Three years into a global pandemic, parents may be exhausted and stressed, but that doesn’t mean romance has landed entirely on the backburner. In fact, according to a new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Care.com, the pandemic has inspired some parents to prioritize bonding time with their partner.
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Exploring how couples have kept their romance alive nearly two years into the pandemic, the survey uncovered a variety of heartwarming findings. Here, the key takeaways and insights.
How the pandemic has impacted parents’ romantic lives
From burnout to ever-changing challenges related to care and school, the pandemic has presented parents with nonstop twists and turns. But that hasn’t had a chilling effect on the majority of respondents’ love lives. In fact, 72% of respondents said they still get butterflies when they see their partner, and three in four shared that meeting their significant other was “love at first sight.”
That’s why it’s no surprise that eight in 10 are open to recreating their first date to relive those moments (79%).
A few other intriguing findings:
Parents have found creative ways to date over the course of the pandemic
First date redux aside, since the pandemic began, parents reported having, on average, seven date nights, like:
- Watching movies.
- Taking turns preparing a romantic dinner.
- Having picnics outside in the backyard.
They’re more excited to go out than they were pre-COVID
Before the pandemic, most parents said they were usually homebodies and preferred to stay in instead of having a date night (72%). Now, three years on, spending so much time in the house has led a similar number of parents to say yes to a night out with their partner (71%).
As it turns out, respondents are as interested in reconnecting at home as they are going out dancing. Overall, ideal date nights include:
- Staying home and talking (46%).
- A night out dancing (44%).
- Relaxing (42%).
- Sightseeing (28%).
Three-quarters of respondents said Valentine’s Day is an important date night for them and their partners.
How Valentine’s Day factors in
Even if you’re fired up to make it happen, finding the right time to plan a date night can be difficult, which is why the majority of respondents were happy that Valentine’s Day presents a perfect opportunity. Eighty-two percent of respondents find Valentine’s Day somewhat romantic, and believe it or not, 85% of men said they were wrapped up in the holiday versus 80% of women.
And all in all, three-quarters of respondents said Valentine’s Day is an important date night for them and their partners (76%).
How date nights serve as a respite for stressed parents
Date nights provide parents with a timeout from the challenges of parenting during a global pandemic. Despite being full of unconditional love for their children, 78% admit they sometimes need a break to destress after being home and helping them with remote learning. On average parents feel they need a break from their kids up to four times a week.
Nonetheless, 72% noted that they sometimes feel guilty for going on a date without their children. The solution for 79% of respondents: keeping date nights short and sweet.
Ultimately, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or any day that works best for your busy schedule, it’s heartening to know respondents aim to care for their relationship as much as they do everyone around them.
Survey methodology
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 parents of children 5-18 was commissioned by Care.com between January 7 and January 10, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
About Care.com
Available in more than 20 countries, Care.com is the world’s leading platform for finding and managing high-quality family care. Care.com is designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s families and caregivers, offering everything from household tax and payroll services and customized corporate benefits packages covering the care needs of working families, to innovating new ways for caregivers to be paid and obtain professional benefits. Since 2007, families have relied on Care.com’s industry-leading products — from child and senior care to pet care and home care. Care.com is an IAC company (NASDAQ: IAC)
