Do you Date your Spouse?!

 Marriage is difficult no matter how well matched you are as a couple. 
After 23 years of marriage and a LOT of struggles my husband and I have found that taking time to 'date' one another helps keep our love strong and growing. 

"But I have kids" "There's not enough time" "We don't have the extra money" 

May be running through your head after being told you should date your spouse. Guess what, me too!!! But happiness and quality of life and love matter. And the more in love you are with your spouse the better off your children will be.

So Here 4 of my top FREE marriage dates. 

Most can be done at home. So put that baby down for a nap, lock your kids in a room with a new toy or game. (don't really lock them up, but you get my point) and find time for you!!

Top free marriage date #1 - Coffee date at home.

This is at the top of my list because it is the easiest.  Get up before your kids on the weekend and have coffee together. No phones! Just the two of you. Sometimes we will do a devotional together as well, or even read out of a marriage book. But a simple cup of coffee (or tea) together and time to talk can do wonders.

Top free marriage date #2 - Movie Night.

And no I don't mean binge watching a show while you scroll your phones until you fall asleep. I mean pick a movie you both want to see. Put the kids to bed (or let them watch a movie in the other room). Cuddle up on the couch (cut lingerie under those pajamas couldn't hurt), make some popcorn, and enjoy a movie kid free and phone free. Our favorite streaming service is Amazon Prime.

Top free marriage date #3 - Go for a Walk.

This is my #1 favorite way to connect with my husband. It's not first on the list because it can be hard with young kids and no family nearby to get out of the house alone without hiring a sitter. But if your kids are old enough to stay home alone, or young enough to be in a stroller this is a great option! Locate some trails in your area and take time to reconnect in nature. Both nature and walking have been proven to clear our minds so there are great mental benefits (and physical) to this one as well.

Top free marriage date #4 - Breakfast in Bed.

This is also a fun one to do on the weekends. Set out cereal, bowls, and other breakfast needs for your kids the night before. And if you don't want to cook for the 2 of you - order something from a local shop and alternate whose turn it is to pick it up. Even better - as your kids get older TEACH THEM TO COOK! Our daughter Eva started making us breakfast in bed when she was 6 years old. Granted she loves to cook - but kids can take on a lot more responsibility than we give them credit for at a young age and typically they enjoy feeling like they can be depended on by mom and dad.

None of these ideas sound good to you? Check out these Games for Couples to spice things up.