Having children can be a pivotal and much-desired step in your marriage. Growing a family is a top priority for many people. While there’s so much joy in parenting, it’s easy to find yourself putting your relationship on the back burner. That’s why it’s essential to put your marriage first, not above your children, but alongside them, as the core of a strong, connected family. Balancing marriage and children can be challenging, but it’s absolutely doable. Prioritizing your relationship will benefit everyone in your home, not just your partner.
Losing the focus on your relationship can happen in any situation. Whether you work out of the home, stay at home, or work from home, this type of burnout is something to watch. With just a little extra effort from the two of you, your relationship can be as sizzling as ever! Check out this relationship advice.
How to Put Your Marriage First (Without Guilt)
That being said, you should never stay in a relationship that has become dangerous or abusive. According to Matthew Hand, a domestic violence lawyer in Denver, “every minute nearly 20 Americans are abused by their partners….”
However, if you want to reignite that spark, there’s plenty of room for growth! Check out these simple ways of balancing marriage and children while prioritizing your relationship!
Communication is Key!
Though no relationship is perfect, communication is the key to making your relationship great. When problems occur, don’t let them fester. When people allow their problems to build up, they often in arguments and yelling. Communicate with your loved one. Let them know how you’re feeling and get an update on their feelings.
Open communication does take trust and allowing yourself to become vulnerable. While many people can verbally express their emotions, others cannot. One way to get around this discomfort is to write it down. Pen a letter to your loved one and let them know how you are feeling. You can also put in that letter that you struggled to speak about how you feel.
Don’t hesitate to talk about lack of intimacy to fix your intimate life. Physical intimacy is a big thing in marriage. It creates a unique spark that makes a marital relationship romantic and worth being faithful to. On the other hand, a failing physical intimacy could result in stagnation and boredom, increasing the risk of having a third-party or extramarital affair.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk about good feelings too! If your spouse does something you appreciate or admire, let them know. Giving compliments can go a long way!
Staying happy in a relationship takes effort. Consciously decide to work at making your relationship a priority.
Making Time for Each Other
As parents, we often find ourselves busier by the day. Between schools, doctor’s appointments, sports, and clubs, it’s no wonder we forget to take care of ourselves. But even in the busiest seasons, finding small ways to put your marriage first is one of the most impactful choices you can make. It doesn’t always have to be big, elaborate gestures. Sometimes, it’s just showing up for each other with presence and intention.
Moreover, you can also join community groups to participate in environmental activities and volunteer work. Now that you have a stable income and a happy family make helping others your newfound hobby. That way, you’ll feel good doing worthy causes together as a couple and become a blessing to other people.
Be creative, resourceful, and helpful. These qualities are the keys to finding and starting a hobby that can help nurture your marriage. Sometimes, it’s just finding five-ten minutes a day with each other. Other times, it’s getting away as a couple for a night or weekend. Here are a few ideas for making your relationship a priority!
Start a Hobby Together
Watching your partner learn how to do something new can be very intoxicating. Your partner will seem smarter and more sophisticated, even if they’re not good at the new hobby. Watching people try to stretch themselves and learn new things is exciting. Ideas you can try are learning how to cook, attending a painting class, hiking, or learning a new language together.
Sometimes relationships feel stale because you’ve been doing the same thing daily. By learning together, you develop new skills to help you grow as a person and couple.
Go on Dates
When you and your spouse started courting, you often went on dates. Maybe it was to a fancy restaurant, or just to the park or movies. Either way, the whole time was focused on building your relationship as a couple.
Now that you have kids, that doesn’t mean these alone times together aren’t needed anymore. On the contrary, you need these dates even more now! Find a babysitter that fits your family’s needs and schedule a fun date night for the two of you.
You can find many married couple dating ideas online on dating and relationship websites and social media pages. Make yours unique by personalizing your dating experience, such as cooking homemade recipes and setting up a lit dinner date on your deck. However, if you prefer going out instead, consider searching for dining options like Temper City restaurant for a memorable experience. Consider the atmosphere and culinary offerings of the place to find a perfect setting for a romantic dinner.
Beyond general dining, exploring specific culinary scenes can add an exciting dimension to your date nights. London, for instance, boasts an incredible array of international cuisines, offering couples a chance to embark on a gastronomic adventure. For those seeking vibrant flavors and a lively atmosphere, exploring the many Turkish restaurants in London can provide a truly memorable evening. These establishments often combine delicious food with a rich cultural experience, perfect for reigniting that spark and creating shared memories.
Moreover, a family date is a fantastic experience wherein you can bring your children to your favorite dating places when you and your spouse are still getting to know each other. Then will help you relive good memories to spark your relationship.
Use Routines For Your Benefit
Making time for each other can be tricky, but it is doable! When you have children, you develop routines and structures to benefit them. Make it a stay-at-home date by planning a night around those routines.
Have a fun dinner with the family, then put the kids to bed. You can watch a steamy movie with some wine and snacks. Or you can go star-gazing. Hang out in the backyard on a cloudless night and make smores. That way, you and your spouse can spend uninterrupted time together every night!
How to Put Your Marriage First (Without Guilt)
Parenthood may reshape your daily life, but it doesn’t have to erase your love life. Prioritizing your marriage doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your children. It means you’re showing them what love, teamwork, and healthy connection really look like.
You won’t always get it right. Some days will feel like survival mode. But when you choose each other in the chaos—when you carve out time, speak honestly, and protect your bond—you’re not just keeping your relationship alive. You’re giving your whole family a stronger foundation.
So no guilt, no apologies. Put your marriage first, on purpose, with passion, and without shame. Your future selves (and your kids) will thank you.
