While all of us acknowledge that parenting is one of the most important roles that people play in society few of us until we experience it ourselves realise the enormous strain becoming parents places on a marriage or relationship.  Parenting issues are one of the most common things that couples argue about and one of the top five issues couples bring to counselling.

Right at the time when couples need to be as supportive and understanding to each other as possible many parents are often tired and stressed and incapable of supporting each other through this stressful time. Unsurprising research again and again shows that the early years of parenthood are one of the most vulnerable times in a marriage and a time when a high proportion of marriages break up.

Here at relationships Ireland we recognise the enormous challenge becoming a parent places on a marriage or long-term relationship. We work with clients to help them to manage this change by focussing on their expectations so that they clearly understand what each expects of the other and we help them to negotiate their differences and disagreements in their new role as parents.