Relationships do change when kids become a part of the picture—there’s no way around that. Typically, the joy and excitement that come with being a new parent outweigh the frustration or disappointment. However, the relationship tension that often comes up under this added stress cannot be ignored. Similarly, the focus on the new child is critically important, but it isn’t selfish to tend to your own needs, too.

Good parents aren’t necessarily the ones who sacrifice themselves entirely for their child, but rather the ones who know they can’t pour from an empty cup. They work to balance their own needs with their children’s to provide the very best for their entire family system.

If you are experiencing conflict or distance in your relationship after having children, couples therapy may be a beneficial option. The therapists at The Montfort Group have extensive training and expertise in helping couples communicate, maintain or regain intimacy and grow together after having children. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.

“And so I was going into it assuming it was going to be exhausting and tiring and taking away from my personal life that I’ve gotten comfortable with. But I was hoping I would find some enjoyment in it at the same time. And as it happened, sure enough, it was a lot to undertake and definitely pushes you to your limits.”