Kyria

Making it happen without robbing a bank

Looking for a way to make your marriage a priority in the midst of rearing your family? Consider these strategies:

Childcare Options:

1. Hire a teenager to commit to one night a week as your babysitter. This keeps your dates regularly scheduled and allows your children to become accustomed to a regular sitter.
   
   
2. If grandparents, aunts, or uncles live in town, ask them to consider having a special night with the kids every week or every other week.
   
   
3. Trade sitting with another family. One night you watch their children and the next week they watch yours.

Inexpensive Dates:

1. Share a meal when you eat out. (Make sure to tip the waiter the estimated cost of two meals because he's serving two people.)
   
   
2. Check out the local ice cream shop and order a root beer float complete with two straws!
   
   
3. Explore the zoo or a museum.
   
   
4. Take ballroom dancing classes at the local Parks and Recreation Center.
   
   
5. Go out for pie.

"No Cost" Dates

1. Take a walk in the park, holding hands and talking.
   
   
2. Spread a blanket on the ground and enjoy the night sky.
   
   
3. Take a bike ride.
   
   
4. Go to a bookstore and find books to look at and dream together.
   
   
5. Revisit the location of your first date and reminisce.
   
   
6. Put the kids to bed and watch your wedding video or look at your wedding photos.
   
   
7. Take a drive in the country and talk about your dream home.
   
   
8. Slow dance in your bedroom or living room.
   
   
9. Have a quiet evening at home, make a meal, light some candles, and rent a movie.