The best thing parents can do for their children is love one another. Taking time out of your days to connect as friends and partners demonstrates to your children that you love each other deeply and your marriage is still as solid as the day you said ‘I do.’ 
Raising a family together adds much joy to a marriage, but also carries quite a bit of stress. Making a point of continually working on the relationship between the two of you increases your bond and keeps your marriage strong.
I know, from experience, that time doesn’t always seem to be on our sides as parents, but having those moments with your spouse relieves stress and reminds you that your love is alive and well…even when times get tough. Finding time to spend together and staying connected is admittedly more challenging when you’ve got little ones, but it isn’t impossible if you get creative.
Get digi with it. Throughout the day, send each other instant messages on the computer or grab your cell and send a text message. You can keep each other apprised of what’s going on or just send sweet notes to just say, ‘I love you and I’m thinking of you.’
Have breakfast together. Mornings can be rushed, but making a point of connecting first thing in the morning gives you a chance to get centered together, share your plans for the day, and just enjoy each others’ company.
Make dates. When you can, schedule dates out without the munchkins, so you can have some quiet quality time. If opportunities for nights on the town are scarce, nights in can be special, too. We often have time after the kids go to bed to veg out and watch some TV side-by-side, but if you’re not engaged in one another, it can feel like you’re worlds apart. Choose a program or rent a movie together and cuddle up on the couch. If you want to avoid the small screen altogether, grab a couple tall glasses of iced tea and sit on the porch. Give yourselves the opportunity to cuddle and chat.
Kiss hello and goodbye. It’s amazing how kissing seems to taper off when you’re doing laundry for five and playing taxi driver all day. Still, that intimate connection is so emotionally uplifting, it shouldn’t be saved just for private moments. Kissing your spouse hello is a celebration that you’re together again. Giving him a smooch as he heads out the door, let’s him know that you’ll be thinking of him while you’re apart, even if he’s only going to get the minivan’s oil changed.
Cook together. Cooking takes time, so you might as well make the most of it. Choose a recipe together and get your chef on. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to talk about your day and share some laughs. Stop every once in a while and feed a nibble of this or that to each other. It’s those tender, sweet, intimate gestures that keep the romance alive.
Work puzzles together. While your kids are working on their homework, grab a crossword or jigsaw puzzle. You’ll have fun solving the puzzles, strengthen your partnership and show your kids that you’re a great team.
The most important thing about taking time out to connect is the reminder it gives you that you’re in this crazy life together. Doing little things to strengthen your relationship keeps the good times rolling and gives you security when life throws a curve. Your children will also benefit from your healthy relationship, not only through the love and happiness that you share, but the example you’re setting on what makes a marriage work.
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