Once kids come into your relationship it can be difficult to have the time or energy to shower your partner in love. Sure you can tell them you love them or show them with a grand romantic gesture, but sometimes it’s the small things you do that can have the most impact.
Try doing some of these subtle ideas to show your partner how much you love them.
1. Let’s get physical
We’re not talking about hitting the sack, we mean a loving caress, hair tussle, a cuddle or a random touch for no reason at all. Say when you’re both in the kitchen together, or bathing the kids or even when you’re watching TV. When you first met there was a lot of chemistry and you probably couldn’t keep your hands off each other, remember how good that felt? We all need a little affection and physical, otherwise we’re just flatmates with kids!
2. Organise a night out
Sure it would be nice if you could both go out together but chances are you’ll have to stay at home and be on child-minding duty. Call your partner’s friends and organise for a day or night out, even if it’s just to the movies, a bar or to watch or play sport. Encourage them to get out of the house and you might find they are grateful that you’re happy for them to have some time out.
Tip: It can be hard not to feel a bit resentful at the freedom your partner might have but, try not to keep score and just make sure you schedule some time off for you also.
3. Make life a little easier
These days most dads get their own work clothes and lunch sorted, but if you’ve got some spare time or energy maybe you could surprise them by making a special lunch every other day or washing their work clothes. It might only take a few minutes but by doing something without being asked it will definitely be noticed.
4. Listen to them
When your toddler is screaming, your baby is hungry and your schoolie is trying to get your attention so you can help with their sight words, you don’t always get to listen to what your partner has to say. Sure they get that, but making some time at night to listen to their story, no matter how boring it is or how exhausted you are, is a sign of love and respect. In saying that, they should also offer you the say courtesy.
5. Do something just for them
Think back to the pre-kid days, what did your partner love to do to relax or what was something they were mad keen on? Maybe they had a collection of some sort or a favourite meal they loved, put a little effort in and see if you can recreate the moment for them. You could even jump online and buy them something they’ve been unable to find and then surprise them by having it posted directly to them.
We can’t all afford grand gestures, and not all of us are that type of people, so putting in a bit of effort every now and then is a sure-fire way to nurture your relationship.
Tip: Don’t forget to remember why you fell in love in the first place 🙂