As I relax on a deck chair in beautiful Bali, I am overwhelmed by feelings of appreciation, happiness and fleeting moments of guilt.

Guilt because my husband and I are here CHILD-FREE! Yep – six days of relaxation and pampering while our three beautiful boys are at home with my parents.

But as I sit here and write this, it is day four of our holiday and after lots of time to think, it has made me realise just how important it is to take some time-out for ourselves and our relationship.

As a parent, our children become our number one priority, but what our little escape has made me realise is just how important it is to make time to prioritise ourselves and our relationship with each other. Children learn best through imitation and demonstrating to them a loving, healthy relationship and good self-care, will not only allow them to feel safe and secure but also teach them about relationships, setting their expectations and values for the future.

Whilst I hadn’t realised it before, we were in a bit of a rut. Going through the daily motions and routine of life with three boys under three.

We met a lovely couple by the pool who were having a similar holiday to us – a week away from their two young children. We spent hours exchanging stories and were both truly amazed at how refreshed, rejuvenated and more connected we felt with our partners having taken a short break.

It has made us realise that whilst it doesn’t have to be as extravagant as a week in Bali, it is important for us to take QUALITY time out together, to share adult conversations, have dates, laugh about how all our conversations revert back to our children and simply be.

This trip has allowed us to have so many deep and meaningful conversations, to reflect on how lucky we are, set goals for our family, discuss our hopes and dreams, what we want to do differently and to remember all of the things we love about each other and our little family.

What was a quick getaway for some rest and relaxation, has actually become so much more! I encourage everyone, for your sake and for the sake of your children, to give it a go. Whether it is a date night, weekend away or a short trip, treat yourselves, because parenting is a tough job and YOU and your children, deserve it!

How do you make time for yourself or your significant other? Share with us in the comments.