How to have a Date Night when you have kids
Do you long for a date night with your significant other but don't have the resources to get a sitter and go out? Are you living far from family and do not know anyone in your area that you can trust to watch your children? There are still many options available to help you and your significant other to have a night out even if it is only for a couple of hours.
Some of these alternatives are:
BABYSITTING SWAP
Babysitting swapping is fairly easy. If you have friends that have kids you can offer to watch their kids so that the parents can have a night out and then they can do the same for you. This is great for everyone involved especially if the children are around the same age. We have done this and there is little cost and if you plan it right you can have at least one date night a month.
LOCAL COLLEGE
Local colleges are a great resource for inexpensive childcare some students choose not to go out on Friday or Saturday night either because they want to study or for other reasons. You can go to the job posting board at the nearest school.
LOCAL PROGRAMS
Local programs such as gymnastics centers or martial arts schools that are geared towards children can help when they offer "Parent's Night Out". This is simply one night a month when the facility will show a movie or have activities for the kids to do for a couple of hours. The Karate School that my kids belong to have a Parent's Night Out every couple of months. The kids get to watch a movie and have pizza it last for about 4 hours and there is a minimum charge but well worth it for a dinner date or time alone from the children.
COMMUNITY CENTERS
Community centers sometimes offer programs like "Parent's Night Out" as well.
NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN
Neighborhood children are a great resource as well. However I would make sure that they have taken some type of babysitting class through the Red Cross, YMCA or a local hospital which all have programs that can help to teach children all the ends and outs of babysitting.
Once you have found the resource that works for you make plans and enjoy your much needed night out alone with each other.