Looking after your relationship during coronavirus

One or both of you may be working from home just now. Take a look at your working hours and see how to make them work for you. With kids at home you’ll likely not be able to work at the same time. Speak to your employers and see if they can be flexible during this period. Make sure you both have a clear idea about when one person is working, when the other is looking after the kids, and when you’re all together.

Couples don’t normally spend this much time with each other. This is tricky for anyone. You or your partner may be used to a certain amount of your own time - whether at work or at home when the kids are at school. Accept that this is as difficult for them as it is for you, and try to see things from their point of view.

Try and put any big arguments or disputes you have on hold until this is over. Focus on the things you can improve together and call a truce on any issues you may have been arguing about recently.

It’s hard being in the house for this length of time but if you both can, try and find a little space for yourself each day. You might want to take some time to go out and relax or do some exercise alone or with a friend (for information on the latest guidance around meeting up with other households visit our section on restriction changes). Even letting them have space to cook tea or soak in the bath could help. Ask them to do the same for you. Doing certain things on your own will also help give you things to talk about together. 

It could be a chat before the kids are up, or a cuddle on the sofa when they’re in bed. Try and make time that’s just between the two of you.

One of you may be more worried about the news than the other. Accept that you’re different people and your responses to what’s going on will be different. They're probably not feeling great either and it can be really helpful to understand where the other one is coming from.

This is a strange and difficult time for everyone. But you may not have this much time together again. Try to see the positives and have as much fun together as you can. Who knows you may even look back on this period in your lives with fond memories.