Connecting better with your partner while parenting

Connecting better with your partner while parenting

Being a new parent can put quite a strain on any couples relationship. The late nights, the change to routine, the general shake up and chaos in both your lives can make it challenging to keep on the same page and at times to even like each other! Different parenting styles can cause quite a rift when parents aren't seeing eye to eye on choices. Indeed it can be tricky to feel that pre-child mojo that you once had but that doesn't mean it's not possible to get it back. With a little nurturing and love you can get your relationship back on track.

Introduce date night

This was something Alan and I always did every Wednesday evening pre-baby but it went on hold when our little Nathaniel was born. It's something that we have picked up again and find it so important. It doesn't have to be a religious day or evening that you do something but it's important that you ensure to put yourselves first at least once every 2-3 weeks and do something together. Whether it's going for dinner, catching a movie or even just for a walk on the beach or a hike, it's about having time to remember what it was like before the chaos came along and reminding yourselves why you fell in love in the first place.

Do chores together

It doesn’t sound very sexy, but this activity alone can be surprisingly bonding. Doing housework together can make the chores go quicker, enhance communication with your partner and offer a sense of joint support. 

Be kind to each other

According to researcher and author John Gottman, PhD, the differences between smooth-sailing parents and those that are on rocky waters is their ability to express the three A’s—affection, appreciation, and admiration. Offering kind, feel-good behaviour, gestures and words of affirmation to your partner, will encourage them to do the same in return and can prompt gratifying payback. Make time every day to express gratitude and do little favours for each other that are intentional and infused with love and kindness and watch what happens next!