Ah, the age-old question: how do you prioritize your marriage when you have kids? It’s a tricky balancing act, but fear not!
As a seasoned expert in the art of marriage and parenting (by which I mean I’ve been married for a few years and have two kids under the age of five), I’ve got some humorous tips and tricks to help you keep the spark alive while keeping the little ones alive, too.
Schedule a date night. It may sound cliche, but it’s true: You need to make time for each other. And I don’t mean just collapsing on the couch together after the kids go to bed.
I mean, actually planning a night out (or in) where you can focus on each other without any distractions. Bonus points if you can find a sitter who won’t mind if you come home a little tipsy and start singing karaoke in your living room.
Find common interests. Sure, you and your partner may have different tastes in movies, music, and hobbies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find some activities that you both enjoy.
Maybe you both love hiking, or cooking, or playing board games. Whatever it is, make time to do it together. And if you need to bribe the kids with ice cream to get them to behave while you’re doing it, well, that’s just good parenting.
Communicate. This one is key. You can’t prioritize your marriage if you’re not communicating with each other. Make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to parenting decisions, household chores, and anything else that might cause friction.
If you’re having trouble communicating, try writing each other love letters. It may sound cheesy, but it’s a great way to express your feelings without getting interrupted by a screaming toddler.
Laugh. Parenthood can be stressful, but it can also be hilarious. Find the humor in the chaos, and share a laugh with your partner.
Whether you’re commiserating about a particularly difficult day or just cracking jokes while you’re folding laundry, laughter can help you both de-stress and feel more connected.
Be spontaneous. Sometimes, you just need to throw caution to the wind and do something unexpected. Surprise your partner with a romantic picnic in the park, or whisk them away on a last-minute weekend getaway. And if you can’t find a sitter for the kids, well, just bring them along. Family vacations can be romantic, too (just be sure to pack extra wine).
So there you have it: five humorous tips for prioritizing your marriage when you have kids. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance and making time for each other.
If all else fails, just remind yourself that someday, the kids will grow up and move out, and you’ll have plenty of time to focus on your marriage then. (But don’t tell them I said that.)
