Parents’ relationship
A busy job and small children: this may negatively affect the parents’ relationship. Is it a good idea to reserve 50 minutes a day for each other?
Certainly. If couple time is under pressure, for instance after the birth of a child or during a busy period at work, it is even more important to make time for each other on a regular basis. Couples that spend more time together will understand each other better, communicate better and better be able to exchange support. The nature of such time spent together is crucial, however. Talking to your partner while you are checking your work mail or Facebook will probably do more damage than good. I also think it does not hurt if, from time to time, parents leave their children with a babysitter to spend one-on-one time together. In a new study I am working on, I expect that children whose parents spend more time together as a couple may perhaps get less attention, but eventually get the better end of the stick as their parents will be happier (together).