When you have kids, even just one, it can be difficult to keep the romance alive. Not only is it a challenge to find time alone with your honey, you have to worry about your kids interrupting. If you are looking for some realistic ways to sneak the romance back in, read the suggestions below. The good news is it's easier than you think!
Schedule It In
As unromantic as scheduling romance might sound, it is an excellent way to keep romance alive. There are many ways you can schedule in your romance—you could wake up before the kids, or spend your time together after they are asleep, you could plan a date night once a week or once a month, and you can capitalize on the times when your kids are out with friends or doing extracurricular activities. The key to this method is to commit to the schedule—no rescheduling allowed.
Date During The Day
For worry-free time alone, schedule a day off together during the week. If a full day is hard to manage, schedule a half day or an extended lunch. This will give you both uninterrupted time together and is a nice change of pace from the daily grind.
Swap Date Nights With Other Parents
Take advantage of neighbors with kids the same age or the parents of your children's friends by offering to swap date nights. While you can of course hire a babysitter to get some time away, you are then required to get out of the house—which is of course nice but limits intimacy. Instead, talk with other parents to see if you can take turns babysitting or having slumber parties in which the childless set of parents can enjoy an evening to themselves.
Creative Babysitting
When you were single and went on vacation, romance was always on the list of things to do, however with kids it's even more difficult to squeeze in. On your next vacation see if you can fit a babysitter in the budget, even if their payment only covers their travel and entertainment expenses. You can have your babysitter take the kids to the beach, pool, or to a local attraction while you enjoy some time alone.
If that won't work, ask your babysitter to take your kids out of the house—this may work better if you meet them somewhere like a playground or movie theater. Or see if the kids can go to your babysitter's house while you have a few hours alone.
If your babysitter is willing to stay the entire night, rent a hotel for the evening, order room service, and come home early the next morning.
Don't Forget Romantic Gestures
Even with these suggestions, it can be difficult to schedule large amounts of quality alone time. In between your date nights don't forget the importance of romantic gestures. This could be sending flowers, writing a poem, giving a card for no reason, sending an "I'm thinking of you" text, or cooking (or ordering) your loved one's favorite dinner. Also, take things off your loved one's plate when they are stressed, make time to snuggle, hug, and kiss, and don't forget to tell them how much you love them.
Don't feel guilty or selfish setting aside time alone with your spouse and away from the kids. When you take the time to recharge, refresh, and reconnect with your spouse you will not only teach your children the importance of balance, you will be a happier and healthier parent.
This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, health-fanatic, mother of two and die-hard romantic. If you’re looking for a more classic, “behind closed doors” approach to romance, Samantha recommends looking into Lupo Lingerie.
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