Finding time to nurture your relationship amidst the chaos of raising children and managing a FIFO lifestyle can feel like an uphill battle. As a mum of three and a seasoned FIFO partner, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing family life with maintaining a strong connection with your partner. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, leaving little room for quality time together.
My husband and I quickly learned the importance of prioritizing our relationship and taking intentional steps to keep the spark alive during his time at home. Without a conscious effort to carve out ‘us’ time, we found ourselves drifting apart, longing for a deeper connection that seemed elusive.
Many couples fall into the trap of prioritizing their children or other obligations over their relationship, only to realize too late that they’ve grown apart. By neglecting to nurture their bond, they risk reaching a point where there’s nothing left to salvage.
Making your relationship a top priority is essential for its longevity and vitality. Just like a plant needs water to thrive, your relationship requires regular nourishment to flourish. By investing time and energy into your partnership, you can strengthen your connection and weather the challenges of FIFO life together.
But how do you find the time to reconnect amidst the chaos of family life and FIFO schedules?
1. Date Night: Schedule at least one date night during each R&R. Date nights don’t have to be extravagant or involve a babysitter. Get creative with at-home date ideas like movie nights, game nights, or romantic stargazing sessions. Even simple gestures like holding hands or sharing a bubble bath can reignite the spark.
2. Bedtime Routines: Establishing consistent bedtime routines for your children not only promotes their well-being but also creates opportunities for couple time. Involve your FIFO partner in the bedtime routine, even while they’re away, by video calling them to read a bedtime story. This shared experience reinforces your bond as a couple and as parents.
3. Teach Your Children: Educate your children about the importance of mum and dad spending time together. By fostering an understanding of the value of couple time, you instil a sense of security and stability in your children, reducing the likelihood of them acting out due to feelings of insecurity.
4. Make Your Relationship No. 1: Embrace the FIFO lifestyle as a team and prioritize your relationship above all else. Create a Love Action Plan to schedule dedicated time for each other and hold yourselves accountable to it. Communication is key, so brainstorm ideas with your partner and be open to exploring what works best for your relationship.
If you’re struggling to navigate the challenges of FIFO life and maintain a thriving relationship, know that support is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me for guidance and assistance. Together, we can keep the spark alive and ensure that your relationship remains strong and resilient, no matter the distance.
Sending love and light
Pamela x
Founder of FIFO Love