3 Reminders for Parents on Dates
Last week, Leah and I got to go on a date. In fact, it was a big date…we stayed overnight in a hotel and everything! (When you have kids, this qualifies as a big deal.)
Sometimes, husbands and wives give up “dating” when they have children. There is so much going on in life that those evenings away–just one-on-one–seem to be put on the backburner. However, it is precisely because you are so busy that you need those times.
They do not have to be anything big and fancy. Just a dinner out or even a picnic in the park makes for a great evening and much-needed time with one another. But, because so many parents struggle, let me give three reminders for these times.
Do Something Where You Can Communicate
Of course, dinner is a great choice here, but it is tempting to finally have time to check texts or social media since you’ve been taking care of kids constantly. Don’t fall for that temptation!
This is time for talking about issues, both small and big. It is time for listening and connecting on major decisions or catching up on dreams, victories, and defeats.
It’s fine to go to a movie or play, but make sure you carve out time during your date to do some activity where you can spend time talking and listening. You may just find it was your favorite part of the date!
Remember to be Romantic
Remember romance? Remember wearing something special, or buying a very inexpensive but meaningful gift? Remember holding hands? Remember that “stolen” peck on the cheek?
When you take that special person on a date, remember to do those things. Husbands, open the car door for her. Open doors to restaurants or stores. Ladies, wear something that you like, but also that he thinks is special. Maybe wear a favorite perfume or a piece of jewelry he bought you years ago.
You don’t have to be “all over each other,” but just walking hand-in-hand and enjoying the romance together is so important to connecting again.
Talk About Your Next Date
One thing that might seem unromantic when you are married and have children is that you often have to “schedule” dates, sometimes even weeks in advance.
That can also be super exciting, though, because you can think about plans for future dates. Did you like this restaurant? Is there a movie or activity coming to the area that you’d like to see together? On the flipside, is there something coming up that is going to take away from times when you could date (vacation, business trips, etc.)?
You don’t have to have every detail planned, but just knowing that it’s on each other’s mind is very reassuring and it adds to the excitement of the next time you two crazy kids get away together!
Most of all, have fun. After all, you are married and this is your time to reconnect and enjoy one another!
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
