Day Date Ideas for Parents with a Toddler | Keep Your Marriage Strong

Making Time for Couple Time as Parents of a Toddler

Finding time alone as a couple when you have a toddler running around can feel next to impossible some days. Your little nugget takes up so much time and energy that sitting down for an intentional date with your partner likely falls to the bottom of your priority list. But carving out couple time, even if it's just a few hours, is so important for your relationship. Don't let the demands of parenthood push your marriage to the backburner!

Get Creative with Your Day Date Ideas

A night out may not be feasible when you have a tiny human relying on you, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy special time together. Get creative with your day date ideas that allow you to soak up some couple time while your toddler is otherwise occupied. Here are some ideas to try:

• Schedule a weekend brunch date while your toddler is at a playdate or with grandparents
• Pack a picnic lunch and head to a nearby park while your tot is in daycare
• Take advantage of preschool hours and go for coffee or grab a matinee movie
• One parent takes the toddler out to run errands while the other enjoys peaceful alone time at home
• Hire a babysitter for a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon for activities like hiking, bowling or visiting a museum
• Take turns picking activities you each enjoy - maybe a bookstore browse or fishing trip

Make Time for Intention and Presence

A "day date" in the middle of toddler chaos may not seem very romantic at first glance. But what matters most is being intentional to focus on each other without distractions during the time you have. Being fully present can make even a short coffee date powerful for connecting. Try these tips:

• Turn off your phones so you're not tempted to look at them
• Chat without bringing up parenting or domestic concerns - focus on each other
• Maintain eye contact and engage actively in conversation
• Share a new thoughtful question or activity to get conversations flowing
• Appreciate the time you have without wishful thinking of more; relish the present moment

Prioritize Time for Intimacy as a Couple

It's easy for sex and physical intimacy to get placed on the back burner when you're busy with parenthood. But reserving time to be romantic and affectionate with your spouse is crucial, so make it a priority. It may take a bit more planning, but find ways to steal away time just the two of you. Ideas include:

• Schedule intimacy for when your toddler naps or after bedtime
• Book a hotel room for a night while your toddler stays with family
• Wake up before your tot to spend time being romantic in the morning
• Exchange flirty texts and notes during the day to build anticipation
• Be flexible and spontaneous when moments arise - keep a stash of condoms!

Keeping Your Marriage Strong Through the Chaos

The toddler years can be survival mode for many couples as you adjust to the demands of parenting. Exhaustion, stress and lack of time for each other can strain your relationship. But remember romance isn't just for people without kids! Carving out intentional space for your marriage, even if imperfect, keeps your connection alive. Get creative with day date ideas that work for your schedule. Prioritize time being present and intimate together, even if brief. Your marriage is worth the effort!

FAQs

How can we find time for a date when our toddler needs constant supervision?

Take advantage of any childcare help you can get like grandparents, trusted friends or daycare to free up small chunks of time alone. Or get creative with "dates" while your toddler is occupied like at playgrounds.

What are quick day date ideas that work well with our schedule?

Brunch, lunch, coffee and matinee movies are great options that align well with toddler naptimes and preschool hours. Even squeezing in uninterrupted conversation while running errands together counts!

We're always exhausted. How do we make the most of what little time we get?

Being fully present and attentive to each other is key. Turn off your phones, maintain eye contact, engage in conversation and appreciate every moment you have.

How can we be intimate with a toddler that still sleeps in our room?

Get creative with intimacy when your toddler is napping, or wake up before them in the mornings. Schedule nights away from your toddler periodically. Sexting and flirting can also build anticipation for when you do have alone time.

How do we keep our marriage strong under the stress of parenting?

Carving out any intentional space for your marriage, even if imperfect or brief, makes a difference. Prioritize time for conversation, activities you enjoy together, affection and intimacy. Your marriage is worth the effort!