Once you have children, it can be quite a challenge to keep the relationship with your partner fun and exciting. The children always come first, and having a bit of fun as a couple is often relegated to the backseat. What do you do as young parents to make sure your relationship stays fun and exciting? With a little bit of input and effort, it’s not that difficult at all! We’ve compiled a few tips and ideas for things to do with your partner to rekindle the spark (or to keep it going)!
Tips to keep the spark in your relationship
1. Set some time apart from each other
It sounds quite obvious, but it’s really important that you regularly make time for each other. Even if it’s only for a few hours. It can be away from home, but if you don’t have a large support system, you can also just do something fun together at home.
2. Good communication
Good communication is very important in a relationship. We all know it and it’s often repeated, but keep each other informed of what’s going on in your life. Discuss both highs and lows. This helps to strengthen your bond. Do not be afraid to share your feelings, whether you are happy, tired, frustrated, or sad: candid discussions help to better understand each other.
3. Come up with romantic surprises
Keep surprising your partner to avoid daily drudgery. For example, surprise your partner with an appreciative note in the lunch box, come home with a bunch of flowers, or plan an unexpected dinner.
4. Do new stuff together
Try new things together. For example, go on a cooking course or to dancing events if you are both keen on that.
Fun ideas to do with your partner
Okay, so you’ve set aside time to do something with each other: But what will you do? We have compiled a list of nice things you can do as a couple. Whether you have an evening, a whole day, or just an hour to share: there is always something to do!
1. Date nights
We all know about date nights, but we all fail to make enough time for them. A date night can be away from home, for example, an evening at the cinema, eating out, or going to see a show. But you can also create a special event at home, like putting up your feet on the couch and watching a nice series or movie on TV. Add some nice food to make your perfect date night come true. If you have children who are in bed on time in the evening, you can also choose to have a nice meal together as soon as your kid is in bed. Discover the fun of preparing a meal together or have a nice meal delivered to your home, light a candle, and enjoy. Talk to each other and not just about the children!
2. Creative activities
Do you both love to cook? Go to a cooking class together! Or go for a creative course like painting or pottery. Don’t have a babysitter? Try it out at home! For example, buy a blank canvas and let off steam with paint! Are the children awake? Then they are also welcome to join in the fun. Or take an online course in preparing cocktails.
3. Active excursions
Do you have a babysitter, time to go out for a day and are you looking for an adventurous activity? Try an escape room, for example! Or go bowling, play pool or “glow in the dark” mini golf.
4. A simple activity at home
Make use of the time your child sleeps, both during the day and in the evening. Go play a game together, cook together, or watch a video on the couch together.
5. Wellness
This can be done both away from home or simply by treating yourself at home. If you have a few hours, you can book a couple’s massage. If you have a whole day, go for a day at a sauna combined with, for example, a treatment, and unwind together. Don’t have a babysitter? Don’t worry: simply prepare for a spa day at home! Give each other a massage, use a facial mask, or follow an online yoga or meditation session together.
6. Lunch date
Is the little one away at the daycare and you both work from home? Or do you have a family member or friend who is willing to babysit for an hour or two? Go for a lunch date. Having a nice meal is always a good idea!
Some other great ideas:
- Go for a (long) walk
- Go to the beach
- Go shopping together
- Go to a pub quiz or just do it online at home
- Organize a tasting for 2 in your living room
Plenty of things to do with your partner. Whether you have lots of time or only a little time: there is always something fun to do together. Parenting can be challenging, but keep making time for each other to keep the passion in your relationship alive. Be creative in what you do with each other and keep communicating with each other!
