Parenting during the early years can feel like a storm of exhaustion and love, where days blur together, and somehow the coffee never seems strong enough. Sound familiar? If it does, you're not alone.
As part of the Care for Kids x The Parenthood Podcast series, we’re thrilled to bring you insight from Leonie Akhidenor, the warm and wise voice behind The Parenthood Podcast. Leonie offers a refreshingly candid lens on the joys and challenges of raising a family, and in this second part of our content series, we're talking about something many parents wrestle with silently: how to prioritise your relationship when kids demand all of your time and energy. Spoiler alert - you’re not the only ones who’ve felt like co-parenting roommates instead of partners in love.
But here’s the silver lining. This demanding stage of life? It’s just that: a stage. There are small, intentional steps you can take to nurture your relationship; even in the midst of chaos. Leonie is here to get real about the struggles and share practical, doable tips that don’t ask for more than you’ve got right now.
1. Small Acts, Big Impact
Love doesn’t always need a grand stage. Sometimes it looks like a quick kiss goodbye, a tender kitchen hug while dinner simmers, or a sticky note stuck to your partner’s laptop that says, “I appreciate you.” These small, consistent acts of affection can shift your dynamic in powerful ways.
Reignite those “I see you” moments by folding intimacy into the everyday. A kiss hello might feel tiny, but it’s a step away from the grind of the day and toward reconnecting with each other.
2. Practice Gratitude Out Loud
Parenting's mental load is heavy, and it’s easy for gratitude to slip below the surface. But voicing “thank you” in the middle of the daily grind is like giving your partner a high-five for being in this with you.
Maybe it’s as simple as, “Thanks for taking over bedtime tonight—I needed that.” Or, “I see how hard you’re working, and I’m so grateful.” Turning these small moments into verbal appreciation can remind both of you that your efforts don’t go unnoticed. A little acknowledgment goes a long way.
3. Date Night, Minus the Fuss
Before kids, date nights might’ve meant dinner reservations, candlelight, and uninterrupted conversation. Now, carving out time together often requires creativity. And that’s okay.
Can’t swing a fancy night out? No biggie. Find simple moments. How about sharing a coffee after the childcare drop-off or enjoying takeout on the couch after the kids are asleep? The setting doesn’t matter; it’s the priority you give each other that counts.
4. Give Yourself (and Each Other) the Gift of Grace
It’s easy to feel your relationship slipping when life enters survival mode. But give yourself some slack and know this is a phase of life, one filled with joy and exhaustion in equal parts.
The goal isn’t to get everything right. It’s to stay connected in the small ways that matter most. Celebrate the tiny victories, like folding laundry together while cracking a joke or simply enjoying a quiet moment before the day spirals into action.
5. Keep the Why Front and Centre
When it feels stressful, remember the foundation you’re building together. Your relationship is the heartbeat of your family, the anchor in the storm of early parenting. Reflect on why you fell in love in the first place and carry those reasons with you, even when they’re buried under a pile of nappies or overdue bills.
A Little Love Goes a Long Way
Leonie reminds us that parenting, no matter how joyful or stressful, is ultimately a phase. This season may stretch you as individuals and as a couple, but within the messiness lies an opportunity to reconnect.
Love is found in the smallest moments. It’s the thank-you smiles, the stolen hugs, and the shared laughter over the absurdity of raising kids. You’ve got this. And when it feels like “having it together” is too overwhelming, know that building connection day by day will always set you on the right path.
If you’re looking for more relatable, practical parenting advice make sure you follow us on Instagram to watch all Leonie’s Q&A videos.
