Being a parent and sex

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Parenting, Relationships, and Sexuality: The Ultimate Balancing Act

Ah, parenting! That sweet mix of unconditional love, permanent dark circles under your eyes, and existential crises over a puree stain that looks suspiciously alive. Add to that the need to maintain a relationship and keep your sex life afloat, and you’ve got the ultimate circus act: juggling parental responsibilities without dropping the passion (or the baby).

Before: Steamy Sex, After: “Honey, Did You Remember the Diapers?”

Remember those days when your evenings ended in fireworks under the sheets? Now, the only fire you’re lighting is the microwave to warm up a bottle. Spontaneity has been replaced by logistics:

Before: “Want to go on a romantic weekend getaway?”
After: “Want to take a nap while the baby sleeps?”

And if you still have any energy left after 12 hours of intense parenting, there’s one final obstacle: your child’s radar-like hearing. You thought you were being discreet? Nope. That little one has developed a sixth sense for perfectly interrupting intimate moments with surgical precision.

Emotional Balance: The Secret Weapon

If you’re waiting for Cupid to fix things spontaneously, he’s probably buried under a pile of plastic toys. The key to keeping desire alive is managing emotions around unmet needs. Having honest conversations about your desires, needs, and frustrations—while acting as partners rather than opponents—is essential.


This might require some… adjustments:

Him: “How about trying that sexy thing I saw online?”
Her: “If it takes less than 10 minutes and doesn’t make noise, sure.”

Couple Time… Not Just Parent Meetings Over Dinner

Romance, after kids, is about appreciating the little victories:

  • A quick physical connection in the hallway
  • A flirty glance that shows your partner you still desire them
  • A dance for your partner after a shower—true love in action

Instead of waiting for the perfect night (which will never come), embrace the small moments: a knowing smile, a hug in the hallway, or a shared laugh while changing a nuclear diaper. That’s the new romance.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos and Adapt

The truth is, parenting transforms your relationship and sex life, but it doesn’t have to ruin them. The key is adjusting expectations, accepting that perfection doesn’t exist, and laughing at the unexpected (because there will be plenty of that). What matters most is keeping your connection alive… even if that means scheduling a steamy night between pediatrician appointments.

And if it all feels too complicated, remember: grandparents exist for a reason!

 

sexologue psychothérapeute Montréal

Clinique Sexologues psychothérapeutes Montréal


Frank Renaud M.A.
Sexologist et psychotherapist