Parents: 4 Tips to "reboot" your marriage

Ah, the first blush of new romance, when everything your new partner says or does is adorable, brilliant, and sexy.

For a moment, close your eyes and remember back to when you first met your love…

Remember all the passion, the romance, the excitement!?

Now fast forward to a chaotic breakfast in your messy kitchen while you try to discuss the rain gutters as your screaming toddler demands more applesauce.

Not quite the same, is it?

Now, I know everyone says marriage is hard work… but is it really?

Is it work, or just a little healthy maintenance?

For some couples, a good marriage can slip away if they’re not looking. Relationships can feel stale and boring if you don’t make the effort. But keeping it together isn’t as difficult as you think it might be!

Here are 4 quick tips to give your relationship a tune-up:

– Take care of yourself: Get a haircut, go for a jog, lock the door and take a long bath, meet friends for happy hour. By making time for yourself, you’ll feel happier, more refreshed and have the energy to put into your relationship.

– Get enough sleep: The biggest complaint I hear from busy families is that the parents are just too darn tired.

It’s pretty hard to pull on your sexy nightie if you can barely keep your eyes open while trying to brush your teeth!

I know, I know… there’s so much to do every day. But if you can commit to a set amount of sleep each night you’ll feel rested and refreshed. It just might be the best thing you can do for your marriage!

And, of course, if the reason YOU’RE not sleeping is because your kids aren’t sleeping,… well, it just so happens I have a solution for that! :)

– Have interesting conversations: Nothing takes the fun out of a marriage faster than boring chatter about the kids, bills and household tasks.

Oh man, I’m bored just thinking about it!

Make a point of coming up with one interesting piece of conversation a day.

It doesn’t have to be big or profound, just something you heard on the news or read in an article. By engaging with your partner in meaningful ways, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, will help you feel more connected.

– Date nights: I know I know… you’ve heard it before. If you know it’s important, then why aren’t you doing it?

Think of it the same way you think about your best girlfriend. Do you leave too much time between visits and start to feel bad?

If you leave too much time between dates with your spouse you’ll start to feel bad too.

You’ll feel guilty, bored and resentful.

And it certainly doesn’t have to be fancy! Here’s one simple but fun idea:

Send your partner a note on Thursday and tell them you discovered a really great new band. You’d like to “book” some time with him Friday night to listen to them.

Then, after the kids are in bed, light a candle or two, open some wine and put on the music.

Voila. Date night!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, why not put some thought and effort into date night this year?

A nice outfit, a lovely dinner, and some good wine.

Trust me. Your marriage will thank you!

Now, I’d like to ask YOU: How do you keep your marriage fresh and exciting? Do you have any advice that could help other couples?

Tell  me about it below!

I’ll be choosing one person who comments to win their choice of one of my products!