Have YOU got new parent syndrome? Find out if having a child has got greater effects on your relationship!!!

According to a new study, after starting a family, parents kiss their partner less, go on fewer nights out and have less romance. So have you got new parent syndrome? Read on to find out.

Do you find yourself having less quality time with your partner, going on fewer date nights and saying 'I love you' less often? Welcome to the new parent club.

According to a new study, after starting a family, parents kiss their partner less often, go on fewer nights out with friends and have less romance in their relationship.

So have you got new parent syndrome and is it putting a strain on your relationship? Cast your eyes over these questions, tot up your score at the end and find out.

DATE NIGHTS 

LESS THAN ONE A MONTH: ONE POINT 

MORE THAN ONE A MONTH: TWO POINTS

Researchers found date nights are affected, with couples enjoying an average of two a month before children, but just one a month after starting a family.

But more than one in 10 parents admit it has been six months or more since they last went out with their partner while another one in 10 reckon it has been so long, they can't remember their last date night.

And almost half of all parents have never had a romantic weekend away without their children.

Of the nine in ten parents who say the number of date nights they go on with their partner has dropped since they had children, 57 per cent blame it on being too busy, while another 56 per cent struggle to find childcare.

The poll found quality time with your partner is among the hardest hit, dropping by more than half after children come along from almost 14 hours a week to just six.

Other reasons include not being able to afford to go out and not wanting leaving the children and 87 per cent of parents also admitted their attitudes to dating changed after their children were born with four in 10 saying it became less of a priority.

More than a quarter claim date nights only really happen for special occasions while 15 per cent appreciate the time out with their other half more than they once did.  

QUALITY TIME WITH PARTNER 

LESS THAN SIX HOURS A WEEK: ONE POINT 

MORE THAN SIX HOURS A WEEK: TWO POINTS   

The poll found quality time with your partner is among the hardest hit, dropping by more than half after children come along from almost 14 hours a week to just six.

And 91 per cent of parents admit they now consider quality time to be as a family rather than alone with their partner.

SAY 'I LOVE YOU' 

LESS THAN 40 TIMES A MONTH: ONE POINT

MORE THAN 40 TIMES A MONTH: TWO POINTS 

Couples also go from kissing each other 13 times a week to just 10 times once they have a baby in their lives

Romantic gestures drop by a quarter from once a week to just three times a month after children are born, while 'I love you' is said just 468 times a year – 52 times less than the 520 times couples without youngsters say it to each other.

KISSING  

LESS THAN TEN TIMES A WEEK: ONE POINT

MORE THAN TEN TIMES A WEEK: TWO POINTS 

Couples also go from kissing each other 13 times a week to just 10 times once they have a baby in their lives, while nights out with friends reduce by half from once a week or just twice a month.  

SEX 

LESS THAN TWICE A WEEK: ONE POINT 

MORE THAN TWICE A WEEK: TWO POINTS 

Being intimate is one area new parents still make time for, with parents having sex as often as those without children – an average of twice a week.

NIGHTS OUT WITH FRIENDS AS A COUPLE

LESS THAN ONCE A MONTH: ONE POINT

MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH: TWO POINTS  

NIGHTS OUT WITH FRIENDS, WITHOUT PARTNER

LESS THAN ONCE A MONTH: ONE POINT

MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH: TWO POINTS  

Despite the effects it may have had on their relationship, 85 per cent of parents generally feel more satisfied and happier since having children.

Liz Fraser, Modern Family Expert for Care.com, said: 'Everyone knows having children is life-changing but regardless of the changes most parents would say having their children was the best moment of their lives, and that they couldn't imagine living without them now they are here.

'Taking some time with your partner is important though, to ensure you keep the closeness of your relationship and retain that feel good factor that comes from being intimate.

'Resources such as Care.com are available to make date nights as easy as possible with access to qualified babysitters.

'Even small things like a meal out or an afternoon spent alone together really do help make a difference in the long run.'

HOW DID YOU SCORE?

Less than 10 points?  Welcome to the new parent club! 

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