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Partners
As a parent it’s so important to cultivate your relationship with your partner. If you have a strong foundation with your partner, you have a strong foundation for your family. We often get so stuck in the admin and the day-to-day grind of life and parenting that we have to make a concerted effort to make time for our partners.
But seeing as we’re responsible for the lives of people who depend on us, sometimes we can’t be away from them for too long. Sometimes it’s easier to get away during the day time or sometimes it’s easier to get a babysitter at night.
Here are some fun and unconventional date ideas to re-energise and reconnect with your partner.
Also read: Trip for two: yes or no?
If you’ve got time to waste
If you can wrangle a full day or a good few hours of babysitting out of grandma, these are some fun activities to do together.
A canopy tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure as you zipline from one platform to the next along a series of steel cables set amongst magnificent natural surroundings. There are seven locations across South Africa.
Kayaking tours
Kayaking is not just for the coastal towns. If you’re up in Gauteng there are a few fantastic rivers to explore. If you are on the coast, you might even spot some dolphins while you’re out enjoying a row on the ocean.
Hiking
If you love being outdoors then going on a hike while exploring South Africa’s natural beauty is a great way to reconnect with not only your loved one but also to recalibrate yourself to deal with life with kids.
Also read: The ultimate family workout
If you want to be outside but don’t have all day
If you love being outdoors but you only have a few hours away from the kids, here are some quick and fun activities to do:
Picnic at a botanical garden
We’re so lucky to live in this beautiful country with good weather, and we should take advantage of it. South Africa has so many gorgeous botanical gardens, so pack up a picnic, grab a blanket and go chill and enjoy the splendour.
Ride along the promenade
If you’re in Cape Town, pop along to the Sea Point promenade and hire a couple of bicycles and take a ride along the Prom. End it off with a game off putt-putt and an ice cream.
Paragliding off Signal Hill
If you can stomach it, why don’t you go jump off a mountain? Or a hill to be more exact. At 350 meters, Signal Hill’s not too high to lose your nerve and you’ll get spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline. If you like the thrill of heights, also consider bungee-jumping at various locations in South Africa.
Also read: Your spouse should come before your kids
If you just want to relax
Parenting can be tiring and sometimes you just need to relax. If you’re not looking to do an activity and just spend some chill time together, why don’t you:
- Have a coffee, dessert or meal at your favourite restaurant.
- Go see a movie that you’ve been dying to see.
- Have a beach day or spend even just a couple of hours alone on the beach.
If you don’t want to leave home at all
Sometimes getting a babysitter is not an option. Either your kids are too young or there’s no one available. But that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with your partner at home.
Order some of your favourite food
Try to get something fancier than takeaways from food delivery services such as OrderIn, MrD and Uber Eats, and enjoy a meal together where you are not being interrupted by your children, begging them to finish their food or preventing them from throwing their food on the floor.
Get a date night subscription box
Companies like Date Factory, Date Night SA and Date Night Box offers date-night boxes. Each contains everything you need to have a fun date night at home. You could take out a monthly subscription or you could buy one once off for a special occasion.
How do you keep the romance alive with your significant other? Would you try any of these date suggestions? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
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