Now I know we spend a lot of time talking about keeping the fire going in our significant other relationships. Totally important! I also think it’s important that we don’t negate the time we spend with our children. Riding to school, attending school or family functions, chilling at home together is cool, I also think we should intentionally expand their worlds by showing them what a date looks like. Currently living in the world of teenagedom has taught me a few things. 1. We set the standard for how our children will treat their potential mate, 2. Most teens have no concept of what dating is, 3. Another reason for me to visit a few of my childhood dreams and make them come true. Now #3 may seem selfish and it really is, so let’s get to it. 

1. Dinner Date: This has got to be one of my favorites to do with Jamiel. One he almost always lets me taste what he has ordered and he’s always down to get dessert. Suggestions: let your child pick the restaurant. You want to go someplace you know they will eat, remember this date night is focusing on them so if Chucky Cheese it is, so it shall be. This gives you an opportunity to have one on one conversations, help them expand their taste palette, and just maybe if you play your cards right and carry them with you get in a game on Uno. I haven’t always enjoyed the food at these places, but the company has been unmatched.
   
2. Anissa likes to take her date day up a notch. She is a girl with a plan and a dare. Fun places to go with your adventurous one are: Fun-N-Stuff, Urban Air, SkyZone, Kalahari, and places where you are going to be able to do something. Now grant it, you may not be able to get in much conversation during your adventure, I can guarantee after there will be much to talk about. One of my favorite moments is the end of our date as we return to the car, the excitement in her voice as she recounts all that we have done brings me so much joy. Also I get to see more of her personality, which is a gift within itself.
   
3. Now for us folks with grown kids, prepare for the level up. Symone is over 21 which means, shots!!! Just kidding! I’ve never had the desire to go drinking with my kid, but I know that like her mama, she loves to dance. Symone and I went out and had the most amazing time dancing. Again not much conversation until after the night is coming to an end, but knowing that my kid is not embarrassed to be seen out dancing with me it’s WONDERFUL!!! There have been times we don’t leave the dance floor. It’s not about being seen or who’s there, it’s about her and I having a good time. I love it here!
   
4. When any holiday season rolls around I have a movie to match it! I started this when Symone was about 3 years old and we’ve continued the transition adding the other two. This is an in house date, upgraded. Everyone is allowed to request what they want to eat and drink. SNACKS for whatever craving we feel are available. Blankets that were made with love, by hand, that we got from my mom are wrapped around us (yes even in the summer, it’s a loose wrap) and we watch our favorite movies. I can’t tell you how many times we have seen “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer!” I can tell you that the day after Thanksgiving it’s a date with my crew.

So there you have it a few ideas to help jumpstart your date days with your own children? Do you already do this? What has been your most memorable date?