Some days it’s hard to remember to even speak to your spouse, let alone try to make time for some romance. Here are a few things you can do for your hubby to remind him that he is still important to you:

1. Aim for giving him a compliment every day. Tell him how nice he looks, what a great dad you think he is, how thankful you are that he works hard, etc. Just come up with something nice to say to him everyday.
2. Send him an email, a text-message or an IM just to say hi or I love you.
3. Give him a card and write a nice note in it about how much he means to you.
4. Buy him tickets to see a favorite sporting event.
5. Let him watch whatever he wants on TV without any complaining from you.
6. Give him a nice back rub without expecting one in return.
7. Leave him a little note in his car telling him how much you appreciate him.
8. Listen to him when he talks to you. Stop whatever you are doing and just listen.

With the rising costs of gas many families are choosing to have a staycation rather than a vacation.  About half of the travelers in the US are changing their usual plans because gas is just too expensive to take their regular trip.  So if you’re planning to stay home to save on some gas money here are a few things you can do.

1. Forget the chores- you’re on vacation- no laundry, dusting, making the beds or cleaning the house just because you’re at home.
2. Stay up late and sleep in late- remember you’re on vacation.
3. Go out to eat- don’t do all the cooking just because you’re home.
4. Chances are you have some tourist attractions in your home town or within a couple of hours that you’ve never seen before- go check them out.
5. Go camping in your back yard- the kids will love it.
6. Watch a movie in your back yard- I remember doing this when I was a kid and it was always a lot of fun.

Be careful that you don’t go overboard and end up making a big purchase because you saved so much money on gas- it will defeat the purpose.

I am sure many people will be taking some road trips this summer, including me.  The idea of taking a road trip with your children might sound as good as getting some teeth pulled without any Novocaine.  Or maybe that’s just me.

I found a great article from parents.com with several suggestions to help make those car rides more bearable.  Here’s a few of my favorite choices:

1. Bring a cookie sheet and magnetic numbers or letters
2. Bring along a Travel ‘N Go Doodle
3. Add a toy steering wheel so your child can pretend to drive.

Check out the complete list of Ways to Make Every Car Ride Rock.

Marriage is hard work. Add some children to the mix and it’s even harder. But, if you are your spouse are happy and loving towards each other then your children will be happier. If you are comfortable leaving your children with a babysitter have a date night once a week or once a month- whatever works for you- just make sure you have some alone time together. If you do not leave your children with a babysitter you can always wait for the kids to go to bed before and then enjoy each others company. Have a romantic candle lit dinner, watch a romantic movie, give each other back rubs, or just sit together and hold hands or cuddle.