5 Easy date nights for new parents

***content source: http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/31312-5-easy-date-nights-for-new-parents/

Let’s face it. When new baby arrives, it’s hard for mom and dad to get a little couple time.  Sometimes it’s darn near impossible. However, it’s super important.

Between the lack of sleep and doting on baby, it’s easy for new parents to lose sight of each other. So in order to make sure the adult connection stays strong, I’ve come up with FIVE easy date nights for new parents (or really ANY parent!) Four of these are STAY AT HOME dates because as much as it’s awesome to get outside your house, sometimes it’s just not going to happen and if you don’t have family near you, it can be hard to get a sitter.

I urge all couples to make sure to find time to make each other  priority and aim to do one of these at least once a month. And while they probably seem like no brainers, when you are waking up every three hours, it can be hard to remember your own name, much less come up with a way to spend time with your partner.

1) Order a pizza and open a bottle of wine.

It’s simple. It doesn’t cost a lot of money. Sit down at the kitchen table and converse…about whatever you want.

2) Can we say REDBOX?

Having kids can put a damper on staying up-to-date with blockbuster hits. But for $1.20 you and your partner can have a cozy night in. It gives you an opportunity to snuggle a little and if you fall asleep, that’s ok too.

3) Game Night.

Just do it. Get out a game that’s easy for two people to play (Scrabble, Yahtzee, Monopoloy) or break out your Wii and find a sports or dance game. I guarantee you’ll have some laughs and it’ll give you a good chance to just be with each other.

4) Picnic Inside.

If you can to get a little fancier, arrange for a picnic inside. Put together a nice dinner (that you can eat on the floor) and woo each other like you did when you were dating. If it’s nice out (bring on springtime!) – take the monitor outside and have a picnic in your backyard (or porch, balcony, whatever you might have.)

5) OUT, OUT, OUT!

That’s right you heard me. Get out of your house. Call Grandma (if you are fortunate to have her near) or hire a sitter and get out of dodge. It doesn’t have to be for long, but take a hour or two to go grab a bite to eat, roam around Target, grab a coffee at Starbucks…whatever. Just leave your house and enjoy each others company. (And don’t feel bad if you talk about you kid(s) the whole time.)