Guest Author - Paula Petrie

Time restrictions, exhaustion and financial priorities keep parents from kicking up their heels. Parents often view dating as having been there and done that; living as just “married parents” 24/7.

Couples, husbands in particular, worry about holding on to intimacy after the children come along. Yet to enjoy true intimacy couples need to stay connected. To keep a relationship strong and healthy, to keep the mystery which we all still hold alive, it is important to keep dating and getting to know your husband. This guarantees your relationship will stay fresh. Sure a tiring week and a house full of kids seem like big obstacles, but with an open attitude and a lighthearted spirit they really don’t have to be obstacles at all.

To plan a Friday night date, first you have to make arrangements for the kids. Depending on the age, your date could start after they have gone to bed or maybe you need to rent or buy them a movie or video game and some easy snacks. Prearrange a time with your husband so the kid’s movie isn’t half over before he is even out of the shower. Pre-plan your date. Remember some dates will go off without a hitch, but occasionally others will probably need to be cut short or altered.

There are lots of options for at-home dating, depending on your interests, I’m sure you can come up with endless possibilities. Here are a few date ideas that my husband and I have enjoyed.

1. At home spa. Visit the cosmetics department of the local department store. Buy a couple of new and interesting products to sample, for example a facial scrub and a massage oil. Or make your own. Turn your kitchen or bathroom into a spa, taking turns giving and receiving slow massaging facials and body massages on a blanket on the floor, or maybe the kitchen table. Use candlelight and soft music. You could even invest in a relaxation CD. Your husband is guaranteed to love this after a long, hard week.

2. A romantic dinner. Pick out a new and great sounding gourmet recipe. Pick up the ingredients with your grocery order. After the kids are fed and off playing, put on some music and get chopping. Cook your meal together. It may even be a good time to teach him to cook. Later enjoy your meal by candlelight. Take time to savour the food and the company.

3. Go dancing. Dance in the living room. Put on your favorite dance music or music from your era for romance. Make up a dance tape of favorites, in advance. Keep the lights low. Dress for the occasion. Fix your hair, put on some make-up. Have snacks to refresh. Kiss lots; you’re on a date!

4. Fun night. Buy a new board game just for the two of you. Playing games together is a light and fun way to reconnect and have some laughs. Cuddling on the couch to watch and review a movie is always an enjoyable and relaxing way to round out the week.

5. Start something new together. Maybe, a not-too-pressured exercise routine,(it is a date after all.) Play good music, help each other stretch, learn yoga poses, or motivate each other through exercise sets. It could be as much fun as a game of Twister.

6. Unwind. Take turns holding back the kids while the other has a relaxing bath with candles. Change into some comfy loungewear. Make sure you have lots of comfortable pillows on your bed. Your can buy two or four for under ten$ at a department store. Haul out relaxing music and lie back, hold hands, and talk. Or, lie in a way that you can rub each other’s feet with moisturizer, and just let everything go! A superb way to end the day, guaranteed.