Sep 30 2008
My wife is depressed and ignoring the kids, what can I do?
There are actually a few different things you can try when coping with a depressed wife who is ignoring the kids.
The first thing you should try is to calmly talk to her, try to get her to talk about her feelings and maybe try and find solutions to help her feel better. Also let her know what you and the children expect out of her. Try to figure out why she is no longer interested in the children is an important step in trying to resolve the issue.
If your wife is ignoring the children because she is overwhelmed with their needs try to find a way to relieve her of some of them. Sometimes husbands don’t realize how crazy and hectic caring for children can be, especially younger ones. Don’t just offer to help out more, do it and let her see you doing it.
If your wife has been totally out of it for days and is no longer doing anything but laying in bed all day maybe you can encourage her to resume at least a few activities, start slow then gradually add more. Be supportive and calm not angry and demanding.
Try having the kids do something really nice for her, have the kids tell her they love her and show her she is more than just their maid and caregiver.
Making your wife feels loved, important and needed are critical in a relationship so make sure when she does good things you acknowledge her in a positive way, and compliment her on things she does well.
