Parenting Advice 101: Parents Need More Than a Date Night, They Need Adventure

Oh, to remember the days of young love... The twinge you were feeling when getting ready for your date. The anticipation of the kiss.  The emptiness when you were apart.  The giggles over their little habits.  The comfortable silence. 

Then the silence.

Of course your marriage evolved into a much more meaningful state. And, the dedication and loyalty that you have now doesn't even compare.  The love has enriched and strengthened. 

There truly is no comparison.  Marital love is above and beyond more rewarding and comforting.  And, in a family, of course the kids come first, in most things you do.  But, wouldn't it be nice to mix in some excitement as a couple?

The best parenting advice anyone can give or receive is:

Keep your marriage alive and well

The majority of parents recognize the need for "together" time.  Most even attempt at making the 'night out without the kids' a serious thought and often an attempted gesture.  A few absolutely commit to 'alone' time.  Does it always help?

Not necessarily.  A night out on the town with your significant other is important, no doubt.  But, too many times parents fall into the 'okay, now what' trap.  Out to dinner, you have caught up on the kids, shared the office gossip or complaints of the day, discussed the weather and soon run out of things to talk about.

Instead of a dinner date, once in awhile, plan an adventure.  Pick something one or both of you have thought of doing but never dedicated the time or money for.  Maybe you have always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon, rock climb, learn to ballroom dance, join a cooking class, take a ride on a dinner boat, go deep sea fishing or anything else that might suit your fancy.

The actual event is truly the least important aspect.  What really matters is that you both are planning and preparing together.  And, you are soon creating a memory and an additional connection.  Life can become very routine.  Don't let your marriage. 

So, parenting tip 101:

Figure out something exciting to do.  Plan it together.  Do it together.  And, remember it together!  Keep the relationship fresh. 

The adventure does not need to cost a lot of money nor does it need to require a lot of time.  The actual adventure can be running through the park, without stopping.  That might mean jogging together around the block for several weeks in preparation.  It might also mean taking the kids to the Grandparents and biking that 30 mile trail you have longed to see outside of car windows. 

The whole idea is to put some excitement back into your lives.  Remember what it is what like to actually have fun together and enjoy each other's company.  Laugh together. 

Your family unit may focus on the family at every free moment you have.  Your parenting style may not always have room for the married couple.  But, you must make time.

Families are all about love and commitment.  Isn't that a great lesson to teach your children?  Making time for yourselves, as a couple, is truly a gift to your children.  They see their parents happy.  The household is happy.  What a blessing!