It is kind of silly that we need to make efforts to make sure we have some grown up time between Thomas Trains, cartoons and school homework. Unfortunately date night is not something that we can do easily with little kids and outside help is not always available. But Valentine’s Day is something that screams DATE and that means we need get proactive.
Ready? Set. Plan!
1. Babysitter
Sorry, but this is a “MUST-DO” and you can’t go to the next step without it. As much as you might like to have a candlelight dinner with a husband across the table and a child on your lap eating your sandwich, this date is just about two of you – not your kids.
2. Healthy Activity
Get away. Just two of you. Even if it is for an hour. If you can go for a scenic walk make sure to leave your headphones and phones home and really enjoy time together. However, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, do some physical activities at home:
3. Movie
Laughter is the best therapy, but you might be fans of different genres. Here are a few great comedies that just might please both of you and the easiest way to get to that perfect movie is just click-click-Vudu. All the movies on my list are classically funny yet not to chicky.
- Wedding Crashers
- The 40 Year Old Virgin
- Young Frankenstein
- Meet The Parents (or any of the sequels)
- Anger Management
- The Jerk
- Horrible Bosses
4. Snack
Pizza might be a perfect family movie night dinner, but when it comes for tete-a-tete, do go fancy! However, you don’t have to go out for a special occasion meal – have a date night in and enjoy the comfort of comfortable clothes. If you and your +1 both enjoy cooking, this might be a great opportunity to spend some time together. May I suggest Plated.com? They send you all the ingredients for the entrée of your choice along with the instructions – you make the most out of your time in the kitchen. No additional shopping required!
Baked Chili Chicken Meatballs with Chard and Peppers
These chili-spiced meatballs, combine traditional tomato sauce with new age taste… Kind of like the Jackie O of the food world.
There are more amazing recipes on Plated.com. However, if your special someone is not a fan of cooking, go with the flow – DO NOT COOK or make something that requires no time!! Get a takeout from your favorite restaurant – just make sure not to get too much or make a quick sandwich.
5. Privacy Please
If you have managed to overeat while watching a movie, skip this step and just go to bed. However, if you went with our recommendation of healthier choices, you are ready for intimacy – consider it a part of your healthy & active date: 
Oh that babysitter, it is the hardest part of the entire night! Thankfully right now we can use Grandma and Papa as a babysitter every few weeks so we can actually get a date night. I don’t even want to think about when we move and don’t have them near by.
I agree with Amber – the babysitter is the part we totally struggle with. And between having a toddler and a tween, there are always things going on. We really need to make date night more of a priority in our home.
These are great ideas. My husband don’t get to get out and have time just for us, and I know how important it is! Even the idea of working out together is fun.. plus it has so many other great benefits. I think as hard of an effort it takes, parents/couples should make that effort!
Great date ideas, and good movie selection!
Oh the things you don’t have to worry about, or even think about when you aren’t married and don’t have any kids. Moms are amazing! – Katy
I love the idea of date night, boy I do…..however, between different work schedules and life’s stupid demands there is no time, nevertheless I am inspired to make more time for me and the hubs to reconnect.
LOVE this post! I needed it! Great ideas and tips!
I have an 8 month old daughter, and I’m dying to have a date night right now. It’s long overdue. Mostly because we are lacking No.1 🙁
We have a heard time planning date nights because I hate leaving my kids, but I know it is important and we need to do it more.
Actually, I did know those things about sex 🙂 It can be a great tool for couples to really reconnect and also unwind from their crazy lives. I think it’s great KY is always innovating new ways to bring couples together, and I always love their Valentine’s promos each year!
What great ideas! That takes dedication to workout during a date! Thanks for a great post! #client
Great post! Love your steps to a perfect date night!!! #client