Tears, tantrums and joy

I think most of us are at the moment feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.  At times like these the first thing that goes out the window for parents are nights out.  We see them as luxury items and way down on our list of priorities.  Sometimes even when you do get out you find it difficult to enjoy it as you are so aware how much it is costing you.  I do believe it is very important for couple to continue having nights out together as it reminds you of why you fell in love with one another in the first place and gives you a chance to be you again and not just mum and dad.  You can however try substituting some of the nights you used to go out with a night in:

>Get someone to babysit the kids at their house

>Arrange a time for your night to begin and both go and get dressed up as you would for a night out

>Cook a meal in or get a take-away - splash out a little on a nice bottle of wine

>Sit around the table and catch up with one another’s news - play some music to keep the night upbeat

>Then you can watch a movie, do a bit of dancing, whatever takes your fancy

>Remember you are young and free tonight and you can stay up late and have a lie in tomorrow morning

This is a great way to get that together and in love feeling without having to spend a fortune.  I think these kind of nights are a must if you want to keep your relationship alive

Please visit my website at :

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy.com

I think it is fair to say that most of us are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch this year and are looking for new ways to entertain the family on a tighter budget.  I have so far this year had some brilliant family outings while watching the pennies:

*Get a copy of your local visitors guide.  You’ll be a amazed how many place you have never visited for years or maybe not at all. Set of for the day and visit somewhere new

*When it’s a nice day pack a pic-nic and head of somewhere - children love this and the cost is minimal

*Look at places near you and go there for an overnight stay - this saves on travel costs.  It also saves on long, tedious journeys and means you get more family time

*Go and visit friends who have children - playing in someone else’s garden is so much more fun for children

Remember children love spending time with you, playing with other children and seeing different things.  They get as much enjoyment out of a pic-nic in the park that an elaborate, expensive trip.  Spend time with them and have fun and they will too!!

Please visit my website at:

http://www.tearstantrumsandjoy.com