How to get her in bed (after marriage and kids)

Many couples report wanting a better sex life. With children, careers, lack of sleep, endless household duties, financial pressures, and all of the other energy drainers that come with modern family life, sexual desire can begin to fade away. This is normal. But normal does not necessarily mean acceptable.

Problems arise when one wants it more or the other wants it less. And if you become complacent, your sex life is unlikely to change.

No more keeping score

Outside of role play, feeling pressured or obligated to have sex is almost always an immediate turn-off.

Whether you support her while she stays home to care for the baby or you dolled yourself up and expect him to rock your world because you look so good, tit for tat when it comes to sex isn't so sexy.

Instead of expecting sex in return for "good behavior" shift your focus towards wanting to strengthen the connection you have with your partner. The actions below are great ways to bond at an emotional level, and by doing this, you are highly likely to spice up your sex life too.

Get real about what you really want 

It's not just about the sex. If you do not have sex that often, the underlying needs (for connection, affection, and touch) are probably screaming to be tended to. Sex is just one of the ways we get these needs met.

Building security allows you to take risks

The excitement and passion that comes with new love ensure the survival of our species. When falling in love, our brain pumps out high amounts of the bonding brain chemical oxytocin for around 1 - 2 years and the reward center brain chemical dopamine This is long enough to conceive and birth a baby. Once the brain chemicals dip back to baseline, some couples report missing the exhilaration they experienced when they were first together.

One way to get some of the excitement back around is to take risks and create novelty together. I am not suggesting that you take sexual risks outside your marriage. If you use your imagination, I am sure you can think of some fun things to do with your partner!

But here is the kicker, the willingness to take healthy risks will only come after comfort and security are developed. So if you have not been close for some time, focus first on developing an emotional connection. 

Be vulnerable

Share some of your frustrations and fears with her. Allow him to be there for you. See if your partner can be the one person in the world that you open yourself up to in mind, body, and spirit. 

Listen

Hold the space for your partner to talk about feelings and listen deeply to what she or he has to say. Most of the time your partner does not want fixing or problem-solving. Your partner wants to know that his or her feelings are important to you, that you care about what she or he is going through, and that you are there  - no matter what.

Flirt like you did when you first met

Give hugs and kisses when you walk in the door after work, dance, gently pat booties, compliment, laugh, look into eyes and smile, and send naughty or playful texts when apart. Give the best kind of attention you can and enjoy every moment of it.

Make some moves

Throw in some moves here and there. Not all the time and not too much. Just enough to be playful and create excitement.

When she walks past you in the hallway, on her way to put the kids to sleep, push her up against the wall, move in close, and tell her how great she looks tonight. Even if she is in pajamas, no makeup, and has baby food on her face! Pull away with a smile and a look that lets her know how beautiful she is.

Or, when he is in the shower, quietly slip in. A bit of playful push and pull mimics the intensity you felt when you first started dating.

Massage without expecting something in return

Quick shoulder rubs are fantastic. Or put the kids to sleep, light a candle,  and give her a full body massage. Do this with the genuine intention of wanting her to feel good and relax. No talking and no sex! Let your partner feel peaceful. 

Help each other more 

If your partner is telling you she or he is too tired to have sex, believe it!

With work and babies and all the day-to-day obligations of family, you are both exhausted.  Sit down and figure out ways to help each other more with kids, housework, errands, family, or work.

Or, get your family more support through babysitters, grandparents, teenagers, and mothers helpers. Remember all of these actions are attempts to strengthen your bond and relationship. 

Talk and if all else fails, get support

If you have never talked openly with your partner about your feelings around sex, now is a good time to start. It is very important while talking to avoid blame, judgment. Talking may be enough to turn things around. Sometimes these conversations go better with the support of a neutral unbiased therapist so consider receiving support if needed.