Don’t Let a Baby Wreck Your Relationship
Relationships are a lot of work when it is just a party of two, so you can only imagine adding a third to the mix will stir things up. One of my closest friends is currently in labor getting ready to the welcome beautiful Baby K into this world. She and her significant other have prepared for months for this big day, but you never know how you will react until the day it happens. Will you be cool, calm and collected or will you be freaking out nonstop?
There are no official guidelines that help you prepare for such a life-changing day. All you can do is try your best and get excited to welcome this bundle of joy with lots of love from you and your partner. The two of you are in this together, and your lives are about to change dramatically.
From learning to change a diaper to waking up at odd hours in the night, you and your significant other will need to learn to be a team. You will need all hands on deck when the baby comes, so there are a few things you should know before the big day:
Taking turns is essential
Babies are a lot of work. There are plenty of single mothers and fathers out there that are killing it, but if you have the option to have a helping hand make sure that hand is helping. With two parents, responsibilities should be split down the middle. Whether it be taking turns or deciding who will do what, this needs to be talked about so no one is left drowning. And if you need extra help, don’t be afraid to ask. While you want make things 50/50, some days you will need more help than others, and that should not be a problem.
Express all your feelings and emotions
Bottling up feelings is like playing with fire in any relationship. But when you add a baby to the mix, it is that much risker. It is easy to get pissed off at your partner when a baby is involved. Maybe your partner isn’t helping out enough or maybe the baby is getting more attention than you. Regardless if its a big issue or something petty, you should speak your mind. I am not saying have a full on argument, but talk about it. Just because you have a baby, you don’t suddenly abandon your relationship. So talk things out so there is nothing but love at the end of the day, and make an active effort to not fall asleep angry.
Don’t be ashamed to take time for yourself
A lot of parents feel bad about wanting to have time away from their baby and significant other, but it is actually normal. Your life has completely changed, and it is okay to want a breather. All you have to do is be open with your partner. They will understand if want some me time, and frankly, they probably want some too. Work together to make this happen so you aren’t pushed to your limits. Have a night out with your friends or just go to your favorite restaurant. You are doing a great job with your kid, and they would want you to stay sane and have a break. Once you are rested, you will notice your spirits are lifted an you will be ready to reenter mommy or daddy mode.
Babies can bring some people together, but drive others apart. Don’t let something as beautiful as a baby ruin your relationship. Baby comes first now, but also prioritize your relationship no matter how hard things get. If you can do that, you will hopefully be one big happy family.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.