Having a child is the ultimate gift. The follow-up should be (but never is) that it can come with a price. Often, when a couple has a child something gets lost between play dates and changing diapers. Free time becomes more about grabbing a couple of extra hours of sleep than making love. Yup. We can all agree, right? But it’s sooo important to rekindle your romantic relationship after having a child. Here are some expert tips:
Charge Your Own Battery
The most important way to jumpstart your relationship is by taking care of yourself. Children take a lot of time and energy. It’s very easy to manage your family’s wellbeing but neglect your own needs. Fill up your cup so you have something left to give to your partner – take a walk, go to the spa, go out to the movies alone, hang out with your friends, create an art project, get a mani-pedi. It doesn’t matter what you do, just be sure to do something that brings you joy.
Make time for Each Other
I know I know, this seems impossible but spending time together away from your child is a necessity, not a luxury. Find a way to spend at least an hour together – just the two of you – every week. Even better, take a short trip together without your child. Planning the details takes some energy, but the results are worth it.
Commit to Communication
Open and honest communication is the key to maintaining a healthy relationship. Find time to express your needs and listen to your partner’s needs. Write each other letters or take turns expressing your feelings in a safe space. Don’t be afraid to seek outside assistance from a therapist or relationship coach – many couples wait until their relationship is on the brink of failure before they seek help. Stick a quick note in your guy’s briefcase…he will love it. Wouldn’t you?
About the Author
Shannon Bindler does what she enjoys most – she helps people achieve higher-than-normal success. She’s a CEC-Accredited Life Coach with a pending M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She co-founded Get Up Girl Coaching, a woman’s empowerment company based in Los Angeles, and has a private coaching practice. Shannon is the Deputy Editor for life by me, and a regular contributor to HuffingtonPost.com and FindBliss.com.
