We love our kids!
But sometimes they leave us with no time, energy or space for romance.
Here are some ideas to get the sizzle back...

PRIVATE EYES
Those ever-curious little people notice more than their parents usually realize. Keyholes, windows, creaky bedboards…everything should be battened down before any lovey-dovey stuff. No matter the hour, don't let impulse carry you away to a less mindful state.

 
KID-POOLING
Farm the little darlings out to another set of romance-starved parents this Friday or Saturday night. Next week, you take in that couple's bundles of joy (ideally of a similar age) for a few hours. The more parental units you get involved, the longer the rotation cycle lasts…but also, the more kids (and responsibilities) you'll have on your night. So what - try it!
 

 
OFF-SITE BABYSITTING
Sometimes you just want to stay at home, alone, together. So hire a babysitter to take your kids out for a few hours. To the park, the zoo, the pizza parlor - anywhere they're likely to have fun long enough for you two to have fun, too. Or just drop them off at the babysitter's place and pick them up later.

 
BUSINESS TRIP STOWAWAY
Tagging along on your spouse's business trip may be your only shot at a vacation without kids this year. It helps if a family member can watch the kids. Or prevail upon another set of parents for whom you can do the same later. Otherwise, you'll have to settle for stealing a kiss on your next family vacation somewhere between the snack bar and the waterslide!

 
GYM DANDIES
If you have toddlers, join a gym that has a day care center. After working out with your partner, don't rush right over to pick up your kids. They can roll around with the colored balls a little longer while you and your partner enjoy a little R&R at the juice bar. One protein shake with 2 straws, please!

 AFTERNOON DELINQUENTS
You didn't have to be president of the math club to know that after-school activities buy you and your mate a few more hours of alone time during the week. Now, one or both of you might have to sneak home from work early - so make it count by checking the weather to be sure soccer practice isn't rained out. Colleges want students to be well-rounded with extra-curriculars... and we want their parents to be happy!