4 Reasons Why Intimacy is Important
Why is intimacy important for (new) parents? An interview with Julie Sharon, a licensed clinical counselor who offers individual, couples and family therapy at her private practice in Amsterdam. She specializes in working with people transitioning into parenthood who face issues related to pregnancy, birth (trauma) or postpartum adjustment, couples who feel disconnected but want to make things work, and parents who feel overwhelmed by parenthood or who are seeking parenting support.
What Justifies the Lack of Sex? Nothing.
Julie explains: ‘If sex and intimacy are vital ingredients for a healthy, loving relationship, it warrants our attention. However, as a (new) parent, you might have loads of legitimate explanations that justify the lack of sex. You’re exhausted. You don’t have time for each other. You don’t feel sexy or have a sex drive anymore. However, there are many reasons why it is a good idea to keep the flame alive. When you become a parent, working on the wellbeing of your relationship is more important than ever. Reasons why it’s so important now include:
- Becoming and being a parent can be quite physically and emotionally trying. Being able to fully count on each other when caring for your kids and support each other through these tough times makes the path of parenthood a lot easier to tread.
- Your children benefit from your loving relationship. Kids learn a lot about love through example. Couples who have satisfying sex lives tend to be closer and exhibit more intimate behavior (such as kissing or touching) when others, including children, are around.
- Your relationship with your partner influences your children’s sense of happiness, health and school performance.
- A good partner relationship affects the parent-child relationship positively.
Listen to the full length podcast on Mum’s The Word, here.