The importance of couple time
February 9, 2012
As Valentine's Day quickly approaches, moms pursuing a college degree may need to be reminded that they need to make an effort for time with their husbands or boyfriends on Valentine's Day and all year long.
Balancing the demands of motherhood and going to college can be challenging, and many busy parents put time for themselves and time together at the bottom of their to-do list.
"Putting your spouse after kids all the time causes stress and tension in a marriage and that ultimately affects the happiness of the children," according to HealthyParentsHealthyKids.org. "Children are extremely receptive of our moods and behaviors. If we are not connected to our spouse the children feel that."
Why not use the Valentine's Day holiday as a reason to reconnect and recommit to spending time together?
Time alone (without kids) allows you to catch up with each other and remember why you fell in love in the first place.
Schedule a "date night" once a week or once a month and make sure it's on both of your calendars. Take turns planning what you'll do and surprise your partner with what you've planned. Hire a sitter, ask a family member to help out, start a babysitting swap with another couple or simply wait until the kids go to bed and have a stay-at-home date night.
Some student parents may think a date is out of the question, as it creates another expense on top of household bills, tuition and other regular expenditures. Whether you have student loans or have received funding for school from grants for parents, scholarships for parents or other financial aid, date nights don't have to break your budget.
"The reality is you don't have to spend money to do something together," Tony Faber, associate professor of family studies at Southeast Missouri State University told the Southeast Missourian newspaper.
Some ideas of inexpensive dates include making dinner together, ordering take-out and eating by candlelight, watching a movie, taking a walk or hike and exercising together.
Faber also suggests that couples looking to spend more time together tackle household chores together. Heading outdoors for some yard work, folding laundry and cooking can help ensure you have some time to talk and spend time with each other more often than your scheduled date nights.
Tackling a home improvement project, such as painting a room, can also help you create some much-needed time together. In addition, you'll get to enjoy the finished product!
