Date Idea #4

Have you ever heard New Yorkers say that they have lived in their city their whole lives, but have never been to the Empire State Building, or Statue of Liberty, etc.?

Well, I don't live in New York :( (although I have been to the afore-mentioned places), but I do live close to a very cool city. I bet you do too :) You will be surprised at the many many things you can find to do in your city. When my husband and I were dating, we did a lot of fun tourist type things, but we don't as much anymore.

So, the date idea is to take a night (or day) out and act like tourists in your city. Eat somewhere you've never tried; go to a show or somewhere that your city might be famous for. You might not have known it ever existed.

Click HERE to see what you can do in your city.

Date Idea #3

Have you got plans tonight? NO?? Better get on that. Call up your sweetie, and ask them out on an official date.

Tonight, we're going to dinner and a movie. Sounds routine right? Try going to something you normally wouldn't go see, you might be surprised! Sure, it could be for the bad, but it could be for the good too, right? Have fun!

One Parent~One Child

Do you want to strengthen your relationship with your child? If your answer is no - you should not be a parent :)

I have a strong testimony on one-on-one time with your child. How much one-on-one time is your child getting with you and with your spouse? Even if you only have one child, your day may sound something like this:

"Time to get out of bed!" (or in my case, "Go back to bed, please!")
"Finish your breakfast!"
"Where are your shoes? We are going to be late!"
"How was your day?"
"Quit fighting with your brother/sister!"
"Finish your homework!"
"Finish your vegetables!"
"Brush your teeth!"
"Go to sleep!!"

There is nothing wrong with giving your children direction throughout the day, although it could sound a little more pleasant than that! But more often, much needed one-on-one time gets put on the back burner.

Find a way that works for your family. My husband and I go on a date every other weekend. On the "off" weeks, we split up and take our kids on a one-on-one date. He'll take our oldest son, and I'll take our daughter. The next "off" week, he'll take our daughter, and I'll take our oldest son. What happens to our baby you may ask? He always tags along with me. However, when he is old enough to appreciate the one-on-one dates, I'm sure my husband and I will come up with another solution.

The important thing is one parent ~ one child. Make the date about them. You don't have to spend any money either. Be creative. One time, when we were low on funds for the week, I told my daughter to go put on her prettiest shoes. I did the same and we met in the kitchen for a special treat. She LOVED it! My daughter loves shoes, and she loves treats, so I made the date about her.

I encourage you to find a way that works for you family to spend one-on-one time with your child. If you don't already, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how it affects your relationship!

Date Idea #2

When you and your spouse can't think of anything to do, or maybe you just want to stay in, try this idea:

Pick a TV show that you haven't seen before, rent a whole season of it, and watch a few episodes together. This can be running date since you will be able to stretch it out among many dates! Make some yumm treats and snuggle up!

I'm Going There Someday

Are you and your spouse going to the temple together? If so, are you going regularly? I know it's important. You know it's important! Go together. What a great {free} date!

When you do go, make sure your children know where you are going. Tell them beforehand that you are attending the temple and explain the importance of it. They will wonder what is so important about the temple, and that can be a great teaching opportunity for you!

Date Idea #1

I am going to try and post a date idea at least every other week. I cannot stress how important it is to go on dates with your spouse!! Now a date does not count if your kids are with you. Don't get me wrong, it's important to have dates with your kids too, but I'll get into that at another time. Going on dates with your spouse is more important. And it doesn't have to be lavish or expensive. It can be cheap or free and FUN!

A favorite for "Hubby" and myself is putting the kids to bed (maybe a little early) then getting take-out and renting a movie. Then we have a picnic in the family room while we eat dinner. Maybe take turns giving eachother a backrub or something to make it extra special. There ya go ~ easy, cheap, fun, done!