We all know that once we become parents, trying to find the time to date your spouse gets pushed to the back burner. Let’s face it, nothing is easy anymore, but trying to go out on a date – forget it! We are often so consumed by our parenting duties that we lose sight of our relationship with our spouse. We sometimes need to remind ourselves just how important it is to continue to date our spouse. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
Many challenges get in the way of having that much-needed alone time we desire with our partner. Finding a babysitter, making the time, having enough energy, and everything is just so expensive. So how do we break away from the cycle? How do we make an effort to continue to date our spouse?
Let me introduce you to the concept of home dates! A great way to keep your relationship exciting and fresh when your life is all about the kids is to create fun activities you can do from the comfort of your home.
Here are some ideas on how to date your spouse without leaving your home:
Learn a new recipe together
If you’re anything like me, you tend to cook the same dinners over and over again week after week. This can get tedious after a while. Change things up a bit by finding a new recipe that looks appetizing for both of you and cook it together. You can light some candles and listen to some music to help with the ambiance. If you both enjoy the meal, you can add it to your weekly spread and even introduce it to your kids.
Game night
Break out the board games because it is on! A little friendly competition between you and your partner is a fun way to remind the two of you of those pre-baby days. You can play a game you’re both familiar with or you can try a new one.
Discover a new language
Learning a new language is a valuable skill that you can have fun doing together. The two of you can practice together and encourage one another to not give up when you’re getting frustrated. Duolingo is a great app you can download for free.
Paint night
Several companies out there offer home paint nite kits, so you have quite a few options to choose from. Painting kits are mailed directly to your house making it super convenient and less stressful. It is very easy to go to a website, choose whichever image you’d like to paint, download the lesson, and paint away.
Casting
Watch a comedy special or start a new show that you only watch with each other. With so many streaming platforms out there, the options are endless. This will give you both something to look forward to doing together regularly. It can also lead to you discussing topics and storylines from the show that could lead to more significant conversations you thought you might never have. I highly recommend Ted Lasso on Apple TV+, Only Murders in the Building on Hulu, The Righteous Gemstones on Max, or Baby J a stand-up special by John Mulaney on Netflix.
Hang out doing a hobby
Enjoy something that you love to do, just in each other’s company. For example, my husband and I will sit at our kitchen table together and stream a movie or show on our tablet. Something we’ve already seen just for background noise. I’ll do a puzzle and he’ll build a Lego set. We’ll talk about anything, everything, or nothing at all. It’s a lovely way to be in each other’s presence while still engaging in a solo activity.
“Drive-in” movie
Lay a blanket down in your yard and watch a new movie on your tablet while enjoying your favorite movie-themed snack. You could also grab that very same tablet, place it on the dash and stream something while sitting in your car. That will give you that natural drive-in feeling.
Spa night
Find your favorite pajamas and unwind. Rubbing each other’s hands and feet or giving one another a neck and back massage is a great way to help your partner relax. You could also do a facial exfoliant followed by a cooling mask or take a relaxing bath together (if you have a large enough tub). Don’t forget to play some soft music and light some candles to help set the mood. Add a charcuterie board or a fruit plate for a delicious treat and you’re in for a relaxing evening of self-care with your spouse.
Date night doesn’t always have to mean going out. You and your spouse can have a blast without ever having to leave your house. It just takes a little planning, some effort, and all the kids the be fast asleep!
