Being a mom (or dad!) has many challenges, and between the day-to-day responsibilities and a very long to-do list, it can be difficult to maintain a strong relationship with your spouse. Date night and time away from the kids with each other is important, but time and budget don’t always allow for a night out on the town.
Date night doesn’t have to be elaborate and expensive; it just needs to be a time to connect and be intentional with each other. Here are five at-home date nights for busy parents that anyone can enjoy!
A Night Under the Stars
Put those kids to bed and then head to your backyard for a night of cuddling and stargazing! All you need are some blankets, a couple of pillows, and each other. Lay out a comfy blanket to lie on, and then spend the time enjoying the outdoors and talking. No phones, no t.v. (maybe a baby monitor), just good ole conversation. You can add a fun treat if you have a space to build a fire and roast marshmallows, but if not, you can make something simple like this yummy caramel apple chocolate dessert and take it out to enjoy together.
Take Out and a Movie
You might have a favorite place for Chinese or Mexican, but it might be fun to try out something new. One of our favorites is to pick up some Dreamland Ribs for a real Birmingham treat and gather up on the couch or living room floor to enjoy a Redbox movie. You might even snack while the kids are eating dinner and wait until they go to bed to eat, or get them a pizza and their own movie and set them up in another room. You can get a little fancy and set up the food on nice plates, or just eat out of the take out boxes! Pretend you’re in a movie theater where you can’t answer your phone or pause the movie and spend an uninterrupted hour and a half together.
Coffee and Cards
Pour up some coffee and settle in at the table for a game of cards, or even a favorite board game. If you don’t have any games, maybe spring for a new one as the cost of your date, or borrow one from a friend. Ask around for suggestions. And as long as the kids are in bed, feel free to add a twist to the game and make it a little more “adult” (wink, wink).
Wine or Beer Tasting
Each of you can pick out a new beverage or two and have your own private tasting event. Some local favorites to try are Good People Brewing Company and Morgan Creek Wine. Make sure to come up with some snack pairings or desserts to enjoy too.
Massages
Turn out the lights, light some candles, and put on some soothing music. Then grab some massage oil and take turns giving each other backrubs. If you want to be the giver-of-the-best-massage, you could check out some YouTube videos for some tips and new techniques.
Date night can be as simple as you want it to be, but it’s nice to have some fun and do something different every once in a while. Don’t let your role as parents keep you from enjoying time with the person who was with you before the kids came along. Keep that relationship alive and thriving!
What are your favorite ways to spend quality time with your significant other at home? Share in the comments!
