how much time alone do you spend with your husband/wife

No we hardly ever go out without the kids either! Probably once every few months. I always think that the money I would spend on a night out for just me and my husband could be money to go towards a holiday or a day out for us all. We never get hardly any time without the kids, they are always about. I have never been one for leaving them with anyone, but if we do go out my eldest son will have them for me as he is 16 so its not too bad. People do need to have time alone without the kids and it is lovely to have some time together, but it is not something I am too bothered about, I enjoy us all going out as a family, its a lot more fun!

We are the exact same way. My hubby and I haven't been out alone in three years since my son was born three years ago. Like you, it just seems wrong to go out and leave them behind. I figure there's no where I go that my kids can't come too ( we have 2 little ones now, a boy and a 3 month old girl ). People act like we are crazy because we never go anywhere with out them, kind of like we are doing something wrong. What?? You never go anywhere without your kids?? or Ohhh you can leave them home for once...that kind of thing...but to my way of thinking, before long they are going to be grown and not wanting to go places with old mom and dad. They will have thier friends and want to be out doing their own thing, so I am enjoying all the time I can with them now. You just do what feels right to you and your husband and if that means having the kids with you...then have them with you.

I spend very little time alone with him. Most of the time the kids are with us. I have a son in a wheelchair and my mom used to offer to keep him for a while, but now he is getting too big for her to handle. No one else even offers. I guess they are too uncomfortable with it. We still could use a little alone time once in a while.

When I was married to my ex and had kids at home, for the most part they were either with us or we didn't go anywhere. But it wasn't because I wouldn't leave them with anyone else, just couldn't afford it. Now, they are both out on their own, I've been divorced for 4 years, but have been in a new relationship for 3 years, he has a 14 year old but she's only with us every other weekend, so going on trips or just out to dinner is not really an issue.

I understand exactly how you feel! I love my kids so much and I love to be with them at all times. Once when my daughter was like 5 months old I left my daughter with my sister for a few hours while I took my dog to the vet in an emergency. And once when my daughter was about 2 I left my daughter with my husbands cousin that I trust completely and she watched her while my husband and I went to the movies and out to dinner. And although we had a nice time I did miss my daughter. She had a great time there. I have never left her with anyone else or left her other then those 2 times. She is 3 1/2 now and my son is 3 months old. I dont think I will leave them with a sitter for along time I just dont have any reason to. I like to do things as a family. It would be a lot easier to go shopping by myself or with my husband and not the kids but that wouldnt be as fun for me. My daughter loves shopping and doing things together as much as I do.

Since I haven't got a wife, I can't help you :) But if I'm a husband, I will very appreciate my wife if she get time for me. Because she isn't only a mother, she is still a wife. Of course, I'm not only a father, I'm still her husband.

It's not wrong at long. You also need to go out once in a while "alone". A simple stroll in the park, with just the two of you would rekindle those times when he was still courting you or we were still dating. The bond that started on a date must be kept that way - take a drive with just the two of you, walk along the beach, watch the sunset together, dine out, etc... It doesn't have to be expensive but what matters is that you'll spend time together the way it was when you don't have kids yet. If you are thinking about your kids, maybe you can make arrangements with your cuz or anyone whom you can entrust your kids. Or if you have grown ups already, let them handle their sibling. Goodluck!

It is very important for you and your hubby to go out without the kiddos on occasion. Once a week would be optimal even if it was for dessert and coffee, if only for an hour. You need that time to stay connected as a couple and not just as parents. Then maybe once a month try having a romantic evening out, with the possibility of coming home to NO children with the house all to yourselves. You sound like a wonderful mother and should not worry in the least about expecting to have some time for yourself. I learned this the hard way...15 yrs and three children later I found myself divorced. We lost touch with each other.... My Best to you and your family ; )