Raising kids is difficult. When you’re busy with work and the kids, it may feel like you never get the opportunity to see your spouse. Even if you see him or her, you may not be spending any meaningful time with the person. Here are some ideas on how to make more time for your spouse as a busy parent.
Plan Vacation Days Together
If you and your spouse work, you may find it difficult to have days where you can spend time together. This is especially true if you don’t have the same schedule. If you don’t have weekends off or if you want to spend time together on the weekdays, try to plan your vacation days at the same time. If you plan to take a day off of work, ask your spouse to do the same so you can spend time together.
If you plan your days off when your kids are at school, you don’t have to worry about childcare during the day.
Hire a Babysitter
If you want to spend time with your spouse, you may need to hire a babysitter or ask for help when it comes to childcare. Your children will always be a priority, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t leave them in the care of a family member while you spend time with your spouse. If necessary, you can have someone watch your children while you spend time at home.
You can either hire someone you know or look into a childcare service. Before hiring someone to watch your children, make sure to check reviews and do your due diligence so you know your children are in the hands of someone you can trust.
Schedule a Date Night
When was the last time you had a date night? Once you have kids, you may find that you have dates less and less. Some married couples don’t recognize the value of continuing to go on dates even after you’ve tied the knot and had kids. You want to keep the marriage fresh and the romance alive within your relationship. When you are busy, it is difficult to do anything on a whim. It’s crucial to put everything on the schedule.
Research different date ideas for couples to find out what you and your partner can agree on. After all, you want to try something both of you would love. For some couples, a night at the cinema is the perfect date. For others, a trip into the great outdoors or a picnic by the lake may be the best type of date. Talk with your spouse and plan dates for one another. If you want to surprise your husband or wife, discuss a date in advance but don’t let him or her know what the plan is.
Limit Screen Time
Everyone indulges in a bit of screen time now and then. While there is nothing wrong with watching a movie or playing a video game with your partner, you may want to try to limit how often you decompress using technology by yourself. If you want to relax watching the latest Netflix documentary, ask your spouse if he or she is interested too. You may be able to bond over your favorite shows or games. However, there may be times where you don’t want to watch TV or play games.
Sometimes, you need to have one-on-one time. Try to enjoy one another’s presence without a screen between you. Conversations encourage a bond between you and your partner. How often do you ask your loved one what he or she did throughout the day? Some couples notice, after having kids, they don’t know what the other one is thinking or feeling throughout the day. Instead of watching TV, try to sit down with your spouse and discuss your feelings and bond over shared interests again.
When you’re a parent, it may feel like you never have time to spend with your spouse. If you want to keep your romance strong, you need to find time for one another. If you’re looking for ways to spend time with your husband or wife, all you need to do is be creative about how you spend your time.
By Carol Evenson
