Peter Andre's Marriage Revelation and Date Night Commitment
Peter Andre has candidly discussed a significant realisation within his marriage and the practical steps he and his wife Emily are taking to nurture their relationship. The singer, who found fame in the 1990s with hits like Mysterious Girl, has opened up about the importance of prioritising their partnership alongside their demanding roles as parents.
The Importance of Prioritising Marriage
In his recent column for new! magazine, Andre reflected on how reading about former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse's approach to marriage influenced his own thinking. Mabuse had spoken about listing goals for both marriage and parenting, ultimately deciding to prioritise the marital relationship. This resonated deeply with Andre, prompting him to examine his own situation.
"Emily and I have always focused on the children, of course," Andre wrote, "but we also realised in the last few months that we needed to start looking at date nights again. I think it's really, really important."
Practical Steps to Maintain Connection
The couple, who married in 2015 and share three children together - Millie, 12, Theo, nine, and 22-month-old Belle - have implemented a structured approach to ensure they maintain quality time as a couple. Andre also has two older children, Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, from his previous marriage to Katie Price.
"We make sure that the youngest are in bed at a certain time so we can be alone," Andre explained. "Then we book in a day or a night, once a month. It's not always easy with so many children but it's just as important as parents to have that time to themselves."
Navigating Modern Fatherhood
Andre also addressed how his approach to parenting has evolved, particularly in relation to his daughters. He revealed that Emily recently described him as "such a girl dad" while promoting her new book Periods, a compliment that reflects his growing comfort with topics that once made him uneasy.
"I come from a generation where our parents were really strict and certain things weren't talked about," Andre admitted. "When I had kids, I was a bit like that because that's what I'd been taught but actually, I wanted to be more understanding. Emily has helped me to understand. It's definitely a good thing because now, Millie and Princess can talk to me about anything."
Emily's Perspective on Blended Family Dynamics
Emily Andre, a GP by profession, has also shared insights about her experience as a stepmother to Peter's older children. Speaking to The Mirror, she discussed the delicate balance required when parenting teenagers within their blended family.
"I think parenting teenagers is a challenge," Emily said. "It's striking that balance between wanting to be approachable and kind of a friend to them, where they feel they can share things. That's really important. But at the same time, you still have to be their parent. You have to put boundaries in place - there has to be structure."
The couple's openness about their marital dynamics and parenting approach offers a relatable glimpse into how busy families can work to maintain strong relationships amidst the demands of modern life.
