Is this normal?

[RockChick1984]

Hi, I'm just trying to figure out if what me and dh are going through is normal or if I need to be worrying about our relationship. Our ds is now nearly 8 months old (unplanned but very much loved!) but since he was born we seem to be arguing all the time. It's never over anything serious, either just daft niggly things that turn into a row, or where 1 of us says something and the other takes it out of context. Again, a row will ensue.

I've been convincing myself it's just that we are both so tired all the time now (ds still not sleeping through) and still trying to accept our new roles as parents eg not being able to go out every weekend. I just feel like it should have improved by now, and I'm starting to really worry.

I have spoken to dh about this and he feels exactly the same. We are still very much in love, neither of us has considered leaving or anything like that, yet we can't seem to stop these arguments.

Is this normal? And does anyone have any advice about how we can try to stop this?

Thankyou

Sounds like you both need a break from normality. If you're both exhausted, then yes, you will be snappy. Any chance of you getting a night away with someone babysitting for you?

One other thing - when you find yourself snapping, take a deep breath, apologise and then speak in your normal voice. If both of you manage to make the effort to do the above, it becomes easier.

It really is ever so normal for the first year or so after having a baby, yes. Madlizzy's advice is good.

Thankyou both, we had a big chat when dh got home from work, and have said we r going to try and have a weekly 'date night' once our ds is asleep, and try to get someone to babysit once a month so we can have a night to ourselves. We have also discussed trying to speak nicer to each other as you suggested madlizzy and we agreed this is something we can both commit to.

Good. Keep us updated. x