Marriage and parenthood is a delicate balancing act. It sometimes seems impossible to balance the needs of your children and your spouse. Honestly, some days it feels like the best you can hope for is getting to bedtime with no band-aids, nothing broken, and no macaroni up anyone’s nose.
The Challenge of Trying to Balance the Needs of Your Children and Your Spouse
Whoever said parenting was a full-time job was darn tootin’!
Hands up who has forgotten what date night even feels like? You’re not alone, folks.
It’s so easy to get consumed with taking care of the kids, chauffeuring them to football practice, and whipping up a little something for the school bake sale, that your marriage takes a back seat. We’re here to tell you – don’t let it!
Why It’s Important to Balance the Needs of Your Children and Your Spouse
Your marriage is your bedrock for life. It’s your foundation, your partnership, your heart’s home where you can always be yourself and always be supported. And just like any other really important thing in your life, it needs TLC if you want it to thrive.
Your kids already get the best of you – we know you’re a great parent and you put a lot of time and energy into caring for your little one(s). In fact, there are several negative consequences of putting your kids first.
How about each other, though? You both need care and attention from each other, too.
For the sake of your marriage and your family’s happiness, you MUST find a way to balance the needs of your children and your spouse. It’s vital to make time for each other every single day.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate. You don’t have to put on your best clothes and go to a fancy restaurant. Just make sometime each day to connect with your spouse, kid-free.
How to Balance the Needs of Your Children and Your Spouse
Here are some ideas you can try to connect with your spouse no matter how busy the kids keep you.
- A stroll along the nearest beach or around the nearest park
- Getting together for lunch
- Waking up a little earlier and enjoying coffee together before the day begins
- Making time for a drink and a talk before bed
- Teaming up to drive the kids to their club or a friend’s house, and using the waiting time to just catch up
- Having quiet time together in the evenings (set a bedtime for your kids, and stick to it)
- Eating dinner together after the kids are in bed
Add in the date night once a month too. That way both your needs are met, and your kids get happy, connected parents who work as a team. Start carving out regular time for your marriage today – your future selves will thank you!
More Ideas for Strengthening Your Marriage
Looking for more ways to connect with your spouse? You might enjoy these Acts of Kindness for a Stronger Marriage.
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