Mummy and Daddy Time Out

Written by Olivia Arrow 

A key factor in having happy kids is for them to see their parents in a happy and healthy relationship. If you and your partner are supportive of each other and are close, your kids will have a sense of security. As much as you love your kids, having time with your partner is very important in maintaining a happy and healthy relationship.

It’s easy to get lost in the madness that comes with parenting and making time for just the two of you can sometimes be difficult, but you have to find a way to make the time.  Having a family relative or grandparents are a good choice when it comes to looking after the kids, so that you’re able to spend some quality mummy daddy time out.  Your little ones may not be impressed and might even have a mini meltdown when the two of you walk out the door, but try and not feel guilt –  I know that’s easier said than done.  Remember that this time that your taking for yourselves will make you better parents which means that they will be happier kids.

Dating When You Have Kids

There are some parents that are committed to taking some time out weekly, fortnightly or monthly, however most of us will sacrifice time together to spend the time with our families instead.

Here are some suggestions for time poor and exhausted parents:

• Go and see a movie in the afternoon followed up by an early dinner.  You’ll still have the morning with the kids and get home in time to tuck them in for the night. The grandparents could have them feed and bathed by the time you get home to not disrupt your routine and you’ll still be able to read to them and kiss them goodnight, not to mention get in an early night too.
• Going out once the kids have gone to bed is another idea that might work for you.  You’ll still be home to cover the routine and wont miss out on any family time so to speak.
• If you’re on a tight budget, you can still go out and spend time together.  Pack a picnic lunch and head to a park to enjoy a lunch.  Go for a walk together or anything that allows you to spend time with just the two of you.

You might not be able to date as regularly as couples without children, but there are are plenty of things you can do together

Choices Choices

Although it may be tempting to stay in a hotel, find a bed and breakfast that has no TV in the room. This is a better option. You will have a meaningful conversation to reconnect to ensure that you are actually taking.

Getting Away Without Your Kids

Getting away for more than 1 or 2 nights is tricky when you have kids, so make sure that you are making the most of the time out you have together. Don’t wait until they are older to spend some time away. Going away for even just 1 night to relax and enjoy a romantic dinner without the kids can be refreshing. Grandparents are great overnight babysitters.  They generally love the one-on-one time they get with their grandkids and usually give in to their wants. Don’t be upset if you came home in the morning to the kids bouncing off the walls because Grandma gave them ice cream for breakfast, just say thanks and remind yourself why you went away in the first place.

Establishing some time out will be hard.  It takes dedication to establish this into your already cramped routine.  Remember that if you miss a week, a fortnight or a month, don’t give up!  Keep at it until it’s not something that’s so hard to do anymore. The best advice I can give is to start small, make choices that are easy like a movie and dinner, and get excited for a night away.