No Date Nights? 18 Simple Tips for Parents to Stay Connected

Life with little kids can feel like a nonstop cycle of chores, tantrums, and everything in between. Finding time for yourself is hard enough, so fitting in a date night might feel completely out of reach. But here’s the thing: spending quality time with your partner isn’t just nice—it’s super important. A strong relationship between you and your partner creates a happier, more stable home for your kids. So yes, date nights are still possible, even with a busy schedule! Here are some simple tips to help you prioritize your relationship, even after becoming parents.

Hire a Babysitter

Paying for a babysitter may initially seem like a waste of money, but trust us, this is not the case. Knowing that someone reliable takes care of your children while you are out with your partner will help you enjoy your date night more, as you won’t have to worry about whether your kids are okay.

Plan

We all love spontaneity. Who doesn’t appreciate a last-minute getaway to Paris or a surprise dinner out from your partner? But let’s be honest. Couples with young kids have too many responsibilities to be able to fly to Paris overnight. Planning is a must if you want your date night to be successful. Share a calendar with your partner and schedule everything you can.

Ask For Help from Family or Friends

If a babysitter is not an option, remember that you can always ask for help. Your parents will probably be happy to spend some good time with their grandchildren, so don’t feel guilty when asking. If your family lives far away, you can ask your friends or even some colleagues with kids of similar age, promising you will do the same for them soon.

You Deserve It

New parents often feel guilty when taking time for themselves. Even though this is natural, it’s important to remember that only by prioritizing self-care and nourishing your relationship with your partner will you be a good parent to your children. Date nights are essential to keeping the spark alive.

Involve Your Kids

Planning nights out away from kids can be a bit challenging. However, you can always plan date nights at home involving your kids. For instance, why not play a board game together? Why not put on some excellent music, dance, and sing to the rhythm of your favorite songs? Be creative and have fun together.

Location Matters

Choosing the right location is fundamental for a successful date night. First, prioritize a place without kids. Second, ensure the venue is not too far away so that you can be home relatively soon in case of an emergency. Lastly, find a place you both enjoy to avoid unpleasant surprises.

It Doesn’t Have To Be At Night

Date nights are essential, but so is rest! If you feel too exhausted to go out in the evening, remember that you can always plan afternoon or morning dates. For instance, why not have a romantic brunch at the park on a lazy Sunday morning? Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon tea.

Rest

You cannot have a successful date night with your partner if you constantly feel tired. New parents are often sleep-deprived, as adjusting to parenthood can be extremely exhausting. A good way to get more rest is to nap whenever your kids are sleeping and implement a good bedtime routine in your schedule.

Ask Around

Do you have any friends with kids? Age doesn’t matter; they were once your kids’ age. So, why not ask for tips and tricks on how to balance parenthood and date nights? They probably went through the same struggles you are facing now and will have plenty of valuable suggestions.

It’s Just A Phase

Sometimes, when we feel overwhelmed, our brains try to convince us that things will never change. Remember, this is just a phase. Your kids will grow up, and you will suddenly have plenty of time again. So stop believing everything your brain tells you. 

Have A Strict Bedtime Schedule

Implementing a strict bedtime schedule for you and your kids is fundamental to avoiding exhaustion all day. Make sure your children are used to going to bed early. This will help you and your partner plan a fun date night in the house while your kids are asleep.

Keep It Simple

We would all love to go to the fanciest restaurant three hours’ drive from our house. Even though planning a more complicated date is vital from time to time, you will have to keep it simple most of the time, and that’s okay. Having many date nights in your neighborhood restaurant to keep your spark alive and have fun together is much better than having one date night per year in the fanciest place.

At-Home Dates

At-home dates are a perfect solution for busy parents who want to enjoy quality time together without the hassle of going out. Once the kids are asleep, transform your living room into a romantic haven with soft lighting, music, and favorite snacks. Plan a few fun activities like cooking a new recipe together, having a themed movie night, or setting up a mini-game night with board games or video games.

Staycation Dates

Staycation dates are a fantastic way to break the routine without the need to leave your home or city. Transform your living space into a romantic retreat by creating a cozy corner with candles, music, and your favorite treats. Plan activities like a themed movie marathon, a home-cooked meal from a different cuisine, or even a spa night with massages and relaxation. Explore local attractions you’ve never visited, or revisit favorite spots with a fresh perspective.

Make The Most Of The Time You Have

A great tip for dating your husband more is to make the most of the time you have. For instance, if your kid is invited to a birthday party, use the time to have a cafè with your spouse. If your kid attends football lessons every Tuesday, try to drive him there with your spouse and use this time to get a drink together.

Talk About It

As silly as it sounds, talking about it may help you get a date with your partner. Did you ever express your eagerness to go out for one night, just the two of you? If your partner doesn’t know about this, he won’t work towards this goal. But make sure to mention this to your colleagues and friends as well. They may not only have useful tips, but they may even volunteer to take care of your kids for one evening.

Go For Micro-Dates

For new parents, it can be difficult to take the time out for date nights, but a micro-date, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative. It’s a short yet wholesome interaction with your partner so that you can easily fit into your busy schedules. Sipping on a cup of coffee together, cooking, or going for a walk are all amazing ideas to strengthen your bond as new parents.

Don’t Forget Intimacy

While planning a night out is a great idea to reconnect with your partner and keep the spark alive, make sure not to forget intimacy along the way. If you can, try to return home when you are not extremely tired but still have some energy for cuddles before going to sleep. Maintaining intimacy is a must for the success of a marriage.

More for You

Looking for the perfect outfit for your date night with your spouse? Here are some excellent suggestions for you to check. Remember, just because you’ve been married for years doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to look your best.

This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.