Most parents know that when it comes to bringing a new infant into the household, normal life is suspended for a time. We cannot expect to sleep soundly for a few years, as our baby gets used to their own sleeping routine. Certain priorities, such as going out to eat multiple times a week, become less feasible. And of course, we must take a renewed approach to dealing with our stress, otherwise, we can begin to feel quite out of sorts.
However, there are certain considerations that are worth keeping in mind. First off, you need to remember to take care of number one. Without that, we cannot take care of our beautiful child at all. Second, we do need to ensure that we fuel the fire of our relationship when we can, taking time for one another, and renewing our intimacy where appropriate. You’re a team, and deserve to feel that.
In this post, we’ll discuss a few measures you can use for helping one another make it through this sensitive but crucial time, without having to damage your relationship in the process:
Relaxing, Holding, Touching
Of course, while for some intimacy means breaking out the best sexy oil massage or spending time on a bed of roses, it’s true to say that while this is lovely, it’s not needed every single night. Simply holding one another and making time to help each other dissolve stress, perhaps through a light shoulder massage or cuddling in front of a movie, can help you feel protected, safe and comfortable at a time when all of your energies are going into being the provider. It’s a nice way to balance your energies.
Eating Together
Eating together is an act of love, and so making sure you schedule time to do this in your household, when and where possible, is key. This may mean eating later or earlier than usual depending on your schedule – some nights it might just mean eating takeout food, but what matters is spending this time no matter how hard you’re both working on your separate tasks. This way, you can remain in proximity and keep your conversations going.
Frank & Honest Conversations
The truth is that an honest conversation is among one of the most intimate activities you can take part in, especially if you need to bring up a tough subject or ask for something to change. When you understand one another, truly understand each other that is, you’re much more likely to work as a team, to make concessions and compromises, and to avoid small problems from causing bigger issues in the pressured environment of parenthood. This is easier said than done, but a careful approach towards such an activity only helps you in the long term. This way, you need not let the demands of parenthood split you apart, even in small ways.
With this advice, we hope you can continue to make time for intimacy as a parent. You deserve it, even if your love is found in the little things.