3 Changes That Happen With Your Partner After Having A Baby And How To Solve Them
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Most new parents will agree that a newborn adds a lot of pressure and stress on both individuals and the couple as a whole. The arrival of a new baby is a life-altering experience that undoubtedly brings immense joy and love to a couple’s life. However, it also ushers in a series of significant changes in the dynamics of a relationship. As parents, you’re not just partners; you’re now responsible for the well-being of a precious little one. And unfortunately this strain can increase as time goes by and your baby grows up which decreases the level of satisfaction of the couple. This shift often leads to several transformations in your relationship with your partner. In this article, we’ll delve into some common changes that occur after having a baby and offer practical insights on how to address and overcome them. Read on!
1. You Fight More Because Of The Added Duties
It’s highly possible that both you and your partner were working full-time jobs before the baby arrived. But now that your infant needs 24/7 care, one of you needs to stay at home and become the primary caregiver which is easier said than done. As soon as you stop contributing to the family in terms of monetary means you’ll realize that most of the chores are being done by you. You take on a heavy load in terms of taking care of the baby day and night because your partner needs to go to work in the morning and can’t help out at home. They might come back home tired and without the energy to help you which makes you frustrated and angry.
So what do you do? Instead of fighting about it, ask your partner to do something specific that wouldn’t tax them too much but will still be of great help to you. For example, ask them to stop by the grocery store and pick up items you must be running low on. Or ask them for help performing a specific chore around the house. After they’ve done this, say thank you as a way to genuinely appreciate the effort they are making.
2. Your Parenting Styles Differ
Making decisions for your child can be even trickier than making decisions as a couple. Now every choice you make affects them too, which can add a lot of pressure. This only worsens when you and your partner don’t see eye to eye on how to parent your kids. It is important to keep in mind that you and your partner are two different people and it’s okay to disagree sometimes. Take the time to sit down and listen to each other’s point of views. Your partner might have caught onto something about your child that you might’ve missed out on. As long as your child is healthy and safe, there is no right or wrong way of parenting. So try to put your egos aside and give each other constructive criticism. Highlight pros and cons of your partner’s parenting style and give each other room to grow. Make sure you have these disagreements and discussions away from your child’s curious eyes as this is something that will give them mixed signals.
3. You Have No Free Time For Yourself Or Your Relationships
Hey remember when you spent those weekends playing video games for hours or going out with your friends on a random weekday night? Seems like a dream doesn’t it? Before you had a child you had time to go out and enjoy yourself but now your little one seems to take up all your time and attention. And although you love your baby, it’s okay to feel frustrated and alone from time to time. You might notice that you haven’t spent time by yourself in ages and that your relationship isn’t as close as it used to be. What you need to do is make sure that both parties spend some time alone in order to maintain your sanity. Take turns each week. One of you can stay with the baby as the other partner does an activity they like. And then find an activity that you both enjoy doing together at least twice a month. You may need to cut your activity time short but there is no need to get rid of it altogether.
Being a parent may not be all hearts and rainbows but there is no need to let it disrupt your relationship with your partner. Remember that you are a team and you are in this together. Support one another and give each other space when necessary. Whatever comes your way, you can work it out together. Happy parenting!
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