values her freedom and can be defiant, driving parents and playmates mad! The best way to deal with it is to be firm but fair as once your Valentine baby has an idea it will take a lot to make her change her mind.
Valentine’s Celebrities
Some famous people born on Valentine’s day include British Actress Helen Baxendale (14/02/1969) and Florence Henderson (14/02/1934) of The Brady Bunch fame. Other famous Aquarians include Justin Timberlake, John Travolta, Christina Ricci and Jerry Springer.
Whether your Aquarian baby is the next James Dean, Clarke Gable or Sheryl Crow (all Aquarians) or even Ronald Reagan or Boris Yeltsin, you can be sure that with your Valentine’s baby around, life will never be boring. Whether it’s your child’s constant chattering or stubborn stand-offs, with a little Aquarian around nothing will ever be predictable.
Corinne Sweet is a relationships psychologist with a special interest in parenting.
