As mothers we are biologically programmed to take care of the needs of everyone in the family. But we need to make space for taking good care of ourselves too. This starts with assuring our basic needs are met everyday.
Technology enables moms to multitask more easily but more is expected of modern parents. Even in households espousing gender equality, women tend to take on more of the childcare and household responsibilities, as well as the corresponding mental load. Dads can ease this burden by taking more initiative and following through.
Motherhood is often not what we understood or imagined it would be based upon our observations of our own mothers. While growing up, we often failed to see the behind the scenes work and effort that we now experience first hand.
Sometimes new or expectant mothers see media coverage of tragic loss in the postpartum and become concerned about “getting” postpartum depression. It’s important to talk to your providers and learn about local community resources for postpartum women.
Before you even started this process called “having a family,” you might have heard that the addition of a child brings many joys….and that it will likely also forever alter your bond with your partner. You would be in good company if you are finding that things are more strained with your partner now, than ever before.
Letting go of the family home is hard. The home that you and your ex made when you were together is a symbol of the hopes and dreams that you had for the marriage and your family life together – happily ever after, until death do us part. Grieving the loss of these hopes and dreams is a huge part of the emotional recovery following a separation or divorce.
“Living together” is not an isolated event. It is an ongoing process. Sharing living space as a couple takes effort at all stages of your relationship. It is easy to lose sight of this and assume living together will work just because it has in the past. Couples who live together in harmony regularly and openly discuss their expectations for each other as lovers and roommates.
Family law matters that include allegations of a history of domestic violence pose difficult challenges for the court system. Usually both parents are eventually awarded parenting time. For victims, getting support to heal from their experiences in the relationship and to cope with these realities of co-parenting can be a lifeline.
In Parenting Coordination trained professional mediates the conversations between co-parents who have difficulty communicating or complying with existing Agreements and Court Orders. Parenting Coordinators also serve as a resource outside the court system in the event that new conflicts and issues arise.
