When kids are involved in a marriage proposal, it's more than two people joining as one -- it's cementing a family. When thinking up creative ways to propose to your beloved, include the child in the special moment and make it an occasion he'll remember for the rest of his life.

If you're proposing to someone with a little one who's not your biological child, pop the question to the child first. Purchase a child-size ring and take the little one out on a special outing, just the two of you. It could be going out for ice cream, to an amusement park or paddle boats out on the water. Ask the child how he would feel about becoming an official family and then formally ask him to be your stepson or stepdaughter. Next, you can ask the child to help you with proposing to his parent.

Let a new mommy sleep in and offer to get the baby ready for the day. Dress him in a little onesie that says, "Mommy, will you marry my daddy?" Bring the baby into the bedroom, along with breakfast in bed, and get down on one knee once she notices the new outfit. If you have multiple children, dress each of them in a T-shirt that says a word or two of the question, "Will you marry me?" and then have them line up in order when you're ready to ask.

If a picture's worth 1,000 words, then a photo proposal is worth a million. Choose a special photo album and fill it with photos featuring your soon-to-be-official family. On the very last page, add a very special photo -- one of you and the children holding signs proposing marriage. If the two of you just had a new baby and plan a photo session to document the moment, slyly slip an engagement ring onto the new baby's foot. When your soon-to-be fiancee notices, get down on one knee. Make sure the photographer is in on it, so she can get the perfect photo.

Send your significant other out for the day, perhaps to get a mani-pedi or on a shopping trip, and then direct a video love story, featuring the children. Ask the kids what their favorite moment as a family has been and how they would feel about being in a wedding. At the end of the video, hand the video camera to the kids and have them record you as you propose.