How does that saying go? “It takes a village to raise a child.” Remember how easy it was to make friends when you were younger? Asking your neighbor to come out and play or joining a game of soccer at recess – it seemed so simple. While we still recover from the global pandemic, our social circles have become much smaller, and for some parents, they have become non-existent.
When we have a community of meaningful friendships, our jobs as parents can be much more fulfilling. We were never meant to do this job alone, and although it may not be as easy as when you were a child, there are still plenty of ways that you can put yourself out there and connect with other parents in the community.
Feeling like you are the only person in the world who is awake as you pace the floor all night with a sick baby in your arms?
Hiding in the dark pantry to cry alone after yelling at your kids because they’ve been bickering at each other for hours on end?
Wondering if you are the only one who has to repeat themselves 3,457 times to get your teenager to complete one simple task?
Are you skipping date night with your spouse or significant other? If so, you may want to rethink the amount of time you rendezvous with the one you love. Research shows that couples who spend time together every week have higher quality relationships.
What better way to have one-on-one time than date night? No matter what your interests, personality or financial status, there are date night ideas to suit everyone. The last two years have made dating difficult due to social distancing, closures and even financial concerns. Don’t let the challenges stop you! With a little creativity, couples can still find ways to spend quality time together. Hire a sitter or trade child care with another couple and try one of these 52 plus creative ways to date your mate – more than one for every week of the year!
As someone who struggled to conceive for two years after getting married, I’ve been on the receiving end of a few inappropriate comments, both from strangers and well-meaning loved ones.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2023 Calgary’s Child
