Being a parent is fun, exciting, stressful, and confusing all at the same time. And understandably, a lot of couples start to fight and get frustrated when they have kids, since there are suddenly more responsibilities, and taking care of a child isn't as easy as they thought.
So here are some tips to help you and your spouse keep your marriage strong during your first year as parents!
Communicate
Communication is an important backbone of a healthy relationship, so it's important for you and your spouse to find time in your busy schedules to have a moment and just talk to each other.
You don't always have to talk about the kids as you can talk about your future, each other, and why you're grateful to have them as a spouse. Use it as a way to relax, and to show your spouse that you're still very much in love.
Work together
It's important to work as a team, especially when it comes to taking care of the kids. It's not a one-person job, so the both of you need to pitch in when it comes to putting the baby to sleep, feeding the baby, and the dreaded diaper changing.
It's also good to make a schedule of who will be taking care of the baby on a specific day, so that you can avoid confusion, and unnecessary arguments. Make a plan, and stick to it!
The baby shouldn't 'compete' with you
While your baby deserves your full attention, it doesn't mean that you should disregard your spouse completely. Find the time to be intimate, and keep the spark alive.
Marriages last longer if the couple makes an effort to still be romantic, and are not completely focused on the baby. Don't make the baby compete for you or your spouse's attention, plan your day wisely, and make time for both your relationship, and your child.
Be flexible
Being flexible is important, especially when it comes to taking care of the kids. Sudden work emergencies, or unplanned events might cause you to change your schedule, or you might need to look for a babysitter to take care of the baby while you're doing something else.
Always be flexible, and learn how to roll with the punches. The only constant thing is change, so it's best to leave some room to change your plans.
Enjoy it!
Your baby's first few years will go by so fast, you'll barely notice it! So it's important to make the most of the time that you have with your kid while they are still a baby. It's one of the most amazing times in your child's life, so make the most of it.
Enjoy it as a couple, and you'll have amazing memories to last a lifetime!
Source: newparent.com
READ: 7 Tips to keep you and your spouse happy once you have kids
