As parents, it can be hard to find the time to do things together without the children. While your children may be the most important people in your life, it is imperative to your relationship to find time together alone, without your children even if it’s just one day a week. There are a few ways you can plan time to spend together to bond your relationship and keep it fresh, happy and alive.
- Plan a date night. Remember how fun it was when you were dating? The relationship was fresh and all you had to worry about was each other. A date night is the perfect way to find that same relationship status when you have children. Find a babysitter for just one night a week and do the things you did on dates. Whether it’s dinner out or a movie you go see or even just a walk on the beach or in a park; these are important things you need to do with your partner, alone. If you’re short on cash perhaps you can ask a family member or in some communities you can trade date nights with friends so it doesn’t cost anyone anything but their time. As long as you have someone you trust to watch the children, you can enjoy your night out.
- Go out while they are in school or daycare. Not everyone works a five day week with weekends off. If you and your partner have a day off during the week, take that time to go out for the day while the kids are in daycare or school. You’ll still have time to catch a movie or go on a short day trip and you won’t have to find a sitter.
- Find time alone even while the kids are in the house. After the children have been put to bed, make this your alone time together. Shut the door and spend some quiet time with your partner. You may know that your children are a few feet away but as long as they tend to sleep throughout the evening, you can take that time to have quality moments together as a couple. This is ideal even if you don’t have the money for a babysitter because you don’t even have to leave your house. Some people use their pool or hot tub during this time and keep a monitor nearby or some way of knowing how the children are doing.
No matter how you arrange it, spending alone time with your spouse is important to a healthy relationship. No one says that you have to ignore your children but at least for one day a week, it can be refreshing and help your connection thrive.
