A strong relationship is good for the whole family.
It’s good both for you and for your kids. It improves your health and happiness. It helps you to support each other’s parenting and to provide consistency for your kids. Your kids learn what a loving relationship looks like by watching you.
These tips are reminders of things you can do to help keep your relationship strong.
Kids change your relationship:
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Looking after your relationship and keeping it satisfying once you have kids is a big challenge.
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It’s important to take care of your relationship so you feel close to each other.
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Goodwill between the two of you helps you to be better parents and partners.
Appreciating your partner:
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When your partner does something you like, tell them. It will help them feel appreciated and encouraged.
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When your partner does something that upsets you, remember they may not have meant to.
How you talk and act when you disagree makes a difference:
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When you disagree, be polite and focus on the issue rather than the person.
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Remember you’re on the same team, your relationship shouldn’t feel like a war zone.
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Kids often find it scary when their parents argue, so if you keep it calm and constructive it helps the kids cope.
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It’s also important for kids to see that you have made up.
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Kids learn useful ways of dealing with conflict by watching you.
Make time for each other:
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Talking together is important, make it a priority.
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Laughter can take the heat out of a tense situation.
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Make time to have fun together, both as a couple and as a family.
Seeking and accepting support:
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Parenting can be tough; there are times when you need support.
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As well as friends and family, you can turn to people in your community you already know such as your doctor, Plunket nurse, teachers, minister etc.
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Free counselling is available for couples around relationship issues. Contact Relationships Aotearoa for more details.