What does it take to maintain a healthy marriage after baby? Hard work and creativity. At least that’s how Wes and I have managed to survive the last few years. I use the word “survive” because at certain points that’s exactly what it’s been, SURVIVAL. There have been times since Dutch was born that all we could think about was eating a hot meal or catching some extra ZZZ’s.

But there are many creative ways that you can make time for your marriage. Wes and I have put together a list of 25 Creative Date Ideas for Parents. We broke them down into 3 categories: Dates For Compressing Time Frames, Mini Date Ideas and Ideas for Longer Dates. All of the ideas that follow are ones that we use often. Our marriage is by no means perfect, but with simple ideas like these we are able to stay connected despite the craziness of raising a toddler and running multiple businesses.

One of the best things any of us can do for our children is to provide them with a strong marital model. Children need to know that their parents love not only them, but each other. The child’s sense of security grows as he/she sees parents loving each other. To put your marriage on hold for 18 or more years while you raise the children is not only detrimental to the marriage, it’s devastating to the children. We must learn to “childproof” our marriages during those parenting years, or we’ll soon learn that the marriage withers and dies. (marriagemissions.com)

25 Creative Date Ideas for Parents

Dates For Compressing Time Frames – These ideas are designed for you to spend time with your partner while still getting things done.

1. Exercise Together-Take a walk, a bike ride, a swim, a hike, or do yoga together. Not only will you enjoy time with your significant other, but you’ll get a rush of healthy, feel good endorphins too.

2. Cook Together-You’ve gotta feed your family, why not prepare a meal together? Wes and I love cooking together and I’m always so pleased at how much faster a meal comes together with the two of us working together.

3. Do Chores Together-They gotta get done, why not do them together? Try to make it fun. Blast some music in the house and divvy up the responsibilities. Turn it into a game to see who can finish their chore first.

4. Run Errands Together-Whether it’s groceries, picking up the laundry, or a quick run to the post office, do it together! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quick trips like these can offer some much needed time with your partner.

5. Take a Bath/Shower Together-You gotta wash up, why not do it together? Who knows, it might lead to something more… 😍

FOR PARENTS: 14 Creative Indoor Activities For Kids

“Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice.” Fawn Weaver (happywivesclub.com)

Mini Date Ideas – These ideas were created to sneak in a quick date during your child’s nap time or once the kids have gone to bed.

6. Share a cup of coffee/hot chocolate/tea-Wes and I enjoy a cup of coffee together in bed every morning. It’s our time to prepare for the day and sneak in some time together.

7. Play a Board Game-This is classic and so fun! I absolutely love board games and our collection is ever growing. Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit… They each provide a quick, entertaining date.

8. Play Cards-Another favorite of ours. Here is a link from The Dating Divas for 50 + 2 player card games. 50 + 2 Player Card Games

9. Watch the Sunset or Sunrise-A classic, romantic date! Wake up a little early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise together. If your little one has an early bedtime, take some time to watch the sunset together.

10. Stargazing-Once the kids have gone to bed, do some stargazing together. Spot constellations and name a star after your partner.

11. Watch a Movie Together-If you’re too exhausted to move, relax in bed together with a movie.

12. Living Room Picnic-Move the furniture, set out a blanket, order in and have a picnic on your living room floor.

13. Arts & Crafts-Get creative together and do something crafty. Your local craft store has all sorts of quick, inexpensive craft ideas. Why not do a his/her project?

14. Goal Setting-Sit down and talk about your dreams and aspirations. Where do you want to be in 1, 3 or 5 years? Write down your goals and come up with a specific action plan to achieve them. This is a great bonding activity that will get you both excited about your life together.

15. Make a Dream Board-Pick up a few magazines and cut and paste your favorite images on a dream board. Maybe add your dream home, dream car or some words that mean something to you. Put your board up somewhere that you can see it everyday and watch how the law of attraction begins working in your favor to bring those dreams to reality.

16. Plan Your Week-We do this every Sunday evening. Take some time to talk about your week ahead. Divide up responsibilities, talk about your schedule. This simple practice makes our week run so much smoother.

FOR FAMILIES: Outdoor Play: A Family Hike

“The best time to love with your whole heart is always now, in this moment, because no breath beyond the current is promised.” Fawn Weaver (happywivesclub.com)

Ideas for Date Nights Out – These ideas are for days/nights where you’re lucky enough to snag a sitter and have more time together.

17. Dinner & A Movie-Classic, simple and fun.

18. Take a Class Together-Wes & I recently did a Paint Nite and want to take a cooking class soon.

19. Go to a Concert-This might require some planning ahead, but it always makes for a fun time. What could be better than dancing to great music with your honey?

20. Spa Date-Schedule a couples massage or day at the spa. It’s a great way to relax and recover while spending time together.

21. Grab Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt-Have a sweet tooth? Take a quick trip to your local ice cream/yogurt joint and share a cone.

22. Watch the Sunset at the Beach-If you’re lucky enough to live as close to the beach as we do, take a drive and watch the sunset at the beach. Bring a blanket to snuggle!

23. Take a Mini Honeymoon-Plan an overnight stay at a nice hotel, or take a weekend getaway together.

24. Take a Long Drive-Do you live in a scenic area? Take a long drive together and enjoy the view.

25. Go to an Amusement Park-Do you love playing and being a big kid? Take a trip to your local amusement park and spend the day playing together.

FOR MOMS: Protein Packed Foods For Toddler & Mom

“The difference between an ordinary marriage and an extraordinary marriage is in giving just a little ‘extra’ every day, as often as possible, for as long as we both shall live.” Fawn Weaver (happywivesclub.com)

There you have it, 25 Creative Date Ideas For Parents. I hope one or two of these ideas might inspire you to spend more quality time with your significant other so that you can find love and fulfillment in your partnership and set the best marital example for your children.

Creatively Yours,

Wes & Lindsay ❤️

 

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