For parents, some barriers to a date night include finding a babysitter you can trust and the cost to hire them.
Parents’ Night Out, held the first Friday of every month by Reedsville United Methodist Church at the Preston County Youth Center can help with that.
“It’s just time for parents to have a night out. And for the kids to be in a safe place where they can play games, we have crafts, we have a meal, and we do a little devotion,” Pastor Lisa Fox said.
“And so yeah, the parents get a night out for themselves.”
Tomorrow, parents can drop their children off from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and enjoy time together – either home alone or going on a date night.
Fox said the event has grown every month and in March, the event drew in 52 kids.
In the end, it’s all about building relationships with the children, Fox said. The church isn’t just a structure, but a part of the community — and the youth center is an extension of ministry.
“It’s just a great space where people can bring their kids and know that they’re in a safe space and enjoy the night out,” she said.
Director of the PCYC Glenn Larew said parents’ night out is a beautiful experience.
“The kids, there’s never a problem with a wide variety of ages, interests, all interacting and flowing together without any problems,” he said. “It’s just beautiful. And it’s what you want the world to be like.”
The youth center being used by community groups such as the church is part of Larew’s vision.
A parent to two and grandparent to four, Larew said as wonderful as children are, it’s great when parents get a night alone together.
“It is, it helps a marriage to have time to go out and just reconnect without all the distractions, as wonderful as they are,” Larew said. “It’s nice to be away where you can just work on your own relationship.”
There is a sign-in and sign-out sheet but pre-registration is not required, Fox said. However, since a meal is provided, anyone whose children have food allergies should contact Fox in advance at 304-771-1060.
