For those who are married to a working professional and have young children, what do you do to keep your marriage strong? (Cont below)

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Monthly date nights are really important. In addition, if possible going to bed together really helps.

Getting family involved if possible to step away and watch the kids is really good method too.

like

100% agree that a monthly date night is absolutely essential. My wife and I are both lawyers with two children under the age of three. Having a monthly date night gives you an escape to look forward to and going on the date makes you feel like you’re on vacation even though it might just be a few hours. It is unbelievable what those few hours can do in terms of marriage mental health.

Ugh I hear you- the fact that you’re even aware of this is a really great sign that you’re already paying attention to the relationship (many forget the spouse once the kids come along)!

For my husband and I we always have like 20 mins together in bed before sleep to watch something short and silly together that keeps us happy- John Oliver, Parks &rec, the office, the wing challenge, whatever we try to have that time just right before we both pass out together.

When I was in a firm we also always made a point of having Sunday breakfast or brunch together- with the kid usually but almost always out because it made it special, our baby was better behaved and it was just a nice thing before I went in to work. This worked for us- might not work for you! We also sometimes did runs or hikes together on Sunday mornings to just be together before I had to go to work.

Now that I’m in-house, we rented a cheap ($3k for the entire season) ski condo without internet for the winter and we’ve told friends and family that if they want to see us, that’s where we’ll be on the weekends. It’s been amazing because it weeds out the pointless visits with people who are more just “checkboxes” on your list- and it gives us this cozy family time away and together every single weekend. I know this is unique to in- house, but I highly recommend it if you can swing it.

Good luck- It’s tough but clearly you’re already paying attention to the important stuff!

like

We have date night with a babysitter at least once a week, family dinner every night and use the cozi app for a shared calendar

like

It often feels like my partner and I are either ships passing in the night or existing in the chaos that is parenting small children. Often one or both of us has to log back online after putting the kids to bed. I am worried we are drifting apart and that are marriage can’t handle many more years of this.
Help?!

like

*our marriage (facepalm).

I did not. I tried to be everything in a good husband and dad and putting in max hours here only to be met with resentment of how she’s carrying the load and I’m not contributing enough. That got old and I’m done. Recently separated and love seeing my kids as much as possible, but living without constant judgment as a disappointment while I’m trying my best to be successful has been great and I think it’s helping me think more clearly and be more effective at work. I’d say an understanding spouse who supports you without resentment is key.

upliftinghelpful

Date night at least once a month. Family dinners every night even if it's breakfast for dinner and we wolf down in 10 minutes. We try to give each other one kid free night so we have mental well being.

Divorcing

Related Posts

Any recommendations for books for desi parents ? Politics , economics, world order , self help

My sister might divorce with her husband, they have a baby of 1.5 year. We came from a divorce family and honestly never thought it would happen again - I feel powerless and I don’t know what to do. I feel bad for my sister but I am also mad at her (the fault is always in the middle) because they are not trying to fix it. I am also scared for the baby, I perfectly know what it means to grow up in a divorce family and as much as parents are present is not the same.

like

Looking to move to San Antonio and we're looking at places in Alta Vista and El Dorado. Pros and cons? We have two kids under five, so looking for a nice family community with good schools.

like

Hi all. Hoping this bowl provides a way for single-parents to support each other emotionally. For me my job is super demanding not only hourly but mentally and I don’t get enough sleep, can’t cook for myself, can’t exercise, etc. I know you get it. My kid (I have just 1) is amazing and she gives me so much but she also takes a lot of energy. I know you get it. Welcome to the bowl.

Post Photo
like

When did you know your firm wasn't right for you? I'm not sure if it's just the stress of being a new attorney with a family or if my job isn't the right fit. I work in civil litigation and am consistently below my billables. I can't stay late because my kids need me and I can't work on the weekends because I have to maintain my house and take care of my kids. I'm being constantly told to work harder, stay later, etc but it's not practical. Or am I not approaching this with the right mindset?

like

This is the only bowl I can think to post in, but I'm really feeling it today. Has anyone lost their best friend (i.e. through time/growing up) and feel like none of their current friends could live up to the fun/connection you used to have with your high school BFF? I feel like I put too much focus on that one friend and also my boyfriend and just never actually made time for anyone else. I fucked myself over.

like

Understanding what your team, clients, family, or friends expect from you is important to build and keep a healthy relationship.

Post Photo

Where’s the best place to live if you’re looking to secure an entry-level position working in PE? Don't have a family, really kind of willing to try anywhere at this point.

like

Been having trouble moving on since girlfriend ended relationship 3 weeks ago after 2+ years of dating. Before ending it she came over 3 weeks prior to basically give me a chance to work things out and we had a good discussion but then I went back into our routine and didn’t really fight for it or have serious follow up convos that we needed. Now I just have so many regrets that I let her go. I know we still love each other and left on “good” terms but can’t forgive myself for my lack of action.

like

How to overcome a breakup. I'm heartbroken 😭

like

How common are prenups in UK among middle-class? I'm thinking of asking my SO for one but I worry it would be viewed by anyone else as a one foot-out-the-door kinda situation. I'm just trying to be safe with little I have, seeing my friends' marriages.

How do I deal with minimal support from our principal when it comes to dealing with parents?

like

I just had to send my husband away in an ambulance. I’m not allowed to go with him or even go to the hospital. I don’t know what to do. I can’t even be there for my husband.

like

This is our first holiday season in the Nashville area, any suggestions on family activities/light displays we should check out? Our kids our 8, 5, and 3.

like

I hate going home for Thanksgiving because I always feel like I haven't succeeded enough yet and my family has seen me fail a lot

like

My bf has asked me to help him quit the ecigs and told me he’ll probably hide them from me but he wants me to take them. So I have for the past week. He really only keeps them in his pocket, 1 drawer

My mom’s friend was supposed to come to my wedding in a week and just cancelled. I’ve never met her but my mom insisted she be invited. This person already sent us a check which we deposited already; we already sent a thank you card. This person left me a VM saying they were sorry they couldn’t come; they have leukemia and their Dr. didn’t approve. Do I need to call them back? I would like to avoid an awkward phone call about personal matterwith a stranger but also don’t want to be insensitive.

like

Am I crazy or do women take pride in saying “my boyfriend/husband makes twice as much as me” or similar statements

A guy who is claiming to be in love with me (a black woman and immigrant), is a conservative (pro-trump, anti-gun laws, denies that there is racism etc). Are those red flags to make me cut him off?

like

3 months post breakup… I seemed to be healing well and all the sudden this week I took a huge step back and feel heartbroken all over again. For context I was in a 4 year relationship including 1 year engaged and had to call my wedding off due to his infidelity. How can I shake this? 😔

like

More Posts

I am offering one month rent free to sublet my one bed apartment in Battery Park City from April - September. The net effective rent is $2,675 per month.
It's a large space in a luxury apartment building with full suite of amenities, located right on the waterfront and close to many subway stations.
Message me if you're interested.

like

Best restaurant in Manhattan for parents to meet boyfriend? Mainly looking for somewhere quiet and spacious (so we aren’t sitting on top of the people next to us). Can be a nice place, just nothing crazy $$$$

Does anyone have a great cleaning person they can recommend? Located in chelsea

Why my proceed button is disabled in Wipro embark platform for laptop collection mode? My joining date is on 14 Feb tomorrow and my onboarding is not completed yet. The status is showing on embark as onboarding has started. Please reply.

Post Photo
like

Is it a viable option to make a move from big4 audit to big4 corporate finance division?

like

Anyone use Freedom Boat Club or another boat membership in Chicago? How much is it and any pros/cons?

like

Have a really good relationship with current company, but got an amazing offer and very likely gonna leave (signed the offer, waiting for all the background checks to come back). How do you tell your boss you are leaving the company (if boss is not a dick lol) and not ruin relationship?

like

For marketing profs working in finance, is it easy to convert from one area in finance to another, even if different niches (i.e. does having a background in banking allow easier transition to fintech, or DeFi?)

like

Curious, for scotch, are you all traditionalists, rock(s), or neat?

like

I am a sixth-year associate overseeing a second year. They are an exceptionally good associate. I am honestly shocked at the work product I receive and the way they go above and beyond. The issue I have is that they sometimes take awhile to turn things around. For example, I ask for a draft response to the client, and they take three-four days. I know they’re busy, but I would like to address this in a positive way. Any suggestions?

like

HIRING!!! QA automation and Manual both, experience 2+ Please mail your CV on arshad20502@gmail.com Please note I'm not hiring person, in my organization there are openings hence sharing with the community

like

Any associates or seniors wanna watch the Astros game somewhere?

like

Looking for medical billing and coding internship or externship! Any suggestions

like

Hi! Looking to get into Public Policy. Any advice or referrals? I am currently a social worker but will be graduating with a Masters in Public Administration in a few weeks.

like

What cloud data platform should I learn to be successful in pharma consulting? AWS vs GCP vs Azure.

Not sure this is the right bowl for this really but anyway - does anybody have an idea of what Cerner does? I have an offer to join as Healthcare IT consultant but I BSed my way through every stage. I still actually have no idea what it is they do…

like

Hi fishes. I am having 4 years of experience in Rpa UiPath. Coforge is paying me 21 lpa and 1.05 lpa variable and Ey GDS is paying 17 lpa fixed. Which one is better?

wonder where all the Deloitte new members went today 🤡

likefunny

Looking for recommendations on Azure learning and certifications, specifically learning tracks for Systems Administrators and Engineers. I'm specifically looking for the MS equivalent of a VMware VCP course/certs.

If you have a learning course or books you'd recommend I'd appreciate your feedback. 🙂

McKinsey & Company Does the firm care if in the current remote model you work for a McKinsey & Company US office but live physically outside of US for a couple of months? I know people move across states these days but what about outside of US to Canada or Mexico?

like

Additional Posts in Working Parents in Law

NDAs for Nannies? I was wondering how everyone who is doing some work from home during covid handles in-house caregivers? Obviously we all take all steps to protect confidential information and realistically a caregiver isn't going to be exposed to anything we do, but does anyone require an NDA just to be on the safe side? (I dont have an in home caregiver yet, but just thinking about it.)

like

Biglaw parents, where do you choose to live and why? Somewhere close to work to avoid commute and spend more time with kids? Suburbs?

like

Fourth-year associate. I will soon be commuting to Midtown Manhattan to a firm that pays market. From a financial perspective, am I completely nuts to be driving in and parking? Between tolls and parking, it’s going to be close to $10K a year as opposed to the bus/train being between $2500-$3000 a year. Thing is, bus/rail is pretty reliable in the morning (in terms of availability of options), but if I’m working late service gets dodgy and I like the freedom of having my own vehicle (cont.)

like

How do you deal with the stress of knowing that other people on your team are working weekends and you aren’t? I’m a mom with two kids so working in weekends is tough for me. Cont. in comments:

like

(Especially those of you with young children) how do you make time to exercise/be active?

like

My wife often calls me by 5:45/6 to ask where I am if I’m not headed home yet. Sometimes she’s stressed with kids/dogs/dinner and really wants me home. This really throws off my concentration because it makes me feel rushed. Like many practices sometimes I’m out at 5:30, other times it’s much later. Just depends and is unpredictable. Any advice on how to approach this?

like

My marriage is struggling and we have to pack up the kids and fake it till we make it with my in laws for most of their Christmas break. I don't want a divorce but things are not good, and it's hard to pretend they are even in front of the kids. Looking for advice I guess, or just a kind word. Really don't want the in-laws finding out and trying to put their two cents in, and neither does she.

like

Do you pay out of pocket on insurance premiums at your firm? My wife may leave her job to stay home and we’re on her insurance. My firm told me we’re $750/pay period or $18k/yr. that sounds absurd.

likehelpful

How are people managing WFH with their kids? We have a 2 year old and 5 year old and my partner is also wfh. Small condo, no nanny. It’s freaking insane and my husband and I are fighting every day....

like

Some people mentioned au pairs... tell me more! Why did you like/not like it, if you did the au pair thing?

like

Today is my first day back at work (and first full day back in my physical office) after a few weeks off for parental leave. Needless to say, I am struggling to stay focused on anything other than wanting to go back home to my spouse and child.

I know I shouldn't take an emotional temperature on day one, but it has been more difficult being back than I anticipated. Any tips for navigating the waters for the first day/week/month back?

like

Brand new (like, just-had-a-kid new) mom here. Life seems manageable with the baby sleeping much of the time. It gets worse from here doesn’t it? I’m scared 😱😱😱

like

How many married professionals with young families are just sticking it out “for the kids”? Marriage is very dead and has been for a while. Young kids 4 and 1. My wife and I don’t fight, but share 0 interests outside of the kids and can’t stand to be around each other. I’m so ready to leave… I just can’t bear the thought of doing it to my children even though another part of me feels like wife and I would both be better parents if our lives were separate. Anyone else done a similar analysis?

like

Dyslexia! After having our kindergartener son tested (privately) related to ADHD, we were told he may have dyslexia too (which would explain why he struggles so much with phonics but is amazing at sight words). He has a very high IQ. As a voracious reader, I am finding myself unexpectedly distraught that something that I have loved so much will be such a struggle for him, and worrying that it will affect his motivation and may steer him away from things he may otherwise love.
Tips/Commiseration?

like

For parents with school-age kiddos (kindergarten up), what do you do for childcare? Thinking about giving up our nanny, but worried about juggling days off, sick days, and summer break.

like

What are we supposed to do with our kids during Winter break when school is closed for TWO WEEKS and we need to hit our billables?

like

If you could go back and start over would you still choose this path? Or would you choose a different career and/or a different time to have children? I accidentally became a working parent in law so while I love my job and my children I don't think I would have planned it quite like this.

like

Going back to work next month. Have a full time nanny but feel like even that isnt enough. I work all sorts of timezones. Europe has my morning, Asia has my evening. Nanny 9-5? 7-3? 10-6? No clue what will work best and don’t want to be inconsistent with her. Any advice on the return?

likehelpful

My two young toddlers are home from daycare for the next 1.5 weeks for the holidays, and I have off work to watch them. It’s only been 2 days, and I’m so exhausted that I’m counting down the days until I go back to work and they are in daycare. Does anyone have any tips for enjoying this time? I love my kids so much, but how do SAHMs do this every day? I’m so drained already, and I have no patience left…

like

My wife and I are both terrible housekeepers and our clutter is overwhelming us. We have two kids under 3 and a wonderful nanny but we need more help at home. How do we throw money at this problem? Where do we start to get ongoing professional help decluttering, organizing, cleaning, etc.? What has worked for you?

likehelpful

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal