I started dating again this month. Eric did too. And, not only are we both okay with it, we think it's great.
Yes, of course you know that it's not really anything scandalous. Instead, we have started having one-on-one "dates" with the kids.
What we are going to attempt is that in each month, one of us will have a "date" with two of the kids (each individually) and the other will go out with the remaining child. Then, the following month, we'll each go out with the child(ren) that we didn't get a chance to do it with in the previous month. This way, in a two month period, each of the kids gets a chance to go out one-on-one with each parent.
This month, I went out with Noah on one day. We spent a little over an hour out, and our big location was the grocery store. While it doesn't sound exciting, we were shopping for when we were feeding 20 people and Noah had a great time! As we got to the store, he grabbed my hand and said, "This is really nice to have some time alone with you, Mom."
I also had a much longer "date" with Molly this past weekend. We went to the farmers market and got so many goodies! (I even parallel parked, which I took a picture of on my phone to prove later.) Then, we went to Hobby Lobby for some crafty goodies. Throughout the morning, Molly couldn't quit hugging and kissing me. We had such a nice time!
While I know that this is going to be one of those things that will be easy to forget to do, I pray that we can keep it up. Knowing what a good time I had on both of my dates this month, and then seeing the kids' reactions to it, I know that this is truly a good thing that warrants holding on to tightly.
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday, Finer Things Fridays, & Thankful Thursdays.
16 comments:
We do one-on-one times with our kids, too, and it really is such a joy to spend time just focusing on one child!
We've done that in the past with the kids. It's easy to get out of the habit, but you're right: it's worth hanging onto, especially as the kids get older. We need to get back in the habit.
Enjoy your dates!
How sweet! That is a great idea!
What a great idea! We are trying to make a better effort to spend one on one time with our children as well. I like your system.
How sweet! I think kid-dates are so rewarding, and even necessary. My husband & I have done this with my oldest (now 5). He is such a different kid after the one-on-one time.
How good for all of you. :)
We are planning to start this with our kids, too!
I try to have one-on-one time with my son, but he'd rather be playing with his cars and trucks.
# 2 is coming along in the Spring and I'm already thinking of ways to have some one on one time with my dd who will be 4 1/2.
it means so much to spend alone time with them many memories come from just this time with 6 kids we strived to do events with all them together and alone
A great reminder! We try to date our kids, too, but it's so easy to fall off that bandwagon.
We used to do this too and are planning to start it back up in the next couple weeks. I wouldn't trade that one-on-one time for anything! Children are SO different when they are singled out and away from their siblings. It's a beautiful thing! :)
I smiled reading your post. My kids are older and I've always loved my time with them. As they've gotten older we've changed what we do together. For example, one of my daughters loves garage sales and so on a Saturday morning we'll go to Starbucks, then head out to garage sales. We have such a nice time.
What a great idea! Have fun on your dates!
I need to do this more often with mine. Thank you for sharing!
I try to spend some alone time with my kids every day, even if only 10-15 minutes.
Girl...
I need to start dating again too. neat post. Happy TT.
See you again this week. Hugs.
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