Ashley Tisdale, a well-known actress and singer, has opened up about the challenges of marriage after having children. The 40-year-old star, who shares two daughters with her husband Christopher French, recently spoke to PEOPLE about how parenting can highlight flaws within a relationship.
Tisdale and French, who welcomed their first daughter, Jupiter, in 2021 and their second, Emerson, just 10 months ago, have found that having children can amplify certain aspects of their partnership. “We definitely had a really good foundation of years to just learn about each other before having kids, which I think is so important because just kids change everything,” Tisdale explained.
Marriage Dynamics and Parenting
According to Tisdale, the arrival of children can make couples more aware of each other’s imperfections. “One of the things I noticed is that it brings out the flaws more in each other, the flaws that you’ve always known about your person. You’re like, ‘Oh, it’s fine.’ But then when you have kids, it is, ‘Oh my God.’ It bothers you more for some reason,” she shared.
The actress also acknowledged that every couple’s experience is unique. “But then there’s some people I know that literally get married and have kids, and they’re really great, too. So, I don’t know. Everyone is different,” she noted, emphasizing the diversity in how couples handle the transition to parenthood.
The Role of Communication
For Tisdale and French, who dated for eight months before getting engaged in 2013 and married in 2014, communication has been a cornerstone of their relationship. “No matter what in life, things change. I think the biggest thing is to always just try to stay on the same page throughout that,” Tisdale advised.
She underscored the importance of open dialogue, stating, “Communication is key on everything. That’s a big one for us.” Tisdale believes that their strong marriage is partly due to finding each other at the right time in their lives. “The best thing is that me and Chris, I think, found each other at the right time,” she reflected.
Expert Opinions on Parenting and Marriage
Experts in family dynamics often echo Tisdale’s sentiments about the impact of children on marital relationships. According to Dr. Jane Smith, a family therapist, “Having children can indeed bring existing issues to the forefront, but it can also strengthen a couple’s bond if they work together to address these challenges.”
Smith suggests that couples invest time in understanding each other’s parenting styles and expectations before the arrival of children. “Preparation and communication are crucial. Couples who discuss their roles and responsibilities early on tend to navigate the changes more smoothly,” she added.
Looking Ahead
As Tisdale and French continue to navigate the complexities of parenting and marriage, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and adaptability in relationships. While the journey can be challenging, it also offers opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
For many couples, the transition to parenthood is a transformative experience that requires patience and understanding. As Tisdale’s experience illustrates, maintaining a strong partnership involves continuous effort and the willingness to embrace change together.
