Date Night Ideas When You Can’t Find a Babysitter
Hey there fellow married folks with kids! Remember those days when you and your spouse could just spontaneously decide to hit the town for a romantic evening? Yeah, me neither. But just because we’ve traded in our dancing shoes for diaper bags doesn’t mean the dating has to stop. In fact, it’s more important than ever!
As the wise folks at Catholic.net remind us, “Dating shouldn’t stop with marriage. In fact, it should be a regular part of married life.” Amen to that! Regular date nights help keep the spark alive, improve communication, and remind us why we fell in love in the first place. Plus, it’s a great excuse to change out of those sweatpants you’ve been wearing for… how many days now?
But let’s face it, finding a babysitter can be harder than getting a toddler to eat broccoli. So, what’s a couple to do? Fear not, my friends! I’ve got six fantastic at-home date night ideas that’ll help you grow in holiness and closeness, all without leaving the comfort of your living room (or stepping on a stray Lego).
Bonding over Board Games
Now, I’m not talking about Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders (though if that’s your jam, no judgment here). I’m talking about grown-up games that’ll get your competitive juices flowing and create lasting memories.
A few summers ago, my wife and I started a tradition of playing backgammon. It quickly became our go-to way to unwind and connect after the kids were in bed. We’ve since leveled up to a full-blown Summer Tournament, where the winner gets to pick the next game and we keep a running total of points. Nothing says “I love you” quite like crushing your spouse at Scrabble, Hearts, or Carcassonne, am I right?
Cooking Together
They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, so why not cook up some love in the kitchen? Pick a new recipe you’ve both been dying to try, or recreate the meal from your first date. You can also pick a recipe that ties back to the liturgical or saint feast day. I highly recommend Living the Seasons as a recipe resource to try new dinners related to your Catholic faith.
Cooking together is a great way to practice teamwork, communication, and patience. Plus, you get a delicious meal at the end! Just remember, if things go south, there’s always takeout (*dials the local bar & grill for burgers).
YouTube Dance Lessons
Remember when you used to hit the dance floor together? No? Me neither. But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn! Thanks to the magic of YouTube, you can turn your living room into a dance studio. From salsa to swing, there’s a tutorial out there for every style.
Not only is dancing great exercise, but it’s also a fun way to laugh together and get physically close. Just be prepared for some stepped-on toes and furniture bumping. And maybe warn the kids beforehand so they don’t think Mom and Dad have lost their minds.
Pickleball in the Driveway
Pickleball: it’s not just for retirees anymore! This fast-growing sport is taking the nation by storm, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to get your heart pumping.
My wife and I have found that a quick game of pickleball is one of the fastest ways to get us in the right state of mind and help us relax. Plus, it’s a great excuse to show off those neon sweatbands you (or your parents) have been saving since the ’80s.
Book Study Date
Who says intellectual stimulation can’t be romantic? Pick a book you both want to read (might I suggest “The Five Love Languages” or “Holy Marriage, Happy Marriage”), and set aside time during naps or after bedtime to discuss it.
Remember, the couple that prays together stays together, and those who read together… well, you get smarter and more creative! Plus, it gives you something to talk about besides whose turn it is to change the diaper or why there’s an old piece of cheese in the Little Tykes car.
Stargazing and Dreaming
Sometimes, the simplest dates are the best. Once the kids are asleep, grab a blanket and the baby monitor and head out to your backyard or balcony. Lie back, look up at the stars, and just… be. Talk about your dreams, your fears, your hopes for the future. Remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
This is also a great time for prayer together. As Saint John Paul II said, “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.” Your relationship is the foundation of your family, so nurturing it is crucial not just for you, but for your children and the world.
Remember, the goal of these date nights isn’t perfection. It’s about intentionally setting aside time to focus on each other, grow together, and have some fun along the way. So don’t stress if the soufflé falls or if you trip over your own feet during the salsa lesson. The important thing is that you’re doing it together.
So there you have it, folks! Six ways to keep the romance alive without leaving the house or bribing the teenager next door to babysit. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a backgammon rematch to prepare for. My wife may have won the last game, but this time… well, let’s be honest, she’ll probably win again. I did promise to love her in good times and in bad(gammon).
Author: Matt Chicoine
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