Tips for Date-Nite

So you have finally, gotten everything straightened out. You have a reliable sitter for your special child. You have a dinner reservation... but all you both talk about is therapy and the autism. Thus, feeling more worried and frustrated, date night just failed it's purpose.

 

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Here are some tips on making it a success.

Point #1
Prepare in advance the day, your date night should be on.
Do you both prefer a weeknight, or a weekend.

Point #2
Prepare in advance, the schedule of the day.
What are your children's schedule for the day?
Are they going to be very free and have a lot of energy when the sitter arrives?
Are they having lots of activities that day, that they will be exhausted by the time the sitter arrives?

Point #3
Prepare a lists of important information for the sitter.
Ensure to make a list of important telephone numbers.
Ensure you have instructions for the sitter should he/she need to get something from your home.

Point #4
Prepare rewards such as stickers/ sweets, and explain to the sitter how to use them.
Prepare the sitter with proper ways of dealing with your child's tantrums.
Help the sitter to foresee a problem before it happens, if possible.
Explain clearly, the duration of each activity and transition routines.


Point #5
Dress up, like you are meeting your husband for the first time. This helps you to anticipate a wonderful time together. Your heart will start beating faster. And the anticipation, will help you to forget the autism for a while.

Point #6
Make it a point that neither of you will talk about the kids or the special needs. Should you need, prepare in advance some conversation topics.

Point#7
Enjoy each others company and leave only after dessert. That way you would have truly had a good time and ended it with something sweet.

Point #8
Plan for the next date night once you come back, since you would be still in a good mood.
Try to stick to your plans for date night, once you start postponing it, you will tend to fall off the wagon again.