Keeping your marriage exciting after having kids can seem like a big challenge.
Kids bring a lot of joy, but they also take up a lot of time and energy. Sometimes, it can feel like there’s not much left for you and your partner.
However, it’s really important to keep your relationship strong and exciting. Doing this can make you happier and will also be good for your whole family.
When parents are happy together, it creates a loving and stable home for the kids.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 ways to keep your marriage fun and lively, even with kids in the picture.
These tips will help you find time for each other, try new things together, and keep growing as a couple.
1. Plan Regular Date Nights
Keeping your marriage exciting means setting aside special time for just the two of you.
Scheduling a regular date night is a great way to do this.
Choose activities that both of you enjoy, whether it’s a dinner at your favorite restaurant, a movie night, or a walk at the local park.
The key is to make these moments about reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company without the interruptions of daily family life.
Remember, it’s not about the grandeur of the plan but the quality of the time spent together.
Even at home, you can have a date night by cooking a special meal together or playing a game. What matters most is that you are both present in the moment, sharing experiences and creating new memories.
2. Share New Experiences
When you try new things together, you add layers of excitement to your relationship.
It could be anything from taking a dance class, learning a new language, or volunteering at a community center.
Engaging in new activities not only brings fun into your lives but also allows you to grow together as a couple, seeing new sides of each other.
The novelty of experiencing something for the first time together can reignite feelings of romance and adventure that might be missing in the routine of everyday life.
Each new experience is a chance to learn and expand your horizons together, which can strengthen the bond between you two.
[Read: 15 Deadly Mistakes That Quickly Ruin Marriages]
3. Communicate Openly and Often
Communication is the foundation of any strong relationship.
Make it a point to talk about more than just daily chores and responsibilities.
Share your hopes, dreams, and even your fears. Listening to each other’s thoughts and feelings strengthens your connection and can bring you closer together.
It’s also vital to check in with each other regularly about your relationship itself. Discuss what you love about each other and areas where you might want to improve.
Being open about your needs and desires not only helps prevent misunderstandings but also enhances your mutual respect and appreciation.
4. Keep Surprising Each Other
Surprises add a spark of excitement to any relationship.
Think about small, thoughtful gestures that can make your partner’s day brighter.
Maybe leave a love note in their lunch bag or send them a text during the day just to say how much you appreciate them. These little surprises show that you’re thinking about each other even when life gets busy.
Another idea is to plan a surprise outing or a weekend getaway. The joy of an unexpected adventure can be thrilling and reminds you both to be spontaneous.
Surprises don’t have to be big or expensive, just something to keep the excitement alive.
5. Support Each Other’s Individual Interests
Encouraging each other to pursue personal interests can be very beneficial for your marriage.
Maybe one of you loves painting and the other enjoys cycling. Support each other’s hobbies, even if you’re not doing them together all the time.
Showing interest in your partner’s hobbies demonstrates respect for their individuality.
Joining in on these activities sometimes can also be fun. You don’t always have to share the same interests, but showing up at events to cheer each other on strengthens your bond and shows you care.
[Also Read: 10 Signs Your Marriage Will Last Forever]
6. Create Traditions Together
Creating your own family traditions can be a wonderful way to bond.
These can be simple things like having pizza on Friday nights or going for a family hike every first Saturday of the month.
Traditions give you and your family something special to look forward to and help you create lasting memories together.
Seasonal traditions are great too. You might carve pumpkins every Halloween or pick out a new ornament for the tree each Christmas.
These recurring activities become the glue that holds your family together and creates a sense of continuity and security.
7. Show Appreciation Regularly
Never underestimate the power of saying “thank you” and expressing gratitude to your partner.
Recognize the effort they put into the relationship and the family. Maybe they handled the morning routine so you could sleep in, or perhaps they’ve been great at managing the finances.
Expressing gratitude for these everyday actions shows you don’t take them for granted. A simple compliment, a thank you note, or a kind word at the end of the day can make all the difference.
Regularly acknowledging each other’s contributions can make both of you feel valued and loved.
8. Laugh Together Often
Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially in a marriage.
Make it a point to share funny moments together, whether that’s watching a comedy show, telling jokes, or recalling amusing memories.
Laughing together keeps the mood light and stress levels low. It’s also a powerful way to connect, reminding you why you enjoy each other’s company.
You can even play fun games or engage in light-hearted competitions.
These activities are not just enjoyable but also a way to add laughter and joy into your everyday interactions. Remember, couples that laugh together, stay together!
9. Set Goals Together
Working towards common goals can greatly strengthen your bond.
Sit down and discuss what you both want to achieve in the next year or five years.
These goals can be anything from saving up for a home renovation, planning a family vacation, or even personal ambitions like fitness goals.
As you plan and strive towards these objectives together, you’ll feel more like a team.
Celebrate every small victory along the way, which can enhance your sense of partnership and accomplishment.
Teamwork in setting and achieving goals helps keep the relationship dynamic and forward-moving.
10. Unplug and Focus on Each Other
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get distracted by technology.
Make a conscious effort to put away phones, tablets, and laptops during family times.
Paying full attention to each other during meals, or simply while chatting, shows that you value each other’s company more than screen time.
You might also designate certain times or areas of the home as tech-free zones. Focusing fully on each other without distractions allows for deeper conversations and more meaningful interactions, helping you both feel more connected and valued.
[Interesting: 30 Important Questions To Ask Before Marriage]
11. Regular Physical Affection
Regular physical contact like hugging, holding hands, or cuddling on the couch can greatly increase your emotional connection.
Physical affection releases feel-good hormones and makes you feel closer. Make sure to embrace or kiss your partner goodbye in the mornings or cuddle for a few minutes every day.
Physical touch is a simple yet powerful way to show love and affection. It reassures your partner that you are there and connected to them, not just physically but also emotionally.
Regular affection is comforting and reinforces the warmth and safety of your relationship.
12. Take on Challenges Together
Facing challenges together can make your relationship stronger. Consider tackling a home improvement project or planning a big family event together.
These activities require teamwork and can teach you both about problem-solving and cooperation.
You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and learn more about each other’s strengths and weaknesses through these experiences.
Facing difficulties together means supporting each other through ups and downs.
Whether it’s managing a tight budget or dealing with a tough decision, working through these situations as a team solidifies your partnership.
13. Keep Learning About Each Other
People change over time, and it’s important to keep up with each other’s growth and changes.
Make an effort to learn about your partner’s new interests or ideas. Ask questions and show genuine curiosity in their responses.
This practice not only keeps your conversations fresh but also deepens your understanding of each other.
You could also read a book together or share articles that you find interesting.
Discussing new topics can introduce different perspectives into your relationship, helping both of you grow and connect on an intellectual level.
14. Celebrate Each Other’s Successes
Whenever one of you achieves something, big or small, celebrate it together.
Did your partner get a promotion at work?
Celebrate with a special dinner. Did they reach a personal goal?
Make a point to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. Celebrating these moments shows that you are each other’s cheerleader.
Celebrating successes together reinforces that you are on the same team and genuinely want the best for each other.
It’s about sharing joy and pride in each other’s accomplishments, which boosts morale and fosters a loving environment.
15. Respect Each Other’s Space
Understanding and respecting each other’s need for space is crucial in any relationship.
There might be times when one of you needs alone time to unwind or engage in individual hobbies. Respecting these needs without feeling threatened or neglected is key.
Encourage each other to take time for personal relaxation or hobbies.
Respecting these personal spaces and times can actually bring you closer, as it builds trust and understanding.
Everyone benefits from a little personal time to recharge, and coming back together after these periods can enhance your appreciation for each other.