When was the last time you were able to have a date night? During the early years of parenting, being intentional to connect is important for your relationship. According to John Gottman, Ph.D, “One of the major causes of marital dissatisfaction and divorce: the birth of the first baby. Sixty-seven percent of couples in our newlywed study underwent a precipitous drop in marital satisfaction the first time they became parents.”

This is not surprising.

Do you feel like passing ships in the night? When it gets busy and you are meeting the needs of young children other areas of your life get neglected. This can be a hard time on your friendships, self-care, health, and career. You only have so many hours in the day and some things just fall.

This is one season in your life where your dedication to your children takes most of your time. As a mom of a 7 year old and 9 year old, I can tell you….you get your time back! Eventually they will be gone. Just know this is just one season in parenting.

Just being aware that this slowly starts to happen can help! When you are caught up in the everyday needs of raising children, you may one day wake up to the neglected areas in your life.

Breathe.

One way to help with this slow slide is to carve out time. Make intentional time in the areas that have been neglected. You may have to write on your calendar and schedule a specific time for these areas. (use the fun planner stickers included in your box!)

• ME TIME
• DATE NIGHT
• LUNCH W/FRIENDS
• YOGA/WORKOUT/RUN

This month, for the July Box we focus on your marriage. We suggest to schedule a regular date night. We provided you with a “Starry Night” date idea. What are your favorite date night ideas? Share @growingrootsbox

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. Gottman suggests, “the more you know and understand about each other, the easier it is to keep connected as life swirls around you.” We have included a fun game dice activity using his strategies to keep connected.

DATE NIGHT IDEA: Grab the blanket & game dice activity that you received! Under the stars, use the Star Tracker app, for star gazing. Mix up some Sangria tea and reconnect under the stars! Enjoy the spectacular night together.  We hope you find inspiration in this Starry Night box!

Christina