In our latest Couples Chat, we opened up about something a lot of parents can relate to — how raising young athletes has impacted our marriage. Between early morning practices, late-night games, and juggling our own work schedules, the reality is… marriage often takes a back seat.
Whether it’s struggling to find time for date night, figuring out finances, or simply catching up on what’s happening with the kids, these are the challenges we’ve been navigating together.
Planning Date Night When Life Feels Too Busy
My husband and I work completely opposite schedules. My day begins at midnight, while he works the typical business hours. And in between? There’s always something going on — basketball training, swim meets, tournaments — you name it. By the time the day winds down, the idea of going out together feels impossible.
Because of my hectic work hours, my husband often takes on a heavier load at home, which leaves him worn out by the weekend. But after some wise advice from a mentor, we realized that if we didn’t make our marriage a priority, no one else would do it for us. So we started small — planning date nights, even if it’s just grabbing a quick bite together or taking a walk after dinner. It’s not about doing something fancy; it’s about showing up for each other.
Talking About Finances Without Dreading It
Finances can be tricky for any couple, but when you’re busy raising young athletes, it’s easy to slip into “hamster wheel” mode — constantly going but never taking a moment to check in. We were guilty of this for a long time. Then we realized we needed to hit pause and schedule time to talk about money.
For us, it wasn’t just about paying bills — it was about staying organized, planning for the future, and making sure we’re on the same page. Having a set schedule for these talks (and keeping them short and focused) has made them less stressful and more productive.
The Power of a Schedule
The truth is, if it’s not on the calendar, it’s probably not going to happen. Between work, sports, school events, and everyday life, we’ve learned that a schedule is our best friend. It helps us stay connected, manage our time better, and make sure we’re carving out moments for each other in the middle of the chaos.
Marriage doesn’t have to take a back seat just because the kids are busy. If anything, raising young athletes has taught us the importance of teamwork — not just on the basketball court or in the pool, but at home, too.
Are you raising young athletes? How do you stay connected? Be sure to check out our couples chat where we talk about all things parenting and get to know more about our family. Please be sure to comment, like, subscribe and share 🙂
