You and your spouse haven’t seen the inside of a movie theater since your kids were born. A date has been redefined as a pediatrician’s appointment on your calendar, and dinner usually consists of a thawed meal in the microwave or oven. You need a special night together! Here are five ways to make that happen: Gather three or more friends who have similar-aged children.

Offer to babysit their children for several hours, then swap. It could be a Sunday afternoon date with your spouse or an early evening time away. Offer to have your friend bring his or her kids along and let them have a fun gathering while you‘re away. Look for teenage babysitters that don’t charge a lot. I answered an ad that hung in our local store. The babysitter was from our town so in case of emergency, she could easily call her parents or neighbors for help.

A date with your partner doesn’t have to cost a lot. If a babysitter isn’t available, rent a movie to watch after the kids are in bed. Open a bottle of your favorite wine and watch the movie by candlelight. Mornings before work or school can be hectic. Make certain to maintain eye contact with your partner at least once in the morning. My husband and I always stop whatever we are doing, look each other in the eye, and say, Good Morning!

It helps remind you of what’s important and what‘s not (like the juice that is cascading down your kitchen table that very moment!). Go to a local farmer’s market and have your children pick out some flowers for your partner. It involves them in the process, and they will learn to appreciate the relationship that you have with your partner, too. Romance thereby gets passed on to the next generation!