Expand the Horizons. Behavioral researchers have found that spending quality time together is not enough to prevent burnout. To enliven relationships, nights out need to be filled with new and varied activities. Instead of going to the same restaurant week after week, try taking a cooking class instead. Instead of going to a movie, shake up the mood by stretching beyond your comfort zone. Write a screenplay, take an acting class. It's doing something new and different that keeps adults interested and lively.
Bring on the Butterflies. If you want to avoid the parenting rut you have to keep the connection with your partner passionate. By exploring new experiences together you add excitement, and that renewed energy has positive impacts on the whole family. Studies show that adding adventure fuels the romantic fire.
Add Novelty. You don't have to swing from the chandeliers to make your relationship romantic, but you do need to get out of your normal routine to keep your relationship thriving. Perhaps the two of you might get on the bus and explore another part of town. Perhaps you might ride bicycles or take up kayaking. If you're a single parent you still need novelty to feel enlivened. You will have to think outside the box, get creative and go out alone. Join a club, form a group of singles and mix it up.
Keep Learning. There is no reason to stop learning. There are plenty of subjects to study that have nothing to do with parenting. Write down three subjects that have nothing to do with children or parenting that peak your interest. Ask your partner to do the same. Together pick one and sign up for a lecture or class together. After class stop for a glass of wine or desert and talk about what you learned. After the class sessions are over continue down your list.
No Kid Talk Allowed. Parenting night out means parenting talk off limits. There's plenty of time to talk and swoon over the little ones, but this is not the time. A night out is designated as adult time. Parents are adults and need adult time to feel content. And who knows, when you're not talking about kids you might have more time for kissing.
select one here...