Toddler Times
10 Opportunities for Dads to Demonstrate a Little Romance
Romance is a little different as a parent than it was back when we were carefree childless married people.
For one thing, you can’t arrange for a sitter every night of the week, so romance has to be found in the little things at home.
I’m not talking about “romance” in the bedroom (although I highly recommend that too), I’m talking about things that husbands can do that are a lot more unexpected.
Like surprising your wife with her clean laundry sitting nicely folded on top of the bed. That’s actually happened to me once or twice. It was MAGICAL.
Although I have yet to see the socks matched up.
Now that would be romantic.
Here are 10 simple things my husband could do to make me feel extra special…
1. Change the diaper genie insert without my asking.
2. After offering to get our daughter in the morning when she wakes up, resist the urge to bring her directly into the bedroom.
3. Thank me for covering bedtime routine for the past two years.
4. Put all smart devices away during dinner.
5. When a toy has been purchased where assembly is required, smile and say, “I’ll put it together right now!”
6. Ask if I want a spoonful before finishing the ice cream.
7. Pretend to enjoy an episode of the Bachelor.
8. Volunteer to watch our child without immediately turning on Sesame Street.
9. Pick five worn out college t-shirts and spontaneously throw them away.
10. Plan an adult evening out and even arrange the sitter.
I guarantee, if my husband attempted at least three of these “romantic opportunities”, he might get a little something extra himself. Without asking, of course.
How would you like your husband to show you a little “romance”?
Read more of Ilana’s writing at Mommy Shorts.
And don’t miss a post! Follow Ilana on Twitter and Facebook!
Go Back To Toddler Times
3 Comments
Ninja Mom commented on Feb 15 12 at 9:51 pmOh, the things I would do for number three, if I didn’t die of shock when he said it.
Violina23 commented on Feb 15 12 at 11:09 pmThe key to all of these is that he do them WITHOUT being asked to. That is what makes it romantic and not just “thanks for doing what I told you to do, here’s a pat on the head and a treat”
Tragic Sandwich commented on Feb 16 12 at 10:32 amEven better if he puts the laundry away! Mr. Sandwich doesn’t always get my drawer organization exactly right, but I can always find things, and I didn’t have to do any of the work!
Add your take:
Note: Babble is a supportive, diverse community. We encourage a range of opinions,
but any unduly hostile comments will be removed.
Comments are delayed up to 15 minutes
Mary L Weimer 
Beth Anne Ballance 
Ilana Wiles 
Natalie Holbrook 
Monica Bielanko 
Emily McClements 
Danielle Elwood 
Naomi Odes Aytur 
The Walt Disney Company supports Babble as a platform dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent and open conversation about parenting. However, the opinions expressed on this site are those of individual parents/writers and do not reflect the views of Disney. In addition, content provided on this site is for entertainment or informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or safety advice.
3