On May 11th, Parenthrive hosted its 8th Horizon Club meetup, focusing on the theme "Strengthening Love and Life After Marriage." The session, held via Zoom, was led by Anjali Budawatte Jayawadana, a renowned psychological counselor, author, and journalist. This enlightening session provided valuable insights into maintaining a healthy and fulfilling marriage, especially in the context of parenthood.
Anjali Budawatte Jayawadana began the session by discussing the nuanced distinction between love and sex in marriage. She emphasized that while love and marriage are often seen as synonymous, marriage is also a legal contract with its own complexities. Understanding this distinction is crucial to avoiding conflicts that can arise when the romantic ideals of love are conflated with the practicalities of marriage.
Our Expert then delved into the topic of sex and its vital role in married life. She highlighted how parents often neglect their sexual relationship after the birth of children, which can lead to a weakening of the marital bond. Maintaining a healthy sex life, she explained, is essential for sustaining intimacy and connection between partners.
The discussion also covered various parenting styles and how clashes between these styles can lead to significant issues in raising children. Jayawadana pointed out that dysfunctional marriages, where narcissistic personalities, relationship failures, and addiction issues are present, often result in children who struggle with empathy and other social skills. She urged parents to avoid setting unrealistic expectations for their children, refrain from selfish behaviors, and not show public favoritism towards siblings. She strongly advised against mental and physical abuse, including corporal punishment and emotional abuse, as these can have long-lasting negative effects on children.
A crucial part of the session was identifying signs of poor parenting. Jayawadana explained that any unresolved issues parents have will often manifest in their children's behavior and attitudes as they grow into adults. Recognizing and addressing these signs early can help prevent the perpetuation of negative cycles.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where parents had the opportunity to ask relevant questions and seek advice on their specific concerns. This segment was particularly well-received, as it allowed participants to gain personalized insights and practical solutions to their challenges.
In summary, Parenthrive's 8th Horizon Club meetup, "Strengthening Love and Life After Marriage," provided a comprehensive overview of maintaining a healthy marriage and effective parenting. Anjali Budawatte Jayawadana's expert advice on the distinctions between love and sex, the importance of maintaining intimacy, and the impact of parenting styles on children offered participants valuable tools to enhance their family life. The session was a resounding success, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of how to nurture both their marital and parental relationships.
