18 Tiny Gestures That Keep the Romance Alive After Kids

Becoming a parent is a big change, and it comes with a lot of responsibilities that can make it harder for couples to stay close. From sleepless nights and taking care of the baby to skipping date nights so you can stay home, it’s normal for new parents to feel like the romance is fading. But the truth is, you don’t have to lose that spark. With a little effort, you can still keep the love alive even with all the new responsibilities. Here are 18 simple tips to help you bring back the magic in your relationship.

Send Your Kids to Bed Early

Sending kids to bed early is fundamental for them to have enough hours of sleep before another school day and for you and your partner to spend quality time together. This is often the only time during the day when a couple can be together away from children, so use it wisely.

Thank Each Other 

After years of marriage, we can easily take each other for granted. Today, try to notice how your partner helps you around the house, whether taking the trash downstairs or playing with the kids. An extra ‘thank you’ can make the whole difference sometimes. 

Go on Holiday Together

Who said family holidays are the only option because you now have kids? Nothing reignites the spark like booking a weekend getaway together. You can opt for a relaxing day at the spa or a more adventurous trip, such as a long hike in nature. If you have more time, you can explore a new country!

Have a ‘No-Kids’ Night

Many couples still have date nights away from the kids. However, they tend to forget to leave their kids out of their night in a symbolic way. Avoid talking about your children if you are having a date night with your partner. Stressful topics such as work and politics may also not be the best option.

No Phones Allowed

Parents often tend to blame their children for their lack of time. But is this truly the case? In 2023, people spent an average of 7 hours per day glued to their screens. Whenever kids are not around, hide your phone in your purse to avoid getting stuck in the social media void. 

Presents

There is no need to spend a fortune, but a little present can be an unexpected way to show your partner your appreciation and love for them. This doesn’t have to be a material object. A poem, a song, or even a little thank-you note can brighten your partner’s day and make them fall in love with you all over again.  

Understand Each Other’s Love Language

Couples tend to adopt five primary love languages in relationships: words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, and physical touch. Understanding how your partner expresses his love for you and how you express your love for him is essential for creating a thriving relationship.

Try New Things Together 

Doing new things together is a great way to nourish your relationship. For instance, you can take a cooking class to prepare a romantic dinner together. Alternatively, you can try a photography course or enjoy a walk in a new neighborhood in your city that you have never visited before.

Communication Is Key

Most of the time, communicating your feelings to your partner is the first step towards recovery. If you feel that lately you no longer love each other as you used to, be honest with your spouse. Chances are he may feel the same way and be more than happy to come up with solutions.

Laugh Often

Laughing is the perfect way to keep the spark alive in a marriage. When was the last time you had a genuine laugh with your spouse? Book tickets to see your favorite comedian, watch a comedy you both love, or joke around, and have fun together in your daily life by being humorous.

Create a Ritual

Creating a daily or weekly ritual only for the two of you can prove revitalizing for your marriage. Even something as small as watching a show together before going to bed or a movie date every weekend can keep you two hooked. The more creative you get with the rituals, the more you two will connect.

Invest Money in Help

Paying a babysitter to supervise your kids while you enjoy quality time with your husband may seem like a waste of money at first, but trust us. This is a necessary investment in your relationship to help it last in the long run. Plus, your kids may be thrilled to meet someone new to play with.

Schedule  

Parents must master planning skills to make things work in their lives. Scheduling is critical for success, both for families and couples. Never leave plans unscheduled. Saying, ‘We should go to the beach sometimes,’ won’t get you anywhere. So make time for it and put it on your calendar. 

Work As A Team In Parenting Decisions

Working as a team in parenting decisions is crucial for maintaining a united front and ensuring consistency for your children. When both parents collaborate and agree on parenting strategies, it fosters a sense of stability and security within the family. It also reduces confusion and mixed signals for the kids, helping them understand boundaries and expectations more clearly.

Share Household And Parenting Responsibilities

Sharing household and parenting responsibilities is vital for maintaining balance and harmony in your relationship. When both partners contribute equally to chores and childcare, it prevents one person from feeling overwhelmed or undervalued. This equitable division of labor fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual respect, strengthening your bond as a couple.

Stay Positive

Focus only on the positive aspects of your life and your relationship, and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place and what goals you achieved together. Celebrate milestones, and cherish every moment you can. Keep supporting each other through the challenging times, and no matter what, try to remain positive and resolve the issues together as a team.

Don’t Neglect Intimacy

Most parents experience a drop in libido after having kids. This may be due to several reasons, such as stress and fatigue. But physical intimacy should never be neglected if you want your love story to last. So, try your best to understand what caused your drop in libido, and if you see it persists over time, discuss it with your partner to find solutions.

See Friends

Seeing your friends can be a great way to spend quality time with your spouse and the people you love the most. Do your best friend and your partner know each other well? Do you know your partner’s friend well? And do your friends know his friends well? If not, it’s time to organize a dinner! These people greatly influence your life, so make sure they all know each other!

More For You

Remember to arrange mini trips to spend quality time together as husband and wife. Having some time alone with each other is essential to keep the spark alive even after years of marriage. These trips are perfect for making unforgettable memories and feeling closer than ever without distractions.

This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.