3 Date Ideas When You Don't Have A Babysitter
Dating your spouse after becoming parents is definitely an adjustment. Before kids, my partner and I loved to go out on creative date nights. We were always hunting for the best comedy show, great concerts, and trivia nights at a local pub. But all this changed when we became parents. For a while, we gave up on dates all together. We accepted that this season of life just isn’t about romantic nights out together and more about surviving sleep deprivation and the endless piles of laundry. However, we soon realized that prioritizing connection in our relationship was important, whether or not we could actually leave the house. So, we started getting creative with intentional time together after the kids were asleep (no I do not mean watching netflix and scrolling our phones from opposite sides of the couch). I know how much you all struggle with the same thing, so I thought I would share some ideas here. I hope you feel excited and inspired to plan your next date night at home with your partner, so that you can connect no matter how many little humans have shared their bodily fluids with you that day.
Date Idea #1: At Home Comedy Night
There’s nothing like nachos, beer, and a crowded room full of laughter to lift your spirits and ease the stresses of your life. And although we cannot get to that crowded room any longer, we have fine tuned a way of getting pretty close. Enter the At Home Comedy Night. Here’s how: Pick a comedy show on Netflix, make a favourite appie, and pour a bevy of choice. Bonus points for holding hands, laughing, and telling each other your favourite/least favourite joke after. We LOVED Hasan Minhaj, Taylor Tomlinson, and Seth Meyers Netflix specials. You can thank me later.
Date Idea #2: At Home Cooking Class
Since early in our relationship, we have loved cooking together. Sure, we have evolved from canned tomato soup to bacon wrapped halibut with risotto, but what we have really enjoyed is being in the kitchen together learning a new recipe. Doing something novel can trigger the release of dopamine, a feel good hormone. We also create shared memories with our spouse, and can enjoy playing new roles in the relationship (if one of you is typically the cook it can be fun to mix it up and let the other do the majority of the cooking). We used to enjoy going to a physical cooking class, but now we bring the cooking class to us. There are so many great options for virtual cooking classes these days. Many of them you can sign up ahead of time and they will send you a grocery list of what you will need to cook the meal at home. Search your local city + virtual cooking classes and see what pops up! You can also access many for free on youtube!
Date Idea #3: At Home Camp Out
We love to camp. There is something about unplugging and being in nature that is really connecting for us. Over the years, we’ve learned that we enjoy sleeping in new places around our home to create novelty in the everyday. Sometimes when we crave camping but feel a little overwhelmed by the thought of packing up the kids, we opt for a back yard camp out instead. This can be in the back of your truck or your back yard. If weather isn’t on your side, you can even bring your mattress to the living room and create a fort. Start a fire (propane fire pits work great), have some hot chocolate, and stare at the stars. Turn off technology for the night and plug into each other.
Conclusion:
So there you have it. Three date ideas you can do from the comfort of your home, no babysitter required! Send this post to your spouse and get to planning! If you’re looking for more ways to connect after kids I created a free resource all about that! I’ve also compiled a massive list of date ideas (many of which you can do without a babysitter!) to keep your date nights creative and fresh! You can check them both out here.
Autumn is a psychotherapist and relationship specialist serving individuals and couples who desire fulfilling relationships with the people who matter most - whether this be with themselves, a family member, friend, or spouse. She has a special interest in working with those on the journey towards or transition into parenthood. Autumn is also a wife, mama to two young boys, daughter, sister, and friend. She cares deeply about the human connection and loves sharing this passion with her community.
