Wouldn’t it be lovely to have more date nights in 2019? A chance to reconnect as partners rather than always as mammy and daddy (you will spend 90% of the time talking about the kids but that can’t be helped – you adore them!). Well, why not make more date nights your combined New Year's resolution this year? It is something that will benefit the whole family because happy parents make for happier family life day to day and that is a fact.

Having the opportunity to enjoy some couple time away from the responsibilities of everyday life is really valuable. It can really seem daunting to know where to start with making it all happen though. Who will babysit? What is the most affordable way to have a date night? How often should you be having one? It is a minefield and before you know it you are stressed to the max about something that should be relieving your stress levels, not adding to them.

Here are seven ways to help make date nights a reality for you in 2019. You deserve it!

1. Line the babysitters up now. The dinner date, cinema visit or trip to the cocktail bar may not be for a couple of weeks but put the feelers out well in advance to “book” someone in. Friends and family members are usually more than happy to help but life is busy so last minute plans will make finding a babysitter really difficult.

2. Keep it simple. Date nights don’t have to cost a bomb. Check out websites that offer restaurant discounts and plan a trip to the movies on midweek nights where the deals are much better. It might just mean that date nights are possible a lot more regularly because they are suddenly a lot more affordable.

3. Make a plan and stick to it. If monthly date nights are unrealistic for you then why not make it bi-monthly? It will give you something to look forward to and help make couple time a priority. Planning it will be a big part of the excitement and build-up.

4. Stuck for ideas for presents for Christmas/birthdays? A date night theme is always a good idea. Kill two birds with one stone by buying an experience or voucher that both of you can benefit from and enjoy.

5. Don’t compare yourself to other people. It is the biggest reason for stress and frustration in this sense. How wonderful that your close friend and her husband have regular dinner and drinks but you have to do you. Work with what is realistic for you guys. There is a thin line between enjoyment and adding pressure to your life.

6. At home date nights are under-rated. Go with a theme, pick up something special to eat and wear your “nice” Pjs. Psychologically this will shift things and add a little spark in to your relationship.

7. Ditch technology and make date-nights more meaningful. The art of communication and conversation is the most romantic thing of all. Spend time together and not with your phones.

Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.