It’s not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed and harried by the daily grind.
Carpools. Lunches. Baths. Bedtime. Homework. Activities. Work.
By the end of the day, many parents are simply depleted. And sometimes, it feels like there’s no energy left for one another.
That’s a problem — not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because when there’s genuine love and connection between the parents, everyone benefits. The kids sense it. They get to feel: “Mommy and Daddy love me, and Mommy and Daddy really love each other, too.”
Of course, self-care is a big piece of this. Couples need to do whatever they can to recharge their batteries. But there’s another, more subtle piece I’ve learned from working with couples in marriage counseling near Atlanta’s Druid Hills area: The important skill of compartmentalizing.
You Are the CEO and CFO of Your Family
I often tell couples: “You are the CEO and CFO of this big corporation called the ______ family.”
There’s a time to sit down as the CEO and CFO — to talk about the kids, to problem-solve, to work through schedules, finances, logistics, and all the nitty-gritty details of family life.
But don’t let those leadership positions spill over into every part of your marriage.
There’s Still Time to Just Be a Couple
There also needs to be time when you’re simply husband and wife. Two people who enjoy each other’s company.
That’s a muscle that needs to be developed. And like any muscle, it gets stronger with practice.
If you and your partner have slipped into running your household like a business and forgotten how to just be a couple, that’s exactly the kind of pattern I help families work through at Gopin Counseling & Coaching.
Ready to find your way back to each other? Schedule your free consultation or call 678-977-0515.