We all know the struggles after being married for some years and laying down some roots. Trying to spend quality time with your spouse while having children may seem impossible. Some people may believe that after having your bundle of joy that the enjoyment of being married and going out will stop. Moms or dads may feel that they are selfish to plan a date and ask a trusted someone to babysit. These are all valid feelings and emotions. However, please note that it is very important to make time for yourselves as husband and wife and continue to build on your bond in this new light.
Before the Prenuptials
It was all about the connection and getting to know one another. You were so excited about what restaurant you might get to experience together, what movie you both might get to enjoy, and where the next adventure might lead you. All these moments gave you butterflies and the excitement never went lack. When you felt deep down in your heart that you found that special person you couldn't stop thinking about them. They were the first person on your mind when you woke and most often the last person on your mind before you went to sleep. It was all about spending quality and valuable time with your special someone, while thinking that this is the one.
It is time to take this same concept prior to marriage, tweak it, and apply it to your new life. It is realistic to know that dating one another in a role of marriage and children may look a bit different. However, dating your spouse with children is possible. Studies show that dating your spouse has a positive effect on marriages. We all love our family's and incorporating this mindset can give hope to a happy marriage.
Ideas For An Outing Date With Your Spouse
First thing first, find yourself a trusted babysitter. For those that have close family and friends that live nearby, this shouldn't be a huge problem for you. However, if you are a couple that live in a city or town without loved ones, there are trusted services that you can use to plan your special day out. One in particular is using services from care.com. You can check out their reviews which are outstanding. Below are a few ideas to get out of the house and away from the kids.
Indulge on your favorite foods at a fancy restaurant-When you have children this doesn't happen very often. Make it a night that your taste buds will remember. Also, if you are not into "fancy" that is ok. The goal is to go out to dinner and enjoy some good food.
Go out to a movie/or theatre- Most of the time when you have a family, going to the theatre consists of your children picking the movie. This is a great opportunity to see a movie that is not so kid related.
Picnic at a park or by a lake-Grab your blanket, picnic basket, and enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the scenery.
Wine tasting-This is a fun yet settled way to enjoy one another's company while taking home your favorite wine.
Explore a new museum-Get artistic and explore a new museum while you look through the eyes of others.
Go on a walk downtown-Imagine taking a beautiful day holding hands and exploring your city while going into different shops and seeing what they may offer. Such a great way to continue bonding and learning about your city.
Weekend Getaway-Pick a location that you both will enjoy. This could be a busy city, a laid back beach scenery, or somewhere in the mountains or woods. Whatever is your niche, enjoy.
Bed and Breakfast-This is a great opportunity to have someone else spoil you while you get to relax a little.
Ideas For An At Home Date With Your Spouse
A good rule of thumb to have a successful date at home with your spouse is to make sure your children have something they can be engaged with. Also, depending on what you are planning and how old your children are the activity could happen after the kids bedtime. Although there is a good chance that your date might be interrupted at some point, it could be minimized if you plan accordingly. Below are a few ideas for an in-home date with your spouse.
A nice dinner for two-You can be creative and partner together to make dinner for a special bonding time. If you do not want to be in the kitchen then bring in a chef that can make dinner for you. There is always take out as well. The key to make it feel a little more special is to set the table with some candles.
Picnic in the backyard-If you can't leave the house how about having a picnic in your own backyard. Lay out the blanket under a tree and still enjoy one another's company. If you don't have a backyard but are able to take advantage of your patio, then make it happen.
Movie Night-Send the kids to the room and snuggle up on the couch together while watching a movie that you both are excited about.
Game Night-This is a great way to bond and have a little fun just by playing some old fashion games. Game ideas such as Guess Who, Connect 4, Truth or Dare, or even Tic Tac Toe may get your giggles and smiles going.
Get To It
While these are wonderful ideas to keep the connection going in your marriage, it doesn't take away that your family as a whole is a unit and important. We want to remember that being creative and finding ways to still date is just as important as getting up, going to work, and providing for the family. It is a much needed connection that husbands and wives should work to incorporate in their new lives. So why not look at your spouse and have that same feeling you had before the "I do's" and think about what can be done to continue the butterflies.
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