The Poor Mom Revolution

     One thing I always feel like I’m in desperate need of is more time throughout the day and enough money to do things I want to do. Most times I’m frustrated and irritated that I’m not able to do weekly date nights, hell I’d settle for monthly if it was a possibility. 

     Dating as parents is hard and can be so expensive. If you’re adding in the prices of activities, meals and babysitters it can easily become unattainable and in my case not worth it. I’ve been there and done that. Between necessities, sports expenses and driving to and from school events… we’ve spent years not dating each other and using parenthood as an excuse that we’ll need to make sacrifices, but I’ve come to learn that your adult relationship isn’t something to sacrifice for later. It’s so important to show each other how much you care and that parenthood isn’t the only thing that defines your relationship. It’s also nice to make time for the things you always loved doing together when you had all the time in the world.

     I’ve come up with a few date ideas that are perfect for your budget or maybe lack there of, and especially when you have young kids and can’t find the time to go out on the town, dinner and a movie or whatever else tickles your fancy!

• Firepit party
  • Once the kids go to bed, set a fire outside and set up chairs, blankets, s’mores, drinks/snacks and enjoy the beautiful view with amazing conversations. My husband and I have had some incredible chats about life and our wants and dreams snuggled up outside on a beautiful day. It’s perfect on any rainless night Spring, Summer and Fall!
• Evening stroll
  • Taking a walk around the block at sunset was one of my favorites prior to my hubby getting ankle surgery. We’d stroll hand in hand for 20-30 minutes in earshot of the kids in case they got crazy with each other and allowed us quiet time to just be us. This was perfect when the kids were smaller as they weren’t left unattended for long and as they got bigger it was a nice, quiet escape together in all the crazy.
• Outdoor Movie Night
  • We purchased a projector and a screen a few years ago and built a tiny little outdoor area for it. Its definitely paid for itself already and we enjoy movie nights after dark. This is perfect for the family, birthday parties and movie nights alone just the two of you. I always bring out the dollar movie box candies, drinks and blankets for the ultimate snuggle time. When you’re used to Netflix and chilling inside after the kids go to bed, this is a fun way to change it up!
• Garage Sales
  • Locally we have garage/estate sales and flea markets close by that allow us to leave the kids back for short periods of time and enjoy some alone time. it’s nice to take whatever moments we can to remember what it’s like to be a couple.
• Go on a drive
  • I don’t know about you, but taking a drive through the woods, country, mountains or exploring new areas and streets near where I live have always been fun and exciting. We have always done what I call dream building. We always found excitement in finding a dream house or searching local land for sale and discussing when and how we could make that a reality someday. We laugh, smile, cry and even contemplate what our family will look like down the road and honestly it’s one of my favorite dates whether we’re alone or with the kids in the back!
• Dinner for two
  • Back before kids … we used to go to the Asian market and get all the ingredients to make our own sushi rolls together. It was a fun way to make dinner together, enjoy each other’s company and branch out to do something we didn’t normally do. We still talk about how much fun it was and I’d love to bring that back!