- 2 out of 5 of parents with young children spend less than an hour a day alone together
- On average, UK parents take over three months to rekindle their romance after the birth of their first baby
- Over half of new parents would use alone time during the day to get intimate (53%)
The arrival of a baby is undoubtedly a wonderful moment. However, with new research showing two-fifths (39%) of parents with children under the age of five spend less than an hour a day alone together,[1] it is clear a new addition to the family impacts even the most energetic of couples’ romantic relationships.
Research published today by Dayuse.com, the original daytime hotel booking service, reveals it takes UK parents an average of three and a half months to rekindle their romance after a new baby arrives. Indeed, a quarter of mums said their relationship with their partner never returned to normal post-baby (24%).
Results from the survey of over 1,200 parents show more than two-thirds (66%) with children under five feel they would benefit from a few hours of alone time during the day, with over 30% saying they struggle to find a babysitter overnight.
However, it is clear that many mums and dads with young kids are craving intimacy, as more than half said they would use any time alone to rekindle their relationship (53%).[2] The report also showed 44% of dads would choose to snuggle up with a film, and 23% of mums said they would appreciate the time to do something cultural with their partner, such as a trip to the theatre.
Dayuse.com conducted the study into this parenting dilemma as it introduced a twist on daytime hotel bookings: The Day Date. Designed for the two-thirds of parents with young children who said they would benefit from time alone in the day,[3] and those who feel more comfortable getting childcare at this time (a third of those surveyed), Dayuse.com offers rooms in top hotels at reduced rates from 9am to 6pm.[4]
Londoners were found to be the biggest sufferers of the post-baby ‘love drought,’ spending the least time together on average per week, with more than half blaming busy schedules (56%). In contrast, parents from the Midlands manage to spend an average of 18 hours with their partner per week.
Relationship expert and psychotherapist Lucy Beresford, who helped Dayuse.com with its ‘Day Dates’ research, said: “Regularly reconnecting as a couple, and not just as parents, is vital. Those who put their relationship second run the risk of resentment or disappointment, which in turn can lead to rows and even divorce. Research shows over a fifth of families with young children go through this.[5]
“Intimacy gives couples an adult connection and reminds mums and dads that they are vibrant, sexual people, which is great for self-confidence. By setting aside time for activities that are for the couple alone, children learn they are not the centre of the universe and are set a good example of how to conduct romantic relationships when they’re older.”
David Lebée, founder of Dayuse.com, said: “This research shows that for many couples, our service at Dayuse.com is a real gift as they can take a short break away from family life, without having to pay for an expensive overnight babysitter.
“A ‘Day Date’ gives parents the opportunity to focus on what brought them together in the first place, as well as a lovely mini-holiday at the fraction of the cost of what a usual hotel break would be.”
Lucy added: “It is genius that Dayuse.com can provide this service to parents. The mini-getaway experience allows them to be spontaneous and feel carefree or playful in their intimacy, all of which strengthens relationships. Friends and family should consider this the perfect gift for a frazzled new family!”
To book a ‘Day Date’ experience visit: www.dayuse.co.uk