Let’s be honest – date nights with our significant other were always a challenge to plan and then implement. Throw a global pandemic into the mix, and you may be thinking that date nights are impossible. Not entirely.
Planning an At-Home Date Night just requires a bit of creativity, and a broadening of our definition of a “date.” Keeping your relationship with your Significant Other going strong means making an effort, and it’s worth it.
Just remember to use your imagination; a date doesn’t always have to be at night. You can plan a date during the little one’s nap time, early in the morning before the kids wake up, or during their half-hour of screen time in the other room.
Whenever you have an at-home date, we hope you have fun!
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Here are 12 Ideas for Pandemic-Friendly, At-Home Dates for Parents.
Anything by Candlelight
Turning off all the lights, and relying only on candlelight, automatically takes things up a notch. Suddenly the room is more romantic. Mysterious. Magical. And it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or what you’re eating.
What about getting Take-out from your favorite romantic restaurant? You know your time limits, your family situation. So whether it’s a cup of tea by candlelight, a late meal, or a bowl of ice cream enjoy it. Savor it and each other.
Stargazing in the Backyard
Granted, this one is harder to do in a big city. But, go outside and sit on a blanket and just look up. Marvel at what you can see. Imagine what’s out there, that you can’t see. Notice how your other senses may perk up. You may smell the neighbors’ lingering barbecue or hear someone playing the piano down the street.
Take a Turn on the Kids’ Playground Equipment
Are you lucky enough to have a swing set in the backyard? Who says it’s only for kids? Go outside and gently swing together. Toss a ball back and forth. Throw a Frisbee.
Dance
Play your wedding song. Make a playlist of some of the favorite songs throughout your years together. Slow dancing with your partner, is an intimate, romantic experience – holding each other close and just enjoying the moment.
Go Camping
Be flexible here about your idea of camping. Maybe it’s merely sitting outside for a bit, snuggling under blankets, while the baby monitor is next to you. Maybe camping involves a blanket spread out on the living room floor while the kids are asleep. At the very least, enjoy some s’mores.
Bubble-Bath For Two
If you can manage it, a bubble bath complete with bath oils, candles, and maybe something special to drink is a very low-cost, but very romantic date for parents.
Watch Your Wedding Video
Even if you have to split up the viewing over the course of several days, sitting down together to watch your wedding video is a great way to re-connect and feel the magic and wonder of that special day. Don’t forget to take a look at your wedding album, too.
Recreate Your First Date
Did you see a movie? Go out to dinner? Go for a hike? Have a picnic? Can you recreate it at home?
Enjoy a Show
No need to get dressed for the theatre (unless you want to). But take advantage of the many ballets, theatre shows, and concerts that are available on different streaming platforms.
Play a Game
Enjoy a little friendly competition. Checkers. Scrabble. Poker. Go Fish. Video Games count too.
Start a Long-Term Project
Work on a puzzle together. Watch the first season of The Mandalorian (because you were late to the party). Plan something long-lasting which gives you something to look forward to throughout the day, for several days, until it’s date time.
Massages
Or foot rubs. Or back scratches. What feels good to you? Touch is powerful and a wonderful way to connect with your partner. Set the timer if you want, to make sure each person is getting equal billing.
Whatever you choose to do, we hope you enjoy Date Night at Home.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
