Parenthood can significantly impact a couple’s relationship, as the birth of a child can expose underlying problems and disrupt the dynamics, often leading to increased conflict or tension. Despite this being a common issue, it’s rarely discussed, leading many parents to feel isolated and reluctant to seek help. Mental health issues such as postnatal depression can further complicate matters. Couples therapy and improving “protective” relationship factors, like communication and understanding, have shown to help lessen relationship distress.
- The arrival of a child can bring significant changes to a couple’s relationship, often causing increased conflict or tension. The shift in individual identity and introduction of parenting responsibilities can put a strain on the relationship.
- Research has shown that relationship satisfaction is generally lower for parents than non-parents, with mothers of infants often reporting the lowest satisfaction levels.
- Relationship problems are rarely discussed publicly, causing many parents to feel isolated and less likely to seek help, potentially worsening relationship challenges.
- Mental health issues, like postnatal depression affecting around one in four mothers and one in ten fathers, can introduce additional challenges.
- Experts suggest that fostering protective relationship factors such as clear, open communication, feeling understood and validated, and having realistic expectations can help improve relationships. Couples therapy is also shown to lessen relationship distress.