How to Stay Connected to your Spouse after Children
/CARISSA PLUTA
Raising young children may cause you to feel like you’re living your life (and your marriage) in survival mode, waiting until the kids are old enough to start allowing for more romance in your relationship.
PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTEN ANN PHOTOGRAPHY
However, prioritizing your relationship with your spouse benefits the whole family.
So how do you stay connected with your spouse during the season of having young children?
Create Daily Rituals
Connect with your spouse in the small moments throughout your day by creating daily rituals.
You can make many aspects of your day intentional time with your partner by making the choice to spend that time together; you can eat meals without your phones, exercise together, enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon cup of tea while cuddled on the couch, or going to bed or waking at the same time.
Establish a Date Night
Spending time with your spouse without the kids reminds you of the importance of your marriage during this busy season of life. Find a babysitter or ask a family member to watch your little ones for an evening so you can.
If the budget doesn’t allow for dinner or a movie, don’t be afraid to get creative. There might be a free museum you want to check out, or a nearby park perfect for a picnic. Inexpensive date nights are possible and offer the perfect opportunity to connect.
If a night out isn’t possible for your family, you can even carve out some intentional time with one another at home after the kids have gone to bed. You could play a board game while eating dessert, or watch a movie from a blanket fort.
A meaningful.date doesn’t have to be an elaborate one.
Leave Love Notes
You and your spouse may text one another throughout the day photos of something funny the kids did or reminders to pick up milk, but consider switching it up a bit by leaving little love notes for your beloved.
You can sneak a little affirmation into their lunchbox or leave a sticky note on the bathroom mirror as a reminder of your love. It doesn’t take long to do, but taking the time and expending the effort to handwrite a message communicates to your spouse that they are important to you.
Make Bedtime Intimate
Bedtime is an important part of any day, but can also provide another opportunity to connect with your partner.
Give yourselves an hour to be together before bed, without the distractions of the day. Power down the tech, and use that quiet time to talk or cuddle. You might choose to switch things up with a massage or making love.
Doing this will provide you with much-needed quality time at the end of each day and will help refresh and prepare you for what the morning may bring.
