Some folks scoff at Valentine’s Day as one created by greeting card companies to bolster winter business. For parents, a less jaded view of this holiday may be in order, especially for those with young children. Most psychologists agree that parents teach their children to love, not only by treating them lovingly, but also by modeling loving relationships. Central to a child’s developing ideas about marriage is the relationship between his or her parents.

Unfortunately, when children are small, demanding much of your time and attention, finding the energy to devote to your spouse too often falls low on the priority list. Perhaps this Valentines Day, rather than chocolates and flowers, you might exchange schedules. Get a babysitter for the evening and carve out some ongoing adult time to spend with one other.

Calendars, reservations, dressing up, babysitters — the process may seem like far too much hassle, but when pitted against the significance of your marriage, suddenly planning date nights seems a small sacrifice. Each time your children watch you work hard to put your relationship above the daily drone of life, you will teach them that marriage is important and that if you love someone, you make time for them.

Once you have a schedule in place, the hardest part may be figuring out where to go or what to do. Here are a few ideas to help get the ball rolling.

Make It Fun
Mandatory weekly dinners at a restaurant when you are both tired from long days spent at the office and/or with the kids may feel too much like a chore and defeat the purpose of connecting with your spouse. Consider doing something active instead — playing golf, tennis, or even putt-putt, whatever you both enjoy. The activity is good for your health, and the sport will hopefully bring out the playfulness in the two of you.

Get Cultured
There are so many wonderful events in the Chattahoochee area. Take in concerts at the RiverCenter or plays at the Springer. If money is an issue, go to free exhibits at The Columbus Museum or visit historical sites like the Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center at Fort Mitchell. Taking advantage of all that our communities have to offer will enrich you both as individuals and as a couple, sparking conversation and enjoyment you can share throughout the week.

Try Something New
The daily grind can drive a marriage straight into a rut. Shake things up by learning something new together. Sign up for dance lessons or painting classes, take up horseback riding or learn another language. While exploring a new world together, you will likely discover new territory within the relationship as well.

Go on Mini Dates
If you have no family close by and struggle with finding a regular babysitter, consider going on mini dates. Ask a neighbor to stay with the kids for 20 minutes after dinner, two or three times a week, and simply take a walk, hand-in-hand with your spouse around the neighborhood. Make a pact to focus on each other, not the kids or work. Talk about future plans, discuss your thoughts on current events, talk about the weird dream you had the other night — anything other than work and children.

Schedule Love Talk
Get up 10 minutes earlier or stay up 10 minutes later every day and spend it talking about what you love about each other. Tell him you love that he kisses you every day before work. Tell her you love that she lets you sleep in on the weekend. Tell him you love that he takes out the trash without complaint. Tell her you love her laugh. Focusing on the good stuff is a great way to start or end the day, and helps remind you why you fell in love in the first place.