When children come along your relationship can undergo a level of change.
The dynamic in the family shifts and you both have to find your way in these brand-new roles as parents.
Time is no longer in plentiful supply and the things you do with that time can change drastically too. Nights out and dinner dates are often replaced by grabbing forty winks at any available opportunity.
It’s no secret that parenting and fatigue certainly do go hand in hand.
It is important to note that fatigue can complicate even the simplest of things. It can make an average day feel like an awful one and it can profoundly affect your mood and emotional well-being.
These things have a really significant impact on the relationships you have in your life. Friendships can become strained and romantic relationships can take a back seat for a long time as you focus on the main task at hand in caring for your baby.
Exhaustion can make the world feel like a pretty dark place so even when time is not an issue the level of fatigue can affect the quality of the time you are spending with that person.
We all know how important it is to make time for the people we love. Relationships take work and investing time and energy in those relationships is vital for their survival.
Unfortunately, this is easier said than done when you are yawning from one end of the day to the next. It’s no easy task but if you are willing to make a couple of changes and compromises, it really is possible to make time for each other when fatigue prevails.
Here are five tips to help you make this happen:
- Think outside the box and utilise the times of the day where fatigue is at its lowest. You might trade your regular date night for an early morning coffee and pastry while the baby naps in the buggy or sling. Make your own rules.
- Communication is key. If you are too tired to do something then talk about it. Chances are your partner might be feeling the very same way, but how often does it all result in an argument or tension when everyone is beating around the bush?
- Prioritise your well-being and not the housework. None of us want to live in a house that is falling apart but how often do you choose housework above a power nap or sitting down with a cuppa when your baby naps? This could make a huge difference to your levels of exhaustion and could have a knock-on effect for your relationship as a result.
- Face to face contact is important but staying in touch throughout the day can have a positive affect on your relationship too. Looking after a baby all day can be lonely work and staying connected really helps ease that feeling. It reminds you that you are a team. It could be as simple as checking in on each other via text to see how the day is going.
- Consider batch cooking, availing of a laundry service or hiring a cleaner if money allows. Anything that frees up your time and conserves your energy will have a positive impact on your relationship as you will get the best of each other.