File photo/Sherry DiBari

They nudge their way into tender embraces. They run fevers when you get a babysitter on Saturday night. They blow out the candles on the dinner table. And they have long since turned spur-of-the-moment get-aways and leisurely breakfasts in bed into a distant memory.

But, it turns out, your kids may actually want you to enjoy Valentine’s Day. (Of course, they would probably prefer that the celebration involve giving them toys and ice cream.)

We interviewed kids ages 4 to 11 about how they think their parents should celebrate the official holiday for romance.  Here’s a sampling of what they said:

“Maybe we could go on a family walk?”    – Maya Walker, age 6, of Towson

“Gifts for US! not you.” – Elliott Danielson, age 4, of Odenton

“… Kissing? Maybe writing notes to each other.”  – Neil Haggerty, age 6, of Catonsville

“Give me presents.” – Logan Sober, age 7, of Hampstead

“Write a handwritten letter to each other.” – Griffin Sober, age 9, of Hampstead

“I think my mom and dad should go to Broadneck Grill for breakfast in the morning because it’s my mom’s favorite breakfast restaurant. Later on, they should see a movie at a theater. Then they could go to a fancy dinner at night and send me and my brother to our best friends’ houses. They could, of course, get each other some chocolates still!” – Elizabeth Shafer, age 9, of Arnold

“Go on vacation to that place in the mountains and give each other Valentine invitations.” – Kellen Keys, age 4, of Catonsville

“After dinner… strawberries with chocolate.”  – Zachary Sealfon, age 7, of Mt. Airy

“Go to the beach. Isn’t that what we did last year?” – Ryan Sealfon, age 9, of Mt. Airy

File photo/Fran Gardler

“Are you going to give something to me and Zach and Ryan? Skylanders?”  – Scott Sealfon, age 5, of Mt. Airy

“They should give me chocolate candy.”  – Sara Younts, age 11, of Marriottsville

“Make a card and maybe a little bit of a present.” – Aydan Attenborough, age 8, of Ellicott City

“Make chocolates for each other.” –  Ellie Cooper, age 9, Catonsville

“Give each other cards with money in them. They should give their kids cards with money in them too.”  – Jonah Cooper, age 6, Catonsville

“Have dinner at Chick-fil- A…’cause they have good nuggets and a play area.” – Connor O’Brien, age 5, Lothian (guess he thinks he’s going too.)

“Have dinner at whatever place y’all just went to last year …’cause they had the spicy chicken y’all liked.” – Kaylee O’Brien, age 8, Lothian

Oh, and my 7-year-old son’s suggestion: “Do smoochie, smoochie.”

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Here are some more thoughts from students at St. John’s Day School in Ellicott City

Mommy should put her hair up.   Caroline, age 4,   Columbia
Mom should give me a present.   Nicholas, age 5,   Columbia
Take me to a restaurant.   Fredis, age,  Pikesville
Wash their hands.  Sam, age 4,  Ellicott City
Make a love cake.  Hannah, age 4, Columbia
Go on another honeymoon.  Charlotte, age 10,  Columbia
Do my homework for me.  Ethan, age 10, Columbia
My Dad should buy my Mom chocolate. Molly, age 10,   Catonsville
This is awkward.  Brendan, age 8,   Columbia
Go out somewhere without me and my brother.   Laila, age 8,   Woodstock
Go out to a special place to dance.   MacKenzie, age 11,  Columbia