Keeping the romance alive is all about making quality time together a priority, which can be tough on a limited budget or with young children. You can enjoy special time together that does not involve a huge childcare and restaurant tab. Take one or two of the following eleven tips to keep the fires of your romance burning without busting your budget.
1.Trade off childcare duties with another couple. For example, one Saturday night each month the other couple cares for your kids and you do the same for their kids on another Saturday. This is a great way to be sure that you get couple time together without the worry and expense of appropriate childcare.
2.If your children spend any time during the day in school or childcare, why not take a personal or vacation day from work and have a quiet afternoon at home? Even if you can’t take the whole day you may be able to get together for lunch or an early dinner.
3.Work together to get the kids in bed a little early while you are still awake enough to enjoy a simple candlelight dinner and a rented movie. Better yet, rather than watch another movie you can read to one another, share a glass of wine and conversation on the patio or a board game by the fire.
4.Give the tub a good scrubbing and fill it with bubbles or scented oils. Don’t forget the candles, soft music and poetry book.
5.Pack a picnic and head for the park or one of the free outdoor movies/concerts hosted by many local communities.
6.Get active. Dust off the bikes or skates and go for a spin. Not feeling that adventurous? Research walking trails in your area and hit the pavement.
7.Turn the television off one or two nights a week and give each other your undivided attention. Not sure what to do with yourselves? Why not invest in some massage oils and treat one another to a relaxing backrub.
8.Take a community class together. Many communities offer low cost classes that take place one night each week for several weeks. The benefit is that you can develop or explore a new interest together while you get into the habit of making time together a priority.
9.Sign up for free dance lessons.
10.Instead of going out for dinner, eat at home and then go out for dessert and coffee.
11.Change your date night to a Monday when many restaurants offer discounts and specials.
Finding time together need not be a costly proposition. With just a little creativity you can enjoy a date night that builds your relationship but doesn’t break the bank.