Confession: My husband and I are totally and completely obsessed with our children.
What’s wrong with that, you ask? Nothing at all, except that we are totally and completely all about them, all of the time.
If we’re not careful, our marriage becomes a bit secondary. We can easily let too much time pass, putting our relationship second because “we’re fine.”
I don’t want to make the mistake of thinking we’re invincible…maritally speaking. We tend to be tired all the time, as everyone is, and it’s just easier to rely on the confidence we have in our love for one another, instead of intentionally nurturing our relationship.
Our kids are very young, and the old saying is true – “They grow up too quickly.” We value family time, and the security that it brings to our kids. We want to play with them, fill them up with encouragement, and invest in special memories together.
But, I also want my kids to see their parents in love. I want them to understand that Mommy and Daddy want to spend time together. I want my daughters and my son to see an example of a husband loving his wife and choosing her first.
Lately, we tend to give the best of ourselves to our children. Perhaps we’ve fallen into the myth that “good parents” sacrifice their own well-being, and make their children the central focus of their lives.
But after awhile, we lose touch with what our spouse is feeling, pondering, and dreaming about. There are more agitated moments and tense conversations, and old insecurities begin to resurface. I think we can all agree that marriage is tough sometimes, but maybe we don’t need therapy…. We just need a Date Night!
We need go out together, foster meaningful conversation. Something beyond “Did you pay the water bill?” and give one another our undivided attention.
Don’t get me wrong… I think sitting side by side on the couch watching your favorite shows is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. Having a budget-friendly “home date” complete with a bottle of wine and a game of Scrabble sounds great, too, but making a conscious effort to change the scenery and experience new things together sans offspring communicates that we value one another.
Parents, when was the last time you went on a date with your spouse/partner?
Lifestyle Frisco is your best resource for planning a night out. We have restaurant reviews, event listings, and city guide information. Go out to dinner and catch a movie. Play tennis together or bike our trails. Check out Music in the Square this summer, or simply grab coffee and sit on a patio together.
Rule #1: Schedule a babysitter (it’s the best investment you’ll ever make), and start planning your night out today.
Lifestyle Frisco: Music in the Square
Lifestyle Frisco: Weekend RoundUp
Lifestyle Frisco: 19 Options for a Frisco Valentines Day
Lifestyle Frisco: Where to Play Tennis