THE IMPORTANCE OF DATING YOUR SPOUSE & YOUR KIDS

Last night was date night for Mike and I. Sometimes our schedule allows us an evening without kids. When it does, we try to make the most of these evenings. The downside is when these evenings fall in the middle of the week. That's when plans don't always follow through as planned.

We had planned to go out, sit on a patio, enjoy some food, cocktails, and each other. Then we thought we would head home and play a board game. When the evening came, I was exhausted from work, and so was Mike. Neither of us wanted to go out for dinner, and a board game felt like too much work. We decided to order in. We ate our meal together on our patio, and afterward, we moved inside for a movie. Date night was still a success despite our plans changing (and I almost stayed awake for the whole movie).

The point I'm making is Mike and I made time for each other. Our evening still focused on 'us'. It didn't matter what we were doing but that our attention was on the other person. I love dating my husband. Sometimes I get excited dressing up for date night, but I appreciate that I don't always have to.

I also love taking our kids on dates. Like everyone, the last year and a half, our ability to go out has been limited. I've allowed this to be an excuse for not having dates with the girls. Last week I took both Tori and Camryn out. I know they both appreciated this focused time together. And it's something the girls want. When I got home Evynne asked when she and I could go on a date as well.

So what's the biggest challenge with this? Making the time. I have to say, not having the time is an excuse. It's like exercise. People say they don't have time to exercise. But people choose not to make time to exercise.

I mentioned in an earlier post a new tool we are using to keep track of the time we spend with each of our kids. One of the reasons for starting this was to make myself more accountable. To not let time slip by without taking the time to enjoy our girls. That one on one time is invaluable. It builds trust in the relationship. For both parent and child. And those shared moments create memories, and stronger bonds form. Because really, without the investment of time, how are those bonds going to form?

Do you have any great ideas for parent/kid 'dates'? Or fun things you've tried with your pre-teens/teens? Let us know!

Shannon, The Herdmother