Conclusion: It’s About Time – Making “Us” Time a Priority

We’ve shared our favorite couple things to do when you don’t have your kids, drawn from our own hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes clumsy experiences. Remember, it is not just about the activities themselves. It is about making the time and space to reconnect with your partner and remember who you are as individuals and as a couple beyond your roles as parents.

Life gets crazy, especially with kids. Days blur into weeks, weeks into months. Before you know it, you are staring at each other across a pile of unfolded laundry, wondering when you last had a real conversation. Trust me, we were there. It is easy to let the spark fade when you are exhausted, overwhelmed, and covered in spit-up. According to a study by the Gottman Institute, a staggering 67% of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction after the birth of their first child. That is a huge number! But it does not have to be that way. It will not be that way.

Think of your relationship like a garden. You cannot just plant it and forget about it. You need to water it, nurture it, and give it the attention it needs to thrive. Date nights, even simple ones at home, are like sunshine and water for your relationship. They are essential for keeping the connection alive and strong. They are essential.

The Little Things Add Up: It is not just about grand gestures or elaborate getaways. Sometimes, the little things that make the most significant difference are the things that make the most difference. A stolen kiss in the kitchen. A text message tha says, “I’m thinking of you.” A hand squeeze during a stressful moment. These small acts of love and appreciation can go a long way in keeping the flame alive. We make a point of saying “I love you” every day, even when we are rushing out the door. It is a small thing, but it matters. It truly does.

It Is an Investment, Not an Expense. We know what you are thinking. “Date nights are expensive! Babysitters are expensive!” And yes, sometimes they are. But think of it as an investment in your relationship, in your happiness, and the well-being of your family. A strong, healthy relationship between parents creates a more stable and loving environment for children. It is a win-win! When we are happier, our kids are happier.

Beyond the Date: Keeping the Spark Alive Everyday Date nights are fantastic, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. To truly nurture your relationship, you need to make an effort every day. Here are a few things that have worked for us:

• Communication is Key: We have at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted conversation every day. No phones, no TV, just us talking about our day, our thoughts, our feelings.
• Show Appreciation: We make a point of saying “thank you” for the little things, like making coffee in the morning or taking out the trash. It is easy to take these things for granted, but expressing gratitude goes a long way.
• Physical Touch: A hug, a kiss, a hand on the back – these small gestures can make a big difference in maintaining intimacy and connection. We make physical touch a regular part of our day, even when we are busy.
• Shared Interests: We make an effort to find activities we both enjoy, whether it is hiking, cooking, or just watching our favorite show together. Having shared interests helps us to bond and create new memories.
• Continued Growth: We encourage each other to pursue individual interests and passions. It is essential to have your own life outside of relationships and family. Personal growth and fulfillment contribute to a healthier, more dynamic relationship.

It Is a Journey, not a Destination

Rediscovering romance after kids is not always easy. There will be bumps along the road. There will be times when you are too tired, too stressed, or too overwhelmed to even think about planning a date night. And that is okay. Be kind to yourselves. Be patient with each other.

Remember that building a strong and loving relationship is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to keep showing up for each other, even when things get tough. There will be good days and bad days. But as long as you are committed to nurturing your connection, your love will continue to grow and flourish. You will make it!

So, go ahead. Schedule that date night. Plan that getaway. Take a few moments to connect with your partner today. You deserve it. Your relationship deserves it. Your family deserves it. And trust us, the effort is worth it. The spark is still there, waiting to be rekindled. You need to give yourselves the gift of time, the most precious gift of all, when you have a busy family life. Now go out there and rediscover the magic of “us”! You will not regret it, we promise. And hey, if all else fails, there is always that bottle of wine and a good movie waiting for you after the kids are in bed. Cheers to love, laughter, and finding your way back to each other!