Your wife does a lot for your family. It's important to take care of her before she runs out of gas. The best way to do it is to jump in and give her a break.

A lot of my suggestions may seem like ordinary things, but I promise they will make a difference. Maybe you have done some of them before or maybe your wife told you not to worry because she loves doing these things herself. Even if you've done it before, she loves to do it or you've made a deal that she'll do it and you'll do something else — you can always surprise her and go the extra mile.

Marriage and family isn't about a checklist; it's about serving and loving

We all want to love our spouse deeply and let them know that we love them and appreciate what they do. Sometimes we need to be better parents in order for our spouse to feel appreciated and less stressed.

If your wife needs a break, here are 10 things that will not only show your wife that she's loved, but also tell your kids they are loved.

1. Play games with the kids

Work can be stressful, but the best way to relieve that stress is through children's laughter. Take time to play with your kids and make them laugh. You will be amazed at how the stress will just roll off. You will feel happier, your wife will be happier and your children will love it.

2. Make dinner

We don't live in the 1950s anymore, and there should be no reason you don't know how to cook. Take a turn making dinner. Show off your cooking skills and give your wife a break from the stress of meal planning.

3. Take the kids out of the house

Sometimes it's nice to be alone in a quiet house. Whether your wife is a stay-at-home mom or is at work all day, she has things she needs to get done at home (without the kids). Take the initiative to take the kids out of the house and give her a break and a quiet house.

4. Clean the house

When I say clean I don't just mean move papers around and shove the toys in the corner. I mean clean like with a vacuum, duster and Clorox wipes.

5. Call a babysitter

Sometimes you plan a date and ask your wife out and then she is the one to call the sitter. Be the one to make the call. Plan a date and get her out of the house without the kids, but make sure you do all the work to take her out.

6. Bring her flowers and a note

Giving her flowers lets her take a mental break each time she smells the flowers and reads the note. Sometimes you need the sappy reminders that you are loved.

7. Clean the bathroom then fill the tub

Who doesn't love to take a bath? Let her take a hot bath in a newly cleaned bathroom — this will allow her to fully relax and enjoy the moment.

8. Set up a date night after the kids are in bed

You don't have to go anywhere — it could just be in the house. Treat her with an indoor date night to show her how much you adore her. An example of a great at-home date is to pretend you're taking her to Italy by making spaghetti and turning on Italian opera music.

9. Put the kids to bed

Take a turn to put the kids to bed. She will especially appreciate this if she is a stay-at-home mom or has had a stressful day at work.

10. Read a book together

Curl up on the couch and read a book together. Share what you enjoyed most about the book, and have a nice discussion together.

There are a million things you can do to give your wife a break in her day. Don't be afraid to take initiative and plan a little. You will be amazed at how strong your marriage becomes through these small efforts.