Hajja Salesjana

Marlene Cauchi D.CounsPsy What happens to our relationship when kids grow up? Recently, I was asked to give a workshop to a group of couples who had been married for over 15 years. These couples were at a very particular stage in their lives – one phase in their marital relationship was ending or approaching its end, whilst another one was about to begin. I am referring to the stage where our children do not depend on us so much anymore, and we are faced with the prospect of them becoming increasingly autonomous and eventually leaving home. This particular group of couples wanted to reflect on the changes that occur in the marital relationship during this time, and anything that could support them at such a critical period. The context Having kids is a complete game-changer in a couple’s life. We tend to juggle our friendships, career, dreams, and everything else, around our kids. Even the relationship with one’s spouse or significant other changes. We are well aware that there is a human being on this earth who cannot survive without us, and we would do everything and anything to ensure their health and happiness. When kids grow older, though, they need parents less for sheer survival but more to guide them through life, root them on, and help them become independent beings. Eventually, they will leave our home and head out into the world on their own. Photo by Joe Hepburn - www.unsplash.com 23 Jannar-Marzu 2022 hajja