Why Dating Your Partner Matters After Kids | Valentine’s Day Relationship Tips for Parents

Dating Our Partners: A Simple Habit That Keeps Love Alive (Especially for Parents)

Valentine’s Day often comes with flowers, chocolates, and grand gestures, but for many of us who are parents, love looks a little different. It looks like teamwork, late-night conversations when the kids are finally asleep, quick hugs in the kitchen, and sometimes… pure exhaustion.

That is exactly why dating our partners — intentionally and regularly — matters so much.

 

"As we think back to the beginning of our relationship — the days of courting, the early years of marriage — one thing stands out clearly: we wanted to be together. We found time easily. Being with each other was not another task on the list; it was the desire of our hearts.

As the years pass, life inevitably becomes fuller — work, children, responsibilities, tiredness. Yet the call remains the same. Love still needs time. Desire still needs space to breathe. Making time for our spouse is not a luxury; it is an act of love and a decision we are invited to renew again and again." - Soizic Morrissey (mother of 9 kids)

 

Dating your partner is not about expensive dinners or glamorous plans. It is about intentional connection.

Why Dating Still Matters After Marriage and Kids

A healthy relationship between parents creates a healthy environment for children. When kids see affection, respect, and friendship between their parents, they learn what love looks like in real life.

Regular dates help couples:

• Communicate beyond daily tasks
• Reconnect emotionally
• Remember why they chose each other
• Reduce stress and resentment
• Strengthen friendship and intimacy

Even one intentional hour together can shift the energy of a whole week.

Questions That Spark Meaningful Conversations

One of the most beautiful tools for a date is not a fancy venue — it’s a good question. Meaningful questions open doors to thoughts and feelings we don’t usually share during busy days.

Here are conversation starters you can bring to your next date:

• What has been the highlight of your week so far?
• What is something you are currently worried or thinking about?
• What dream or goal would you love to pursue in the next year?
• What is one memory of us that always makes you smile?
• How can I support you better right now?
• What do you appreciate most about our family at this stage of life?
• If we could travel anywhere together, where would you choose and why?
• What is something new you would like us to try together?
• What was something you enjoyed that I did for you?
• What was something you didn't like that I did to you?
• Is there anything you need to seek forgiveness for? 

These questions are not an interview — they are invitations. The goal is not perfection, but curiosity and listening with presence.

How Often Should We Date?

There is no strict rule, but consistency matters more than frequency. For some couples, once a week is ideal. For others, every two weeks or once a month is more realistic.

The key is to schedule it like an important appointment — because it truly is. Even a coffee walk, a breakfast before work, or an evening drive counts. What matters is intentional, uninterrupted time.

Simple Date Ideas for Busy Parents

Dates do not need to be complicated or costly. The best ones often are the simplest:

• A sunrise or sunset walk by the beach or park - our top tip walks are: Coogee to Bondi Walk, Blackwattle Bay Walk near Glebe and the Fish Market, Narrabeen Lagoon Walk at the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Walk to the Top of Palm Beach Lighthouse, Walk along the Rose Bay Esplanade at Lyne Park.
• Coffee and pastries at a local café - our favourite ones are: Oh My Days Vegan Pastry in Glebe, La Renaissance at The Rocks, The Tea Cozy Room at The Rocks.
• A picnic with takeaway food - Our favourite spots for Picnics are Centennial Park, Barangaroo Reserve (on top of the hill) with the Harbour Bridge overview, and Rushcutters Bay Park
• Cooking a new recipe together at home after the kids sleep
• A bookstore or market stroll - Our favourite markets are the Cambridge Markets (check out their events page)
• A shared hobby like swimming, cycling, or dancing - Our favourite rock pools are Bronte Rock Pool, and Bondi Icebergs; and our top pick for cycling is along Darling Harbour. Our favourite dancing spot in Sydney is Primo Sanchez on Saturdays in Surry Hills after a delicious Mexican style meal 9 expect Latin beats fiesta)
• Watching a movie at home with phones off and popcorn ready
• Writing future travel or life wish lists together

The purpose is not entertainment — it is connection.

Love is a Practice, Not a One-Day Celebration

Valentine’s Day can be a beautiful reminder, but love is nurtured in the small, repeated choices we make throughout the year. Dating our husbands is one of those simple yet powerful choices.

When we invest in our marriage, we are investing in our families, our emotional wellbeing, and our future. Love does not stay alive by accident — it grows through attention, kindness, laughter, forgiveness, and time spent together.

So whether it’s a coffee date, a beach walk, or a deep conversation after dinner, choose a moment this week to reconnect. Not because it’s Valentine’s Day, but because your relationship deserves care all year round.

 

Meaningful Gifts That Create Memories

Dates are not only about time together — sometimes a small, thoughtful gift can also become part of a shared memory. The most meaningful gifts are not necessarily expensive; they are the ones that invite experiences and moments as a couple or family.

For Valentine’s Day, we love the idea of gifts that inspire future adventures together. For example, a pair of our red jellyfish boardshorts or a beautiful red and white beach towel can be more than just an item — it can be an invitation to plan a weekend getaway, a beach day, or even a future holiday to escape the next Australian winter or simply make the most of the last warm days of summer here in Australia. Practical gifts that encourage time outdoors, sunshine, and relaxation naturally create opportunities to reconnect.

Why Red?

Red has long been known as the colour of love, passion, warmth, and energy. It symbolises the heartbeat, strong emotions, and celebration. Choosing red for a Valentine’s gift is not only visually vibrant and joyful, but it also carries a subtle message: love is alive, bold, and worth celebrating.

In beachwear or accessories, red also stands out beautifully against the blue of the ocean and the golden tones of sand, making it a colour that feels both romantic and adventurous — perfect for couples who want to keep the spark and fun in their relationship.

A meaningful gift paired with intentional time together becomes more than a present; it becomes a shared story waiting to happen.

Happy Valentine’s Day!