Busy with Kids? Read These Tips to Make Valentine’s Day Special for You and Your Spouse - S Post

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As parents you probably never get the opportunity to spend quality time with each other. With kids around and the numerous household chores to take care of, it's easy to forget that spending time as a couple is important.

If it's been a long time since you talked to your spouse about things other than whose turn it is to do the dishes or change the diaper, you definitely need to reconnect to your spouse. And what better day to start than Valentine's Day? It's right around the corner too!

Whether you're neck-deep in work or have no idea what you'll do with the kids, you just have to make this work for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help you make this Valentine's Day a memorable one.

Don't Think of Surprising Your Spouse

Even if he/she loves surprises, your spouse is as stressed as you are (if not more) about running the house and taking care of all things.

Your spouse would certainly be delighted at the idea of spending time with you on V-day but what if they have to get certain things done that day and just can't go out with you? It would surely disappoint both of you if either of you can’t make it.

To be on the safer side, tell your spouse that you would like to spend a couple of hours with them on Valentine's Day. This will give them enough time to deal with other priorities and be ready for the date.

If you're going to be the one planning everything, you don't have to divulge all the details to them; let a few things remain a surprise. And if your spouse is planning things, don’t press him/her to tell you all the details.

Plan the Date in Advance

Life is no more about just you and your spouse; you have your own house and maybe a bunch of kids to care for. Obviously, you can’t just walk out of the house without planning things in advance.

Moreover, it needn’t be mentioned that each and every place will be packed to full capacity on V-day. It’ll help if you make reservations in advance. You and your spouse will be taking time off from your busy schedules to go out together; you can’t screw this one up!

You can also discuss everything from start to finish with your spouse, especially if you doubt that he/she won’t like what you have in mind. Ask your spouse what they would like to do and also tell them your ideas. Plan the date keeping your common interests in mind.

Keep Kids out of Your Mind
If you want to make this date all about you and your spouse, avoid involving the kids. And no, it isn’t selfish of you to want to make this day all about you and your better half.

If your kids are old enough to look after themselves and you have left them alone at home previously, you shouldn’t have a problem. If you can’t leave them alone, ask a close friend or relative if they can look after your kids. You can also hire a baby sitter for a few hours.

Be sure to choose someone you trust; you don’t want to worry about your kids while you’re supposed to be enjoying yourselves. And don’t call up the person every 15 minutes or so to check if all is well.

If you’re planning to spend Valentine’s Day at home, you’ll need to ensure that the kids are tucked in early. If you have relatives staying nearby, consider dropping the kids at their place for a few hours or for the night.

Remember That It Doesn't Have to Be Extravagant

This isn't about spending as much money as you can or can't. If money matters are worrying you, know that your date night can be wonderful even if you don't spend a fortune.

If you want to, you can spend the night at home watching a romantic flick. Cook a simple meal or order from your favorite place.

If you intend to go out, see if you can get coupons or freebies of food products like ice-creams. Or maybe you would like to just take a stroll in a park, visit places that were your favorite while you were dating, or do things that you haven't done in a while like go boating, catch the latest flick, or see the local museum.

You just need to spend some time alone with your spouse. How you do it isn’t what’s important. So don’t be worried if you think your spouse won’t be happy; after all, it’s the thought that counts!

And lastly,

Dress Up and Look Your Best

Just because you’re married and have kids, doesn’t mean you don’t spend time pampering or grooming yourself. This goes for both men and women. No matter how hard-pressed for time you are, take the pains to dress well and look well-groomed.

Get a haircut, shave, get your eyebrows tweezed, apply make-up, or do what makes you feel good. You don’t want to go out on a date and look at the other couples and wish you had taken some extra effort to look good.



Now that you know how to go about things to make this Valentine’s Day a special one, what are you waiting for? Get started with things as soon as possible!