If you’re a parent, chances are you know how difficult it is to keep the romance alive in your relationship when tending to someone else’s needs 24/7. Especially in those first few years when your little ones demand so much of your mental, physical, and emotional energy, at the end of the day you just have nothing left to give to anyone.
The Gottman Institute is a group of therapists and researchers dedicated to combining wisdom from research and practice to support and strengthen marriages, families, and relationships. Their research found that within three years of the birth of a child, approximately two-thirds of couples find that the quality of their relationship declines. And within five years of the birth of a first child, 13% of marriages end in divorce.
Don’t let these stats scare you, let them inspire you! Yes, relationships are hard work. And parenting does make them harder. But with a little intentionality and consistency, small steps can go a long way to keep your relationship healthy and thriving.
Enter, parents date night.
Research from the National Marriage Project state a few benefits to couples who commit to regular date nights:
- Communication- “…date nights should foster much-needed communication, mutual understanding, and a sense of communion between spouses or partners.”
- Novelty – “By contrast, a growing body of research suggests that couples who engage in novel activities that are fun, active, or otherwise arousing—from hiking to dancing to travel to card games—enjoy higher levels of relationship quality.”
- Eros – “Insofar as date nights allow couples to focus on their relationship, to share feelings, to engage in romantic activities with one another, and to try new things, date nights may strengthen or rekindle that romantic spark that can be helpful in sustaining the fires of love over the long haul.”
- Commitment- “Date nights may solidify an expectation of commitment among couples by fostering a sense of togetherness, by allowing partners to signal to one another—as well as friends and family—that they take their relationship seriously, and by furnishing them with opportunities to spend time with one another, to communicate, and to enjoy fun activities together.”
- De-stress- “Stress is one of the biggest threats to a strong marriage or relationship.”
In the words of Kenickie Murdoch, “the rules are the ain’t no rules” EXCEPT to make date nights a priority and to stick to it.
What is doable for you and your partner? Once a week? Twice a month? Whatever you can do, stick to it. But let’s talk about the fun stuff. Date night ideas! I understand so well how difficult it is to come up with ideas when you’re exhausted from parenting and sometimes you might not be able to find sitters or you might be on a budget.
Here are a few date night ideas for going out and staying in.
First, learn more about each other! Read the 5 Love Languages or find a book on the Enneagram to learn more about how you and your partner operate. What makes you feel loved? How do you like to show love? What are your motivations? Knowing these things about each other makes a HUGE difference in how you interact on a daily basis.
Date Night Ideas for Parents (With a Little One in Tow)
Coming up with a date night when you’re kid free can be easy, but finding something you can do with a little one in tow (maybe you’re breastfeeding, maybe you’re not ready to leave them at home) can be tricky.
Two essentials:
- Baby Carrier
- A Stroller
Babywearing will allow you to go almost anywhere with your little one in tow while still connecting with your partner.
But for the moments where you want a little break and you’d like to be more distraction free with your partner, putting your baby in a stroller is a great way to have your little one entertained so you and your partner can connect.
The Metro+ Stroller is a must-have for parents because it’s the most comfortable compact stroller on the market! What’s the big deal about compact strollers? The Metro+ is so compact and lightweight, you can take them ANYWHERE! Restaurants? ✓ Airplanes? ✓ The backseat of your car? ✓ Date night? ✓ ✓
Metro+ offers an excellent set of features that gives you compact comfort and quality.
Things you can do with your partner (and your baby):
- Bowling
- Mini Golfing
- Go on a picnic
- See a matinee movie (Trust me on this. When your little ones sleep through anything in those early months, you can sneak into mid day movies that no one is at and enjoy a movie and popcorn together!)
- Walk / Hike
Date Night Ideas for Parents Staying In
Date Night Ideas for Parents Staying InIf you’re not ready to leave the house or grandma isn’t available to watch the kids, don’t fret. You can still make connecting with your spouse a priority!
Your “date night in” bestie? The Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer!
Evolve Bouncer is there for the moments you need for you. When you can’t have your little one safe in your arms – this is another safe place for them. The supportive newborn insert cradles the baby from head to hips and the natural rocking motions soothes and entertains little ones while you and your partner have some fun!
Here are a few date night at home ideas:
- Movie night at home. Pop the popcorn, douse it in butter, get all your favorite treats and snuggle up on the couch.
- Cook together! Some places are offering online cooking classes (you can take some great ones on Masterclass) and it’s a great opportunity to learn something new together and have fun making your meal.
- Play Games – Some favorites include Scrabble, Battleship, Monopoly Deal, or a good ol fashioned card game.
- Indoor Picnic – Throw a blanket down on the floor, light some candles, and have a picnic right in your living room or back yard!
A few extra resources:
If you’re looking for more help with getting creative with your date nights, these resources are so fun to spark conversation and create memories together.
Adventure Challenge (This company has fun ideas for couples, couples in bed, families, and even friends!)
