Yes, it's alright to leave the kids at home so the two of you can enjoy an evening out.  In fact, it's recommended.  Going out with your spouse teaches your children that marriage and partnership are important.  They get to see how fulfilling a relationship can be.

Maybe you still think it's unfair to leave the children at home with a babysitter.  Consider this: maybe the kids would like a change of pace, someone new to interact and play with, someone with different rules and ways of doing things.  Even children who have difficulty at first will eventually come around.  Learning to have fun without the parents always around is an important step in growing towards independence.  Leaving the kids behind may be good for them.

But what about you?  Can you bear the thought of leaving them at home?  Are you afraid that something horrible might happen while you're gone or are you just feeling guilty about spending some money on yourself instead of the kids?  If the child balks at being left with the sitter, how serious is his objection?  Most of our fears are more guilt that reality.

Try overcomin gyour own anxieties by going on a trial run.  Go out for just an hour and check in half way through.  Over time, you can extend this time away.  Another technique is to go out during the child's nap or after you've tucked her in for the night.  They might not even know you're gone.  You'll find that after a few times, you can conquor yours and your child's fears and have a good time.

Once you've decided to go out, then you have to find a babysitter.  That's a subject for antoher article.  Keep posted for new posts!

By Patrick McCarthy

 Date night is an important part of keeping your marriage strong.  When the children start popping out, it becomes more difficult to enjoy the carefree night life you had as newleyweds.  Going out doesn't have to be a unatainable goal.  With a little planning, you'll discover it's well worth the effort.
 
The first step is committing to spending time together with just the two of you and leaving the kids at home.  you may think you don't have the energy after a long day but you'll feel refreshed after a night on the town that may consist of little more than going out together for a cup of coffee and dessert.  It may help to motivate you when you realize that your marriage is the nucleus of the family.  Your childrem's needs will be met if the needs of your marriage are met.                
 
Now that you know you want to go out, what to do about the kids?  Some thoughts on that topic will be in my next articl

                 
Now that you know you want to go out, what to do about the kids?  Some thoughts on that topic will be in  my next article.  For now, it’s  time to start planning what you’re going to do on Valentine’s Day.