My husband and I look forward to our Friday nights when our son goes to bed and we have time to catch up on our DVR and enjoy some nice wine together. This may sound pretty lame for some people, but we really look forward to relaxing this way with each other. And we only have one kid! How do people with multiple children do it??
When both partners work while also being parents, couple alone time can look very different from the long and fun dinners that used to happen before kids came into the picture. Couples in my practice talk about how their alone time together is the least of their priorities because they have to manage their children’s activities, help with homework, work, commute, manage the home and attend events for friends and family. By the time a couple accomplishes all they have to do each week, going out to dinner or a movie sounds like it takes too much energy and some choose to catch up on much needed sleep. So I have put together a list of very low key “date night” ideas for the tired working parents. Since these ideas are very simple, there’s no excuse to not incorporate at least one of them for a weekly ritual. Consistency can lead to connection.
Justine is a licensed mental health counselor with a private practice in White Plains, NY. She helps teenagers, young adults and families struggling with anxiety, depression, family conflict and relationship issues. Justine is also the host of the podcast Thoughts From the Couch.