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Couples who have “date nights” get divorced less, according to a 2012 report from the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. People continue to change over time, and date nights help couples communicate their understandings of one another and the changes they are going through, the research found.

It’s best for children if their parents’ relationship continues to strengthen over time, even if that means an occasional night away, even — perhaps especially — for parents of infants.

Parents who go out on date nights are not avoiding responsibility in most cases — they are taking it on. They are acting to maintain the balance that keeps relationships healthy and homes sturdy and loving. And that’s what children need the most.