Date Night

If you are cheap like me or things aren't financially great for you right now, you can still have a weekly date night.

You can go on a date right in your own home. Now the only prerequisite is that you have trained your children to obey you. After that, it's up to you.

Several months ago, we started this. We decided that every Monday or Tuesday night we would have an in-home date. Depending on the schedule for the week, we pick the day that works best.

About 8pm, after securing the house, we set the kids up with popcorn and a movie. We then retreat to our room , close the doors and either watch a movie, read a book together, talk-ahem, whatever we want.

The rules for the kids are:

1. clean up the popcorn
2. brush teeth
3. go straight to bed
4. and under no circumstances - other than blood, serious physical harm or death - are they to knock on our door.

The consequence for coming to our door - except for the few reasons above - is that they miss out on the next date night.

That's it.

Every week the kids ask, "Is tonight date night?!" They love it. And we do to.

You can customize your date night to fit your family and home. Our friends set the kids up in their room with the tv and then claim the rest of the house off limits. After the kids watch the movie, they put themselves to bed without disturbing Mom and Dad.

There you have it. No more excuses. Have fun!