MBFLP – Romance Once You’ve Got Kids (Replay)

Romance Once You’ve Got Kids

Valentine’s Day is on the horizon and for parents with small children, no money for a sitter, and no relatives nearby, the response might be “So what?” It can be discouraging when the world is full of ads urging dinner out, expensive jewelry, and barrels of roses, when your life is more about diapers and phonics, and your budget is more of the dollar menu and less of filet mignon. This episode, we talk about finding romance in real life, wherever it may be – and sometimes, it will surprise you where it can be found!

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Show Notes for Romance Once You’ve Got Kids

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner—a time traditionally associated with grand gestures, candlelit dinners, and extravagant gifts. But what happens when you’re knee-deep in diapers, laundry, and homeschooling? Is romance doomed to take a backseat?

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many parents of young children feel the pressure of balancing family life with maintaining a strong and loving marriage. The good news? Romance doesn’t have to disappear—it just needs to look a little different.

Redefining Expectations

When you have small children, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the glittering Valentine’s Day ads showcasing fine dining and luxury gifts. Between budget constraints, finding babysitters, and the sheer exhaustion of parenting, these expectations can feel out of reach. But here’s the truth: Romance isn’t about meeting societal standards. It’s about strengthening your bond as a couple and celebrating the love God has given you.

As Hal and Melanie Young point out in their podcast Making Biblical Family Life Practical, the key is to focus on your relationship—not on what the world says it should look like. You don’t have to please anyone except each other and God.

Finding Creative Ways to Celebrate

Even with young children underfoot, you can create meaningful moments of connection. Here are a few ideas from Hal and Melanie to keep the spark alive:

1. Homemade Valentine’s Cards
   Involve your children by making cards together. Not only is this budget-friendly, but it’s also a way to include your family in the celebration. Bonus: Crafting cards for each other can become a sweet and personal tradition.
2. Date Nights at Home
   If going out isn’t an option, create a special evening at home. Put the kids to bed early or let them have a movie night in another room while you enjoy a candlelit dinner for two.
3. Romantic Nostalgia
   Revisit your wedding video, flip through old photo albums, or retell your love story to your kids. It’s a beautiful way to honor your history and show your children the foundation of your family.
4. Parent Swaps or Babysitting Trades
   Partner with trusted friends or family members to trade babysitting duties. This can free up time for you and your spouse to reconnect without distractions.

Building Romance Daily

True romance is about more than a single day on the calendar. It’s cultivated through small, consistent acts of love and kindness. Simple gestures like leaving a note, offering a sincere compliment, or cooking your spouse’s favorite meal can go a long way in keeping your connection strong.

Hal and Melanie emphasize the importance of trust and selflessness in marriage. As they shared, “Trust is built through a long sequence of consideration, courtesy, and self-sacrifice.” These everyday acts create a bond that’s deeper and more enduring than any store-bought gift.

Letting Your Kids Witness Love

It’s good for your children to see your affection and appreciation for each other. Whether it’s a quick hug in the kitchen or sharing a laugh at the dinner table, these moments show your kids that marriage is joyful, loving, and worth celebrating. You’re modeling a biblical and healthy relationship for them to aspire to in their own lives.

Embracing the Season You’re In

Parenting young children is one of the busiest, most demanding seasons of life. It’s okay to be creative and flexible with how you celebrate romance. This season will pass quickly, and there will be opportunities for grand getaways and fancy dinners in the future. For now, focus on maintaining and nurturing your relationship in the ways that matter most.

As Hal wisely advises, “Find romance where you can—whether it’s during the kids’ nap time or over coffee in the early morning.” The important thing is to stay connected and enjoy the journey together.

Bonus Resource

Looking for more tips on rekindling romance during the busy parenting years? Download Hal and Melanie’s workshop Romance for the Exhausted at raisingrealmen.com/valentines-day-freebie. You’ll also find a special Valentine’s Day deal featuring their book My Beloved, My Friend and other marriage-strengthening resources.

The post MBFLP – Romance Once You’ve Got Kids (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.