Relationships: Adult Interaction After Baby

It sounds like both of you are drained by day's end. This is a common situation among married couples with children. Have you explored any resources in your area through which you might partly fill the adult-interaction void? In many neighborhoods, stay-at-home moms have formed clubs that offer group playdates where mothers take turns amusing the children while the other members pursue activities like book clubs, shopping excursions and lunches out. Network in your area and you are likely to find more opportunities than you have time for. Most important, doing this will remove some of the displeasure you may be feeling toward your husband.

If you are taking care of some of the need for adult interaction on your own, you will be in a better place to communicate with your husband about your need for more interaction with him at the end of the day. If you approach him in a relaxed, positive way that does not leave him feeling criticized, and let him know you understand his need to zone out a bit after a hard day at work, you are more likely to find him receptive to your need to connect.

Take some action beginning today and soon you will likely find yourself with a variety of options for regular adult interaction. Your children will also benefit because they will get the best you have to give when the frustration and possible resentment you may be feeling is gone. You may even discover that your husband is glad you made him aware of how you feel, leading to a more intimate bond between you.