Heather Rahn says “Couples need to make their relationship a priority for the sake of their children” Here are her tips:
Date night is essential! Plan it on the calendar. You can improve the bonding hormone levels by planning things out. Men can get bonus points for every thing she does in preparation of the event. Like a workout, you need to have date night often. Most couples only talk about the kids on date night. You have to practice talking about adult stuff. Share your hopes, dreams, and memories of “back in the day”. Date night does not need to be expensive. The goal is to reconnect as a couple. Swap sitting duties with a friend or try www.babysitease.
PLAY together as a couple.
Take a cooking class together or join a bowling league. Share in each other’s hobby if you don’t do something together. Go to your man’s softball league game. Men, take interest in her scrap booking hobby. If it is important to them, you can respect the significance of the hobby (even if you don’t understand it).

Do your own book club as a couple and read the same book at the same time. The Love Dare, by Stephen and Alex Kendrick is a book that specifically focuses on improving your relationship by focusing on the needs of the other person. If you focus on him and he on you, you both win! Reading is something that engages your creative side of your brain (TV & movies do not as much). If you get the imagination and creativity flowing, it may just carry into the bedroom. Mating in Captivity, by Esther Perel is a great book on understanding the challenges of being 2 people in a relationship without extended family support systems and lacking in positive role models. We cannot expect people to survive without focusing on improving the relationship. Relationship education classes are a great way to learn more about your “couple operating manual”.
If these band-aid ideas seem too stressful or overwhelming to your relationship, it is a big red-flag that it may be time to see out a third party professional counselor to serve as a referee. The goal is to be proactive and preventative with a relationship check-up. Minor adjustments can make all the difference in stopping gangrene from setting in the relationship.

Visit http://www.besimplybe.com/to learn about the confidential, next day counseling services at be! With 10 clinicians and 2 coaches at locations in Newport, Milford, Montfort Heights, Montgomery, and video services, you can book a convenient evening or weekend appointment. Fridays at the Milford location and Thursdays at Newport offer on-site child care for an additional fee during your appointment.