Taking care of your relationship after becoming a parent

Taking care of your relationships after becoming a parent

Having a baby can bring happiness but also challenges for couples. To keep your relationship strong, make sure to take care of each other. Here are some simple ways to do that:

1. Talk to each other: Share your thoughts and feelings. Talk about what makes you happy or worried.
2. Spend time together: Even if you are busy, try to have special times as a couple. It could be a date, a quiet night at home, or a short walk.
3. Help each other: Both of you take care of the kids and the housework. Team up so no one feels too tired or stressed.
4. Show appreciation: Tell each other you appreciate what you do. It could be small things like helping with chores or taking care of the kids.
5. Take care of yourself: Get enough rest, do some exercise, and take time for yourself. If you're well, it's easier to take care of each other.
6. Be patient: Being parents is hard. Be patient with each other and understand it is okay to make mistakes.
7. Get help if needed: If things are tough, talk to friends, family, or professionals. They can give support and advice.
8. Celebrate success: Celebrate the good things you both do, even if they seem small.
9. Solve problems together: Work as a team when you face challenges. Don't blame each other, find solutions together.
10. Learn together: Parenting is a learning journey. Read books or take classes to understand parenting better.
11. Be ready for changes: Families change. Be flexible and support each other during different times.

Remember, every relationship is unique. Find what works best for both of you and keep talking and caring for each other.

If you want to start a good conversation, there are helpful videos you can watch: Videos for Grown-Ups.

Support with domestic and Family Violence

Violence or abuse is a serious health concern for everyone involved. 

Domestic and family violence doesn’t have to be physical abuse. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or other types of behaviour around power and control over someone. Children that experience domestic violence can be hurt by it their whole lives.

Everyone deserves to be safe and respected.

If you are a victim of domestic or family violence, it's important to talk to someone who can help.

Call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). They are there to help and listen.

Getting help with anger management

You may recognise that you are the person struggling with managing your anger, it's important to get help. Accepting that you have a problem is the first step. There are special services that can help you change to give you and your family the support you may need.

For help, you can call Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491 or visit their website.

There's also Men’s Behaviour Change Network NSW for more support: Visit Here.