Ten Romantic Ideas for Couples with Kids

1. Empty a box of chocolates. Then cut out hearts from lace doilies, construction paper or pretty scraps of wrapping paper. On each cutout heart, record something about him that you love. Be specific, “The way you smell when you come to bed at night,” “The way you take care of me when I’m sick,” “Your recipe for pancakes”…

Fold the cutouts, place them in the empty chocolate box, and top with a beautiful bow.

The time you spend coming up with these ideas will contribute to your own romantic mood, and what he thinks is a plain box of chocolates will be a gift he’ll keep close to his heart forever. And you can add to the box on Valentine’s Day, his birthday, your anniversary, and other holidays throughout the year.

2. Build a romantic fire. Before the kids go to bed, have fun together as a family, roasting marshmallows.

After their lights are out, host your own indoor picnic. If you don’t have a fireplace, make do with lots of romantic candles, a bottle of wine or champagne, hand-painted champagne flutes with a heart-motif and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

3. Recreate your first date together. What were you wearing? Where did you go?

Do you remember what you talked about?

Spend the evening reminiscing and reflecting on how far you’ve come as a couple.

4. Spoon all night. Then share breakfast in bed, even if it’s as simple as waffles or pancakes and maple syrup with orange juice and coffee.

Don’t forget the flowers! These could be a charming posy of dandelions or other wildflowers picked outside or a posy of dried flowers. Think outside the box.

5. Choose a book in which you are both interested, fiction or nonfiction.

Read a new chapter each night before bed.

This cozy tradition will allow you to spend some quality time together and often makes for thought-provoking breakfast conversations.

6. Make a play list of the songs special to your relationship.

Include “your song,” songs from your wedding, songs from favorite movies.

Add a personal voice dedication and leave it on his favourite laptop, tablet, or phone.

7. Unplug: Turn off the TV and Put Away Your Phone. Then talk. Or cuddle. Or go to bed. Or all three. And maybe more or maybe not. Whatever feels right to both of you as you share time together away from the screen.

8. Kidnap your husband. Arrange for a babysitter for a few hours – or a few days. A friend of mine had success with this one. Her husband had always wanted to get married in Vegas, but instead he had agreed to a formal ceremony hosted by her family. So, after they had been married 10 years, she surprised him at work with a packed suitcase. They caught a flight and renewed their vows before an Elvis impersonator in a Vegas chapel. Years later, they’re still talking about it.

9. Become Another Woman. This one requires a babysitter, too. Next time you’re visiting your parents or in-laws, leave the kids with their grandparents and travel to another town, where no one will recognize you. Check into a hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Dress like another woman. Act like another woman. It’s fun to slip into another persona from time to time.

10. Have a scavenger hunt. Write a few poems, wrap candy kisses inside, and hide them around the house. Each poem should be a clue to finding the next one. Make sure the final clue lands your man someplace you want to end up for the entire evening. A romance package, including a bottle of champagne and new lingerie, is a nice touch.