Becoming parents: impacts on your relationship

If you come from a background where women are expected to be entirely responsible for caring for children, you may find the idea of ‘sharing parenting’ challenging. Gender roles may differ greatly from what you’ve been used to. Make an effort to make changes that will support your partner such as learning to do a few chores at home, learning to cook a few dishes and looking after your child and sharing responsibilities.

Discuss the role you each want to have, common goals and how you plan to achieve them. This may include planning how you will pass on traditions, morals, language and values from your background. Clarify what these are for both of you, as a couple.