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A Family Affair
Simple Ways to Keep Romance Alive with Kids Underfoot
By Amy Carey
According to romance experts Barbara and Michael Jonas (http://www.timefortwo.com), one key to ensuring couple time is enforcing your children's bedtime. "Parents with younger children need to set rules and stick to them, then you can schedule, and depend on, time for yourselves," say the Jonases. As the Hallfords know, having a "date" after the kids are in bed – even if you don't leave the house – is sometimes the easiest way to reconnect with your partner. No babysitters are required and there's no dress code.
While it's tempting to spend precious evening hours falling into separate sides of the bed, couples should make the effort to spend time enjoying each other. "After the baby is asleep, rather than dropping away to sleep yourself, try a lovely massage as a great way to connect, take a bath together, or curl up on the couch," says Shoshanna. An hour spent watching your favorite television show in the arms of your husband can be a heavenly alternative to staying up to pay bills or do the laundry.
"Last night, we got a free movie from the library (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and made Coke-flavored 'slurpees' and cheese popcorn," says Hallford. "We try to do something [extra special] like this at least once a month."
Bedtime isn't the only time to enjoy romance with your partner. "Get up before the children to have a quiet breakfast (or shower) together," suggest the Jonases. If you and your partner work outside the home, arrange to meet during your lunch hour or enjoy a leisurely phone call if you can't meet face-to-face. If one of you stays at home, Pack a picnic lunch and bringing the kids to the park to meet your spouse. While the children play, you can steal a few glances over your sandwiches or hold hands as you walk in the grass.