Despite the joys and rewards of being a parent, raising kids often leaves parents with little time and energy to nurture their marriage. This isn't just unhealthy for your relationship, it can also affect the way you relate to your kids. Add to that, kids grow up, bringing to their own relationships what they witnessed growing up. Nurturing your marriage benefits your entire family.
A retreat away from the responsibilities of home and kids is a great way to re-ignite the spark and may be more doable than you realize.
Weekend Caregiver
A significant hindrance to getting away is finding suitable arrangements for the kids. Relatives are a great source. Even if they don't live nearby, it may still be a feasible option. If your parents or relatives live a distance away, ask if you can leave the kids with them for a night or two the next time you visit. That makes for a great bonding experience for grandparents and grandkids who don't get to see each other often.
Another possibility is asking a friend or neighbor with kids similar in age to do a weekend exchange. Or, talk with the parents of your child’s friends about planning future weekend sleepovers in advance so each of you can make the most of your weekend of freedom.
You could also pay a trustworthy young adult you know to spend the weekend at your home. Be sure to discuss the payment upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
Another option, offer your kids a fun-filled week away at summer camp. This serves double duty. Look for a camp that suits your kids' interests. Then make the most of their time away.
GREAT ESCAPE WEEKENDS
Regardless of where you live, you can find plenty of escapes within a half day’s drive or less. Or consider hopping on a short flight for more choices. Here are a few ideas.
Bed and Breakfast – Find a romantic bed and breakfast in a charming town. Stroll through historical neighborhoods, window-shop, enjoy local eateries and a riverfront walk.
Trip Down Memory Lane – Remember those carefree days before kids? Make your reservation at a hotel in the area where you met. Revisit your past, eating at the restaurant of your first date, visiting parks you frequented, or even reenacting your most memorable dates.
Lover’s Lane – Find accommodations with an in-room Jacuzzi, then dedicate your first evening to a mini-shopping spree at Victoria’s Secret. Choose apparel for each other to try on and discover what you each like. Then spend the weekend savoring each other and rekindling the romance.
Culture and Class – Buy tickets to an area play, musical, or event. Then choose a top-notch hotel with fine dining and luxurious rooms nearby.
Mystery Weekend –Try out a mystery weekend adventure. Search online for upcoming mystery events and enjoy a fun whodunit with your partner.
Amusement Park Fun – Get in touch with your inner child. Make your reservation at an amusement park resort so you can come and go as you please all weekend.
Music Lover’s Weekend – Buy concert tickets for a weekend of musical merriment and reserve a room near the concert hall.
Winter Resort – Hit the slopes or cross-country trails, toboggan, or go ice skating. When you're done, cozy up with hot cocoa by a roasting fire.
Festival Fun – Contact your visitor's bureau, chamber of commerce, or check out online to discover upcoming festivals. Then book a hotel reservation in the area.
Second Honeymoon – Renew your vows, and take a second honeymoon. Write your own promise to recite to your partner or exchange gifts that represent your renewed commitment to each other. And don't forget the honeymoon suite!
Make it a Surprise – Pull this off, and you'll have your partner eating out of your hand. Concoct a story about going to dinner, to an out-of-town furniture store that you've been dying to visit, or whatever it takes to get your partner on the road with you. When you reach your destination, act confused, and explain you got your directions wrong. Pull into a hotel parking lot (conveniently where you've made reservations). Then say you'll run in and ask for directions. After you've checked in, see how far you can drag your partner along before your partner discovers the surprise.
Weekend Tips
Research and plan your weekend getaway, so it isn't over before you get started.
Talk about your wants and expectations with your partner beforehand so you don’t arrive with different ideas that'll lead to disappointment. Come to a mutual agreement that meets both of your needs so you’ll both come home feeling renewed.
Discuss costs and spending in advance to avoid arguments that could ruin the weekend.
Turn your phone off to avoid unnecessary interruptions. But also give the phone number of where you'll be staying to the sitter. Remind the kids to call you only in an emergency.
Finally, keep in mind some things might not go as planned. Take it in stride, and be flexible because the weekend is just about renewal and enjoying your time together.
