We all love our kids. But sometimes it really is important to be selfish and find some time for ourselves.
Without these little breaks, we can lose contact with hobbies and passions, slipping further and further away from our identities and becoming working, parenting robots. Whether you're still with your partner or you're a single parent, finding time for romance is also incredibly important. Everyone has the right to find someone to love or spend some time on their relationship. The answer? A whirlwind romantic summer escape. Here are some options for planning the perfect one, whether it's with your partner or with someone you just met on eHarmony,
Recruit Family HelpYou know how the grandparents always complain about not seeing the kids enough? This is the prime opportunity to cash in on this highly useful babysitting offer. Send your kids off to delight some of your relations while you're off strolling down the boulevards of Paris or floating in a Venetian gondola. Just make sure you explain to them where you're off to, buy them lots of souvenirs and call them every night.
Watch The School CalendarIf your family members are unavailable, it's always worth looking out for possible school trips and activities that could leave you free for a weekend of romance. These happen all the time - you're continually signing permission slips and handing out coach money for them! Trips to Cornwall, a night at the seaside - it's time you had some fun while they're away and organise a little trip for yourself. After all, with the kids around, how would you ever tell if your new match answered their online personality quiz in enough detail, or fulfil that ambition to see all of the best European cities with your partner?
Choosing Your LocationIf there's no other option and the kids simply have to tag along, don't worry. All you need to do is pick the perfect location that caters for the whole family. A town by the sea will more than fit the bill - a beach will distract the kids for hours and leave them so exhausted by the evening that they'll leave you with long nights of romance together. An activity park such as Disneyland would also be a fantastic place to visit. This option has the further advantage that you'll be able to go away for longer and not have to fret about what your rug rats are up to.
More Is LessAnother idea is to go as a big group with another couple who have kids. This way, you'll be able to share the babysitting duties, giving each couple enough time on their own to have a truly romantic holiday.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you'll have enough time to spend as a couple. Remember - it's an escape for romance rather than exhausting parental activities!
Photos © http://www.flickr.com/photos/58847482@N03/5634179070 and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christianhaugen/3273509311
Jun 2011
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