Make Time for Your Spouse With These Creative Ideas

As our first year of parenthood concludes with our triplets’ first birthday party, I look back in amazement at how fast the days, weeks, and months have flown by! I also realize there is no way I could have made it through without my wonderful husband and best friend Clifton.

Parenting is definitely a team effort in our home. We rely on each other for strength when the other is weak, and cheerful encouragement when the other is weary. I am very blessed to be married to a man who is such an involved father day in and day out, and I can’t imagine my life without my significant other.

The daily routines in our lives can bring about stress. Add children into the mix and you’ve got your hands full! There are many times at the end of the day when all you want to do is rest your mind and eyes, but I want to emphasize the importance of making time for your spouse.

There are numerous ways to create special time with your spouse. Many times, the excuse of finances is used for the lack of “date nights”, but I think there are ways to make memorable romantic moments on a budget.

Creative Dates:

• Picnics - Go to which puts you and your spouse secluded in nature, it’s a cheap way to have some quality one on one time. If you’re not able to get away, have a romantic candle light picnic in your bedroom!
• Sharing 3 -When you or your spouse gets home share 3 positive things about your day. This opens up the line of communication and lets your spouse feel included in your life.
• Cooking together- Clif and I designated Friday night as our Italian night and made homemade pizzas together followed by  a board or card game. Again, not costly but fun interaction with your spouse, rather than just sitting down to watch a movie.
• Exploring- Have you ever just hopped in the car and driven around to explore new areas, while dreaming of future places you’d like to live and homes you’d like to build together? It is a great way to share your aspirations and dreams with each other. And take this time to discuss your future goals for your relationship and family.
• Video games- I know I’m probably getting some rolling of the eyes for making this comment, but this is a great way to connect with your man with some “shoulder to shoulder” time. And let’s face it, those car racing games are pretty fun!
• Memory walk- Pull out your wedding video, cards from when you were dating or photo albums. It’s a fun way to reminisce and recapture the romance that brought you together. Also put on a CD of songs that holds special memories and relive your first dance.

It’s crucial for the survival of your marriage to not get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to make time for each other. As I mentioned earlier, we are pulled in so many directions-- and often feel emotionally, physically, and mentally drained by the end of the day. But realize how blessed you are to have that partner to walk through life holding your hand.

Children are temporary. When the kids are grown and gone your spouse is still there, so it’s important your babies don’t become your main focus. Invest your focus on building a lasting relationship with your spouse. Take the time today to share how grateful you are for their devotion, and express your love in a new and creative way to keep the flame alive!