When you become a parent you might notice yourself spending a lot more time at home. Everything you need is at an arms reach and packing the whole family up can be a bit of an ordeal. It’s completely normal to be spending a lot more time in your abode as you settle into life as a parent.

As the kids get older you will consider their routine and schedules a lot more and this can really dictate your options for getting out and about. Suddenly it’s not so easy to head out for an early bird dinner or see a midweek movie.

As a parent, your date nights outside of the home will become fewer but that does not have to mean that romance is fewer too. There are some really simple things that you can do to make your home feel more romantic so that in the midst of parenting chaos you can reconnect with the person you love.

1. When the kids go to bed – light some candles. It only takes a couple of minutes but it really transforms the ambience of any room. The beautiful smell and soft lighting can make for a lovely cosy atmosphere even if you are sitting on different couches (us too).

2. Pick up something special for dinner once a week. You’re a whizz at budgeting and meal planning but wouldn’t it be nice to have something a bit special once a week when the kids go to bed? How about mussels, fillet steak or some strawberries dipped into chocolate? Food is definitely the way to my heart!

3. Try to ditch the phones and don’t take them to bed with you. How many evenings do you spend hours scrolling through social media reading about everyone else’s life as you neglect your own? You may not say two words to each other and communication is so important especially when life is busy.

4. Find a series to watch together. There is something really exciting about waiting for the kids to go asleep so that you can snuggle up and watch your show together. It’s special couple time and something you are both invested in.

5. Do the cleaning up while the kids are still awake. One of you can bath and dress the kids for bed while the other cleans up after dinner. It means that when the kids go to sleep you can check out of domestic life and actually catch up with each other after a long day.

6. Invest in a couple of throws, cosy pillows and a lamp for soft lighting. It’s all about that cosy factor.

7. Try to find a toy storage solution that allows for them being out of your eye-line in the evening time. A decent storage unit or toy box could do the trick or maybe you are lucky enough to have a playroom. It’s nice to enjoy an adult space together as you unwind.

8. Choose your battles. How many nights have been ruined by a fight over the washing up or muddy boots? It’s a good idea to let some things go and try to see the good in each other. There are enough people throughout the day who point out our flaws so let’s be each other’s biggest cheerleader.