There’s nothing like being married to your soul mate. When you end up having a child together, the ties of parenting can bring you even closer together. However, if you’re not careful, it can also tear you apart. While being a parent is important, don’t forget that you’re still a couple. Luckily, there are several ways that you can keep the fires burning in your marriage while taking care of your kids.

1. Lock Your Door

Don’t feel guilty for giving yourself private time. It’s no secret that kids sometimes have bad timing and may want to sleep with you because they had a nightmare. While it’s fine to let the kids sleep with you sometimes, don’t let parenting disturb your private time at night. A good lock will ensure you and your spouse won’t be interrupted.

2. Have Spa Dates

The spa is no longer the exclusive resort for a woman. After all, men also have skin and hair care needs they’re concerned about. More importantly, a spa is a great way for a couple to have a relaxing date in which they’re both being pampered. According to Boulevard, The international spa industry is expected to reach $133 billion by 2027. One of the reasons for such growth is because of the range of services the industry provides. You and your spouse can get facials, pedicures, and mud baths. There are treatments meant specifically for couples, such as couples massages.

3. Plan Quiet Meals

There’s nothing like a good family meal. It can also be a time for the entire family to catch up about how everyone’s day went. However, sometimes, especially if you have little children, you may end up spending more time wiping noses, cutting meat, and tending to the kids’ meals. That’s why couples need to take enough time to plan solo romantic meals so the two of them can focus on each other, holding hands and having a good adult laugh. In addition to a quiet dinner, why not take the time to meet each other for lunch while the kids are at school? If you’re both working, see if you can coordinate your lunch hour, and don’t forget about the value of a simple morning coffee. Start your day together with a quiet cup of coffee or tea before the kids get ready.

4. Get Active Together

Do you dream of growing old with your spouse? If the answer is yes, one of the best ways of doing so is to make sure you both stay as healthy and fit as possible. You can start by joining a gym together to make your workouts more fun and to give each other support. But you can also stay active recreationally. Golf has remained popular in the United States and is accessible at all levels. According to GolfLink, there have been motorized golf carts since the 1940s to make a day at the golfing range easier to maneuver around.

5. Do Counseling

It’s normal for couples to argue and disagree. However, if things get out of hand, you can always go to counseling and remind yourself of what brought you together in the first place. Nearly 45% of American marriages end in divorce, but you don’t have to be one of them if you continue to work together and seek help.

While good parenting is essential to your kids, don’t lose track of being a good spouse. One day, your children will grow up and move on to their households. When that happens, you don’t want to feel like your spouse is a stranger. Keep those flames alive so you always have a special bond that stands the test of time.