
Time Out (for parents!)
Weekend Getaways Re‑ignite the Spark
By Kimberly Blaker
May/June 2006
Parenting can put a real damper on marriage. The daily stresses
of raising children often make finding the time and energy for
each other seem an uphill battle. This not only affects your
relationship with your partner or spouse, but also can affect the
way you relate to your children.
Moreover, grown kids take into their own marriages what they witness
in their youth. Therefore, a healthy relationship between
parents is essential.
Sometimes, however, the only way to re‑ignite the spark is
by getting away from it all - including the kids. This will
not only improve your relationship with your partner, but also
can re‑energize parents and bring a fresh outlook to the
task of parenting. At the same time, for children the
break can bring about a new respect and appreciation for their
parents, alleviate conflict, and improve cooperation at home.
A WEEKEND CAREGIVER
The biggest hindrance to getting away can be finding suitable arrangements
for the kids. The options may be few, but there are more
than we often realize.
Relatives are frequently the best source, and, even if they don't
live close by, can be a feasible choice. If your parents live a
distance away, discuss leaving the kids with them for a night or
two the next time you visit. This also benefits grandparents
and grandchildren who don't see each other often by allowing them
special time together.
Ask a friend or neighbor with kids that are similar in age to do
a weekend exchange. It might be just the opportunity they've
been hoping for.
Ask a trustworthy young adult to spend the weekend at your home
caring for the kids and earning some extra cash. Offer a
reasonable flat fee for the weekend care up front to avoid misunderstandings.
Offer a fun filled week or weekend away at summer camp to your
kids - and a good time away for the two of you! Look for
a camp that suits their interests, and make the most of their time
away.
GREAT ESCAPE WEEKENDS
No matter where you live, you can find plenty of great escapes
within half a day's drive or less. If you don't mind flying
for a brief stay, your choices are unlimited. Try one of
these ideas for the perfect getaway.
A Dude Ranch: Spend a weekend cowboy style at one of the many dude
ranches offering accommodations around the country.
Golf Getaway: Choose from one of many weekend golf packages or
create your own by making accommodations near some of the courses
you've been dying to play. Both of you not into golfing? Find one
that includes a spa.
Bed and Breakfast: Look for a bed and breakfast in a quaint town
with neat little shops, historical spots, fountain parks, and plenty
of old‑time charm.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Remember those carefree days before the
kids came along? Make your reservations at a motel in the
area that you lived while you dated or where you got married. Then
spend the weekend revisiting the past.
Lover's Lane Delight: Make accommodations that include an in‑room
Jacuzzi then dedicate your first evening away to a mini‑shopping
spree at Victoria's Secret. Then spend a cozy weekend in
the room catching up on movies, having breakfast in bed, and enjoying
each other. Don't forget to bring along fragranced candles,
a portable stereo, your favorite music, and other goodies for your
weekend delight.
Go in Class: Select a top‑notch hotel with a luxurious room
that offers fine dining. Don't forget to reserve tickets
to an area play, musical, or event, and bring along your best garb.
Mystery Weekend: Puzzle solvers will love a mystery weekend adventure. Search
online or call your local travel agent for upcoming mystery events.
Country Adventure: Reserve a log cabin at a park campground and
delight in a scenic getaway. Take a country pedal, hike on
wooded trails, picnic along riverbanks, and enjoy other relaxing
outdoor recreation.
Music Lover's Weekend: Purchase concert tickets then plan a weekend
of musical merriment. Reserve a room near the concert hall.
Then hitch a cab for a guaranteed designated driver.
Camping and Canoeing: Take pleasure in a weekend of water play,
sunshine, and sleeping under the stars. Look for a canoe
rental facility that offers riverbank camping and overnight trips.
Make it a surprise: Concoct a story about going to an out‑of‑town
furniture store that you've been dying to visit, or whatever it
takes to get your partner on the road with you. When you
reach your destination, act confused, and explain that you got
your directions wrong. Pull into a motel (conveniently where
you've already made reservations), and then tell your partner you'll
run in and ask for directions. Once you've checked in, see
how far you can pull your partner along before he discovers the
surprise. (My husband was actually in the room before he figured
out what was going on!)
Keep in mind that some things won't go as planned. Try to
take it in stride and be flexible. Sometimes the biggest
blunders of the weekend can make for the most memorable of times.
Kimberly Blaker is an author and freelance writer.
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