When new life enters the picture, it’s only natural for them to draw their parents’ focus. Though you may be preoccupied for a while, it’s important to remember your romantic relationship. Here are 20 ways parents can keep the passion between them alive, even with a house full of kids.
1. Spontaneous Gestures
Hold their hand on the sofa. Give them a back rub at the end of a long day. There are so many little ways to show your partner you’re thinking of them, and each one of them holds a special place in the relationship.
2. “I Love You”
Your partner knows you love them, but that doesn’t mean you should refrain from reminders. It can be through words or with your personal love language—however you get it out, your partner won’t tire of hearing it.
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3. Date Nights
Kids eat up a lot of time, and while it’s natural to focus on them, don’t let them get in the way of your relationship. Schedule regular date nights to rekindle the romance, all without any added company.
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4. Time in the Bedroom
After putting the kids to bed and handling household chores, the only thing you want from the bedroom is a safe place to sleep. However, speak with your partner about more alone time. It’s a great way to keep the sparks alive and enjoy each other’s company.
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5. Put Away Your Phone
Whether it’s at dinner or during date night, put your phone away. Focus on your partner intently to let them know that they matter to you.
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6. Daily Check-Ins
Just because you live together doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check in with your partner. Ask them how they’re doing from time to time; it’s an easy way for your partner to confide in you, allowing you to step in if they’re overwhelmed.
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7. Little Notes
Leave sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or pack a hidden note away in their lunch. It’s simple, it’s romantic, and it helps keep butterflies fluttering.
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8. Get Away Together
It doesn’t have to be anything more than a weekend, but getting away is a terrific way to rekindle any lost sparks. You’ll have all the time in the world to reconnect and do what you want to do.
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9. Have Fun
Before the kids, you and your partner had all kinds of fun together. Indulge in those activities more often to relive your favorite memories. Play board games once the kids are down or settle in and watch a movie.
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10. Intellectual Discussions
Never forget the power of a good discussion. Conversation about the latest news or a podcast episode only strengthens your relationship as you share ideas. Not to mention, depending on how old your children are, it might be nice to talk about something other than The Wiggles.
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11. Text Them
Tamer messages are best left for sticky notes—convey the raunchier stuff through a text message! Sending flirty messages gets the blood pumping and gives you both something to look forward to.
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12. Love Yourself
Self-love is just as important as romantic love. Be sure to take of yourself with time alone, a bubble bath, or a good workout session. When you feel better about yourself, that trickles into how you feel about others.
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13. Do Chores Together
Somtimes the only moment you can squirrel away is through chores. Washing dishes isn’t as romantic as a candlelight dinner, but it’s still a small way you can spend more time together.
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14. Hang Out at Home
It’s not always an option to leave the kids at home, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for fun. Open a bottle of wine together and settle in for some trash TV, or just talk to each other! Your home is still a great place to reconnect.
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15. Learn Hobbies Together
Hobbies help you learn and discover interests together, which not only brings you closer but also teaches you new things about your partner. Attend a class or talk about something you’d like to learn together.
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16. Good Communication
All relationships need good communication, especially between parents. Always speak openly with one another and don’t be afraid to confide.
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17. Celebrate Anniversaries
Don’t let milestones pass you by! Celebrate anniversaries with a date night or just some alone time once the kids go to bed. All those memories you shared still exist, and they should be remembered.
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18. Learn Spicy Interests
Read some adult fiction or watch new entertainment together. You never know what will spark a little bit of inspiration.
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19. Laugh Together
One of the most important aspects of a relationship is laughter. Inside jokes or simply seeing the brighter side of life allows you both a chance to keep smiling.
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20. Teamwork
Parents are a team, and your relationship only strengthens when you act like one. Tackle chores or childcare together—shared responsibilities lets your partner know that you’re in this together.
