The burning question that I got from several people when my husband and I returned from our 8 day anniversary getaway was, if I felt guilty leaving my kids for such a long period of time. My answer is NO. I love my children with all that I have, but if mom and dad aren’t connecting, home life for all will be less than stellar!
Here are my tips for planning for successful time away with your honey!
- Pray and ask God to Send Help You Can Trust: If the thought, I would love to get away but have no one I can trust comes immediately to your mind then it’s time to pray and network! We mamas should always have a back up plan for childcare. One of the first missions I went on after I became a new mom was to find help that I could trust so that I would be able to have some me time. If this is an issue for you check out my post on Self Care.
- Cut out the Excuses: This will go back to number 1. Many times we say we can’t afford to get away and have help. There are so many options available. Maybe you can exchange sitting with another family, have a family member watch the kids, or exchange one thing in your budget for the time spent with your husband and childcare. The key here is to get creative. Trust me. Your marriage needs it!! Don’t wait until you are completely disconnected to try and fix your marriage. We have to nurture things in our life we want to grow!
- You Have to Give up Some Control: Your kids are going to be okay without you! As moms we don’t want to leave our kids because we think they won’t be okay without us. The same dramatics they put on when we leave the house for date night, work, or to run errands are the same dramatics they will throw your way when you are trying to get some quality time with your hubby. Be strong sister! Be strong.
- Enjoy the Time Away: Maybe your first trip is not 8 days. Maybe you start with a weekend getaway. The key is to do something and to get rid of the guilt. Whomever you left the kids with is going to take great care of them. I enjoy my time with my husband so much when we getaway and often wonder what took us so long to schedule it! Don’t make excuses. Date your husband, hear his heart, communicate with him, and rekindle that intimacy! When you come back refreshed and rejuvenated your whole family will be better for it.
- Come back with New Energy: My husband and I came back feeling like teenagers! Our kids were happy to see us too! We all had a new appreciation for each other. They enjoyed grandma’s house and we enjoyed our time away. They also had some new good habits after spending a week with their grandparents!
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Let’s chat! Tell me in the comments below the best getaway you’ve ever had with your spouse? Never been on a getaway? Tell me your dream location and on your next date night start dreaming and planning.