Men, we gotta do more than “bring home the bacon.” We are the architects of fun within our four walls and picket fences. We have the power to blow hurricanes of adventure into the doldrums of our households. How would your kids respond if you turned off the power and pronounced a trail hike you’d planned for them? Yes, you actually lead them away from the TV and computer and show them the world outside–mountains, streams and, yes, wild animals.

Or better yet, how would your wife transform if you surprised her with a 24-hr get away, no kids or responsibilities? It’s just you two, a Priceline room for $40 and dinner at a place she can wear a dress (you know that dress). She sleeps in the next morning and you bring her muffins and coffee from the continental breakfast table in the lobby. Cheap and simple, but high impact. Not so scary when you think about it.

I know what you’re saying right now, “I work hard all week. The last thing I feel like is playing with the kids, and being Tom Hanks for my wife.” Understandable. And yet, the only person who’s going to fight for fun and romance in your small castle is you. Trust me, you boss isn’t and neither is the cable guy or city mayor. Who then?

Get out there and make some fun.