Parenting is a full-time job that requires lots of time and attention from mom and dad. There’s always something to do when you’re a parent. Couples need date nights to nurture their relationship. But when parents are left with a significant reduction in “free time”, the first thing that usually gets chopped from the to-do list is date night. Let’s talk about some date night ideas for busy parents that can fit into even the busiest schedules.

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Why Quality Time is Important for Parents

It’s easy for parents to get wrapped up in all the parenting things and simply forget about themselves. This behavior can lead to exhaustion, bitterness, and stress. To maintain a strong relationship, spending quality time together is essential. After a long day of working and taking care of the kids, spending some quiet time together might be just what you need.

In addition to that quiet time, another important thing is for you to make time to focus on each other. Try to make time for some alone time together, away from distraction. This alone time helps your relationship to grow. It’s a time for the two of you to show your appreciation for one another and prioritize your relationship. While you may not have the capacity for regular date nights, you must pay attention to finding a couple of hours here and there where the two of you can engage in good conversation, preferably not about the kids. (I know that’s a big ask!)

 

What keeps parents from prioritizing date night?

Sometimes, there are barriers that prevent you from getting away from the house for date nights. Whether it’s a lack of babysitting options, exhaustion, money, or even guilt, something is always “in the way” of you and your spouse getting in that quality time together. 

Here are some other common barriers to date night:

• Miscommunication  – Have you even talked to your partner about wanting (or needing) a date night? Sometimes date nights don’t occur because one party hasn’t discussed the desire to have a date night.  Don’t let miscommunication be a reason that you and your partner have not gone on a date. 
• Work-related stress – Job stress is very common. If your job is demanding, it might be easy for you to inadvertently neglect your relationship as you work to meet the demands of your job. Recognize if work stress is getting the best of you and becoming a barrier to intimacy with your partner. 
• Conflict – Stressed parents can sometimes take their frustrations out on their spouses. Communicate your feelings to your partner so that unresolved issues don’t become a problem.
• Bitterness – If one party in the partnership feels that he/she is doing more work than the other, it can cause bitterness in a relationship. Just like conflict, bitterness can become a problem if it goes unresolved.
• Feelings of overwhelm – Parenting is a tough job.  In fact, it can be downright overwhelming. Feelings of overwhelm can keep you from focusing on your relationship.

There are so many things that can be barriers to date night. But, it’s important that you recognize those things and work to find ways to overcome them so that you can work on nurturing your relationship and continuing being the amazing parents that you are!

Overcome barriers to date night

If know that you have barriers preventing you from prioritizing date night, find some creative ways to have a date night using the resources that you have. You can have a romantic evening without having to leave your home. Let’s talk about some different types of date nights that will work for almost any couple. So, grab your better half and check out this list to find a fun way to spend some quality time together.

Do you want to have a date night, but you prefer to be in the comfort of your own home? Here are some home date night ideas that you can plan for a fun evening in your living room. Many of these can be just as much fun as a night out on the town. From a movie night to a romantic date night, here are several of my favorite date night ideas! So, grab your baby monitor and get busy planning your next date night.

Date night ideas for home

These home ideas for a date night are meant to help you have a fun experience together as you take some time to focus on each other. And the best part is that even if you have young kids, you can still find something on this list to help you spend some intentional time together with each other. 

1. Scavenger hunt

A date night scavenger hunt can be a great way to spend a little time together as a couple. Date night scavenger hunts are a personal favorite of mine because you have to be so creative to make it a great time. Even though it takes some creativity, it doesn’t have to be super hard to make it a great time. You can find some things that you already have around the house and create some fun clues to make the scavenger hunt a fun thing.

Scavenger hunts are also a great prelude to a date night. The next time you have a date night planned, use the clues and let your mate guess what you have in store for the two of you. It can be a lot of fun as you prepare for a wonderful date night.

 

2. Fondue for two

A fondue set, some cheeses, chocolate and a few other supplies are what you need for a fondue date night! If it’s your first time making fondue, don’t fret. There are lots of pins on Pinterest that will guide you through preparing a romantic fondue date night.

You can also check out Romantic Fondue Night for all the details on planning one of your future date nights.

3. Game night

If you and your partner have a common interest in playing games, you might want to plan a game night for the next night that you have together. Card games can make for a good time. A little friendly competition is always fun, right? You can also grab your favorite board games and get ready to have a great time!

Classic board games are always a favorite and are a great way to spend some time together as a couple. 

4. Spa night

Near the top of my fun date night ideas list is an at-home spa night. A spa night is another one of my favorite date night ideas. Spa nights are an excellent way for parents to destress as a couple. Taking time from your busy schedule to relax and pamper each other is a great way for couples to reconnect.

You can grab some massage oils, face masks, lotions, candles, and robes and prepare for a great together with your mate.

 

5. Wine tasting

Date nights do not need to be complicated. Go to the grocery store and grab a bottle of wine or three and set up your own wine tasting. You can purchase a variety of wines to sample or pour your favorite glass of wine to enjoy with your spice.

6. Binge watch a television show

Do you have a current show obsession that you’ve gotten behind on? Schedule a date night to catch up on your favorite show. Binge-watching a television show is a great way to indulge in your favorite show and spend some time with your life partner. 

7. Order pizza

If you want to have a fun date night with your partner at home, how about ordering a pizza?  And make sure that you order exactly what the two of you love so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.  Pizza is a fun meal for a casual night with your love.  Kick back and enjoy a low-key night while you relax and recharge. 

Date night ideas for a night on the town