Hello Friends, Thanks for coming to check out this blog post. I am a stay at home mom that also homeschools my kids. I am with my kids ALOT. My husband, on the other hand, doesn’t get much time with the kids like me. I don’t get much one on one time with the kids. It is mostly me and the kids. I have a 4 and 6 year old and My 4 year old can’t do somethings that my 6 year old can do and my 6 year old doesn’t like doing some of the baby things my 4 year likes.
So we came up with a system to each have some one on one time with the kids and we sneak in some parent date nights as well.
Week 1– Daddy Daughter Date/ Mommy Son Date
Week 2– Daddy Son Date/ Mommy Daughter Date
Week 3-Daddy and Mommy Date/ Baby Sitter Night
Week 4– Daddy with the kids Date/ Mommy Free Time
I know this system won’t work if you have more than 2 kids but you can make your own schedule and work in time in with your kids. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have one on one time with them and you don’t even have to leave the house. Maybe just go into a room and lock the door so no one can bother you and spend a few mins bonding by talking, games or doing nails. Kids love having that one on one time and it is so needed.
First thing is first, try to figure out your kid’s love language. If you haven’t heard about the 5 love languages, you definitely need to go read these books out there but there is a FREE quiz you can take to determine your love language as well as maybe your child’s love language..
Just to note, Kids love any kind of attention you give them, so love languages work more with the older kids. The quiz above is good for kids 9 and older.
What are the 5 love languages?
Physical Touch: such as hugs, kisses, snuggles or holding hands.
Acts of Service: examples would be to help clean their room, offer to sort their toys, clothes or do their laundry, pick them up from school or make them their favorite meal.
Quality Time: Having one on one time with them, not having your phone for a distraction or taking them with you on an errand
Receiving Gifts: Kids always love toys and something new but do they feel like extra special when you stopped to get them a surprise coming home from work, or bring home their favorite snack.
Words of Affirmation: Be sure to tell your kids they are doing a great job when they finish their homework. Brag about them to your friends in front of them or notice how they are trying so hard and compliment them on it.
Date Night Ideas for Kids who find Physical Touch as a love language
Cuddle Up for Movie Night
Create a cozy space with blankets, pillows, and soft lighting. Watch a favorite movie together and cuddle while sharing popcorn. Holding hands or having her snuggle up on your lap will make it even more special.
Spa Night at Home
Turn the bathroom into a relaxing spa with warm towels, soothing music, and pampering treatments. You can give each other a gentle back rub or foot massage, do facials together, and have some time to unwind with doing your nails and having face masks done.
Read Together While Snuggling
Pick out a favorite bedtime story or a new book and read it together. Cuddle under a blanket, perhaps with her resting her head on your shoulder, and share the experience as you read aloud.
Have A Dance Party To Their Favorite Songs
Turn up the music and swing her around, hold hands and dance or make up a dance together.
Sleepover
Have an indoor sleepover with sleeping bags, soft blankets, and plenty of cuddles. Stay up talking or playing games and enjoy the comfort of being with each other. You could do this in the living room, outside on the trampoline, put a mattress in their room or let them come in your room for the special occasion.
If your daughter’s love language is Receiving gifts, here are some ideas.
Surprise Gift Exchange
Plan a little surprise gift exchange during your date night. Pick a store and each person has a few dollars to spend for each other. You can secretly pick out something small but thoughtful for the other. It could be something as simple as a favorite snack, a cute keychain, beauty product. The excitement of receiving a surprise gift will make the moment feel even more magical. Your daughter will love the excitement of picking you out something too.
Gift Her a Book of “Coupons”
Create a little booklet of “coupons” that your daughter can redeem for special privileges or treats. These can include things like a movie night of her choice, a free hug, or a special activity you’ll do together. This allows you to give her the gift of experiences!
Make a Photo Album or Scrapbook
Spend the evening putting together a scrapbook or photo album of memories. Afterward, gift her the album, and go through it together. Add personal touches, such as fun captions or mementos you’ve collected over time.
Create Custom T-Shirts or Matching Outfits
Use fabric paint, tie-dye or patch lettering to make matching t-shirts or outfits. The fun of making them together, followed by the gift of a new matching set, will be something both of you cherish.
Surprise Her with a New Outfit
Have her to go shopping with you and try on lots of new clothes, take cute pictures of her trying it on and then surprise her with one of them she wanted at a later date.
If your daughter’s love language is acts of service
This is a hard one because my kids are little and acts of service is more for older children, but you can still find ways to show them you love them by doing things special for them.
Create a Special Dinner Just for Her
Prepare her favorite meal or cook something she loves but doesn’t often get. Set the table nicely, serve the meal, and take care of all the details. You can even clean up afterward so that she can simply enjoy the meal and the time spent with you.
Organize Her Room Together
If your daughter has been feeling overwhelmed by a messy room, offer to help her clean and organize it. You can make it fun by turning the cleaning process into a game or challenge. Put on some music and work together to create a space where she feels comfortable and at peace.
Help Her with a Creative Project
If your daughter loves art, crafts, or a particular hobby, dedicate the night to helping her create something special. Whether it’s a scrapbook, painting, or building a model, offer your assistance with gathering supplies, providing encouragement, and helping her with any tasks she needs support with.
Prepare a “Surprise Night” and Take Care of All the Details
Plan a special evening where you take care of everything from start to finish: set up a cozy atmosphere, prepare her favorite snacks, and plan activities she loves (like a movie, games, or a fun craft). By handling all the details, you show her you want to take care of her and make her feel loved.
Give Her a Helping Hand with a New Hobby
If she’s interested in learning a new hobby (like knitting, crochet, or playing an instrument), offer your help by setting up everything she needs to start. You can guide her through the basics and provide the resources she needs to feel confident in exploring the new activity.
If your daughter’s love language is quality time
Take a Nature Walk or Evening Stroll
Go for a walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Hold hands, chat about anything and everything, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. The quiet, uninterrupted time allows for deep connection.
Have a “No Distractions” Dinner
Cook a meal together and enjoy it without any distractions. No phones, TV, or other interruptions—just you and your daughter having a conversation over a meal you prepared together. It’s all about creating a moment of connection and presence.
Have a Game Night
Pick a few board games, card games, or video games you both enjoy and have a friendly competition. Whether it’s a new game or a favorite classic, playing together creates fun memories and lots of laughter.
Plan a Themed Night
Choose a theme (like a country, holiday, or favorite character) and plan your evening around it. Cook food from that theme, dress up, or create decorations. You’ll both have fun planning and preparing together, and it’ll be a unique shared experience.
DIY Photography Session
Set up a photo shoot at home or in your backyard. You can both dress up in fun outfits or take photos while doing activities you love. Capture the moments and then look through the photos together afterward to relive the night.
If your daughter’s love language is words of affirmation.
Write Each Other Heartfelt Letters
Take some time to write letters to each other expressing how much you appreciate one another. You can share specific things you love about each other, proud moments, and memories that mean a lot. Read the letters aloud to each other for a heartwarming exchange.
Compliment Jar
Spend the evening creating a “compliment jar.” Write down all the things you love about each other on little slips of paper—whether it’s how kind she is, how proud you are of her, or how special she makes you feel. Each of you can add a few compliments for the other. Throughout the evening (or week), you can pull them out and share the love.
Create a “Gratitude Journal”
Together, start a gratitude journal where each of you writes down things you’re thankful for about the other. You can include little affirmations or specific things that make you proud. Look through the journal regularly, reflecting on how much love and appreciation you have for each other.
Write a Poem for Each Other
Try writing poems for each other that highlight the things you appreciate most. They don’t have to be long or perfect—just heartfelt and personal. This can be a fun way to celebrate each other’s uniqueness and bond over your creative expressions of love.
Out-on-the-Town Date Night Ideas:
- Go roller skating or ice skating
- Have a picnic at the park
- Visit a local zoo or petting zoo
- Take a trip to a local Children’s museum or science center
- Go to a children’s theater or family-friendly play
- Take a painting or pottery class together
- Go bowling
- Take a trip to a trampoline park
- Visit a botanical garden and enjoy the flowers
- Go for a hike in a nearby nature reserve or park
- Attend a local fair or carnival
- Visit a local ice cream shop and try unique flavors
- Go to a local arcade and challenge each other in games
- Go to a drive-in movie or see a movie at a theater
- Visit a nearby planetarium and stargaze
- Take a bike ride around town or a local park
- Go to a sports game together
- Go on a scavenger hunt around town
- Play Putt Putt
- Attend a community event or festival (outdoor concert, craft fair, etc.)
- Go to their favorite restaurant or try a new one
- Go to the Spa or Nail Salon
- Challenge each other to bowling
- Try Laser Tag
- Go Shopping
I hope this list helps you bond more with your daughter and inspires you to find what works best for you two!
ENJOY!
