Changing smelly diapers and being woken up to your infant’s most ambitious vocal performances in the dead of night doesn’t really evoke romantic glances or twitterpated sighs. That, however, is no excuse for new parents to abandon their need for romance and opt for yet another toddler-ruled evening. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to hire the finest nanny you can find and book a weekend away, or at least a single evening, with your spouse to rekindle the oh so exhausted flames.
For parents in desperate need of some emergency romance, here are a few carefully picked ideas you can bring to life as this year’s Valentine’s Day approaches fast!
1. It’s time for a relaxing spa evening
If there’s anything new parents need, that would be a way to relax for at least a few hours once the sitter starts taking care of your little ones. For the most part, parents will agree that there is no “off” switch for parenting, but certain activities can help cleanse your mind and relax your muscles – and a couples massage is a perfect choice.
For parents who can go all out, a trip to one of Australia's finest spas like The Daintree Lodge and Spa with such massages on the menu will bring instant Zen to your Valentine’s escape. Enjoy some fresh fruit, a smoothie, or a deep-cleansing facial as you lose yourselves in the rejuvenating powers of an hour-long massage.
2. Treat yourselves to your favorite sips
Nothing can melt the worries away quite like celebrating Valentine’s Day over a glass of your favorite brew. As a perfect example, Black Brewing Co. is a brewery in Margaret River that offers craft beers, ales, and ciders, all inspired by the local aromas and united into a delicious getaway for two.
You’ll get to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Margaret River region paired with the classic Aussie hospitality and unparalleled local tastes. For a couple looking to unwind, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company, this makes for a truly joyous way to spend this holiday.
3. Set up a movie night in
Aside from booking tickets to faraway lands and exotic destinations, sometimes parents only need some time with one another, preferably alone, with some of their favorite tunes in the background. Chances are that you’ve been postponing a movie date for a very long time, but now’s your chance to combine the comfort of your own couch with your TV, a bowl of popcorn, tons of chocolate (or a similar aphrodisiac of your choice), and of course, each other.
Make sure to give your movie night a romantic makeover with some fragrant candles scattered across the room – because it’s finally safe to do so with your kids at the grandparents’!
4. Start with the breakfast
Valentine’s Day dinners aren’t set in stone. Sure, a candlelit meal under the stars does sound incredibly romantic, but since this is a rare opportunity for parents to devote time exclusively to one another, why not turn it into a full-day romance and pampering? Start with a dreamy tray of breakfast foods such as delicious pancakes or a veggie-omelet and some freshly-squeezed juice, and a love note attached.
Rose petals? Also not reserved for the evening alone, as you can add a relaxing scent to your scene with a flower bouquet to go with your morning breakfast table. For extra comfort, you can aim for having breakfast in bed, and preferably spend the day enjoying more than just a meal under the covers!
5. Take it to the outdoors
Soon enough you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take your kids to nature, hiking, cycling, setting up camping tents, and the entire shebang. However, you can use this special day, if the weather permits it, to organize a lovely picnic with your significant other. Choose a location you both adore, like the amazing Greenfield Beach, prepare some snacks for the road, and pack a basket of picnic food to spend the day exchanging loving glances and fresh food under the sun.
For parents with some extra energy, you can take your picnic off-shore and onto a lake or a local river and spend the morning enjoying a meal rocking on a Rapunzel-worthy little boat just enough for the two of you.
Even though the joys and perils of parenthood will wait for you as soon as this special day comes to a close, you can do your best to set up a date to remember for yourself and your spouse.
Peter is a parenting and lifestyle writer for Voice Boks and Daddi Life magazine. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
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