As busy working mums, we’re no strangers to running the household like a well-oiled machine. Our days are filled with meetings, meal preps, school drop-offs, and endless to-do lists. We make sure everyone else is taken care of, but what about our relationship with our partner?
We often assume our relationship will just tick along in the background while we focus on everything else. But the truth is, just like our careers, parenting, and self-care, our relationship needs intentional effort. And if we neglect it for too long, the cracks start to show.
The Reality of Relationships After Kids
It’s no secret that having kids changes everything, including our relationship. Studies show that relationship satisfaction tends to drop after becoming parents, especially in the early years when sleep is scarce, stress is high, and time together is minimal. In fact, research from The Gottman Institute found that two-thirds of couples experience a decline in relationship quality within the first three years of their child’s life. That’s a pretty big deal.
On the flip side, couples who carve out time for each other report stronger connections, greater happiness, and even better co-parenting. They’re able to navigate the chaos of life together rather than feeling like two exhausted ships passing in the night.
So, How Do We Make Time for Each Other?
We’re all busy, but prioritizing our relationship doesn’t have to mean extravagant date nights or grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent efforts that keep the connection alive.
Schedule ‘us’ time: Put it in the calendar just like you would a work meeting or a school event. Even 30 minutes of undistracted time together makes a difference.
Communicate daily: A quick check-in, a heartfelt text, or even a moment of eye contact during the madness can help maintain emotional closeness.
Show appreciation: A simple ‘thank you’ or ‘I see how hard you’re working’ can go a long way in keeping the bond strong.
Have fun together: Laughter is an underrated relationship tool! Watch a show, play a game, or reminisce about your early days.
A strong, healthy partnership isn’t just good for us—it benefits the whole family. When we feel connected and supported, we’re better parents, better at handling stress, and overall happier.
So, while our lists will always be long, let’s make sure our relationship isn’t at the bottom of it. Because at the end of the day, love is what holds it all together.