Kid Dates

If you have more than one child I highly recommend doing kid dates.  The idea is to have one-on-one time with a child.  It doesn't have to be something extravagant.  It can even be free.

We currently have four children ages 11, 8, 4 and 4.  We mainly plan kid dates with our oldest two and try to take turns taking them out.  Since the twins are now 4 we will probably start taking them on little one-on-one dates soon.  We have tried to grab one child to go with us on errands sometimes and the twins have done that before.  It is amazing how much you can learn from your child when you are alone together.  They aren't fighting for your attention so it is normally a very enjoyable experience.  Whenever one of our children, particularly our second child, is fussing, whining, arguing or struggling with their behavior, taking time to get out of the house alone with that child changes their whole attitude and actions.  Now, I do believe rest and food are also important and greatly affects the attitudes and behaviors of children, but kid dates also help.

Here are some of the things we have done with our children:  

• Went out for ice cream and drove to the beach to look for shells (1/2 hour drive one-way)
• Went to the movies
• Played miniature golf
• Attended plays and/or concerts
• Went bowling
• Ate at a restaurant of the child's choice
• Went shopping for something fun
• Went to a museum
• Overnight trip to D.C. - 10 year old son and Dad had a Father/Son outing and were able to talk about guy stuff when our son turned 10 

Here are some things we plan to do with our children:

• Go for a walk at the arboretum and get dessert 
• Take them on more overnight trips, as time and budget allows
• Go to sporting events

Do you have other ideas for kid dates?  Share below!