Having a child is, undeniably, one of life’s greatest joys, but when you have a newborn your priorities will instantly change. Learning to parent alongside your partner takes up a large bulk of your time as a couple, alongside the usual household chores, early mornings and day to day jobs, many couples often find that they spend less and less time as they once were, which can be hard to adjust to.
Adjusting to these new demands as parents and finding time to nurture your marriage or relationship is important for your mental and emotional wellbeing – you’ll likely find that you need one another’s support now more than ever! There are some simple things you can do which will keep your relationship thriving during those first few months of adjustment and keep you both, and your new bundle, happy.
Make A Date
Before your baby was born, you probably thought your schedule was busy enough. Now, it probably feels overwhelming, what with working, cleaning, feeding and caring for your new baby. Inevitably, your time together spent as a couple is likely to have been sacrificed. By arranging a date where you will both spend time together means that you will likely make this into a habit and this comes with great benefits for you, your partner and baby.
Your dates might start as a coffee or glass of wine in the kitchen after you’ve put the baby to bed, talking about your day, but when you feel ready to leave your newborn for a few hours, this could turn into a movie or dinner date. If you don’t quite feel ready to leave your baby yet – and this is fine – then why not take turns cooking for one another during the week? Spending time together and alone should be a priority and made into a regular occurrence, no matter what you decide to do.
Show Your Affection and Appreciation
Think back to when you first began dating. You likely called your partner just to say “hello” or ask how their day was and this doesn’t need to stop just because you’ve had a baby! Whether you leave a note for them in their pocket before they head out for work, make them a cup of coffee in the mornings or just buy them their favourite treat after a long day – it doesn’t need to be a huge romantic gesture, just something which shows them that you’re thinking of them, it could even be taking their diamond jewellery engagement ring or your wedding rings to get polished!
Make Time To Switch From Mom and Dad to Wife and Husband
Just because you have a newborn doesn’t mean that you’re now known as Mom and Dad. It is important to be firm with your parenting routines so that you get time to make that transition after a long or tiring day. Once you’ve put your baby to bed (hopefully for the night!), it’s time to switch back to you. Whether you decide to take a nice long shower with your favourite products, have an uninterrupted hot drink or just sit and watch your favourite tv show together for 20 minutes, whatever you need to do to make this transition, make time for it. Being parents is a 24/7 job which never ends, but you and your partner will feel better and find it a little easier if you are both happy and find time for yourselves. It’s important to remember that you are both on the same team – there are no winners or losers!
About the Author
Natalie Wilson is a freelance wellness and lifestyle writer. She loves researching and writing about new wellness trends and topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest news. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog or browsing her nearest bookstore. You can connect with her on Twitter @NatWilson976.
LifeAsMama
Latest posts by LifeAsMama (see all)
- 5 Small and Smart Ideas for More Ethical Shopping - February 18, 2020
- How to Talk to Kids About Death - February 13, 2020
- 7 Tips For Eating Out On The Keto Diet - February 10, 2020
