We have 5 kids, just 2 of whom are left at home nowadays. One has
some special needs. Sometimes we couldn’t afford a sitter, and
special needs puts extra strains and difficulties on the whole
situation. We have gone out to get Chinese food at our favorite
place (or sometimes just ice cream!), brought it home, and eaten in
the car. We banned the kids from coming out, ate and talked for a
couple hours on more than one occasion. We endorse Date Night!