Login Form
Follow us
News from thinkmarriage.org
Now available : Online Marriage Prep Class Online pre-marital course with video lessons for self paced learning. Learn more about the Marriage Prep Class |
Home 
My Relationship Parenting
My Relationship Parenting
| Parenting |
 |
 |
 |
|
There's no doubt about it...parenting affects your marriage! We'll continue to grow this area so check back often!
Parenting websites to check out. *
*(thinkmarriage offers these websites as a resource but does not endorse or discredit the thoughts of the authors. Some websites may contain religious content) Marriage Tips for New Parents The best way to deal with a temperamental baby? The answer lies in a strong marriage! Read the full article. New Baby: Small Miracle, Big Change
Becoming a parent is among the most special of life events-and often among the most stressful. A baby's arrival changes everything. "Parents must adapt to the 24/7 care of a new, vulnerable infant - an enormous task," says psychologist John Gottman. "Not surprisingly, 40% to 70% of couples experience stress, profound conflict and drops in marital satisfaction during this time, all of which affect their baby's care."
Baby Coming? Plan Now.
If you and your spouse are expecting, it's time to get ready for change. Be realistic about the demands you'll face. For the first few days, Mom will need special care as her body recovers from an event akin to major surgery. For the first few months, the baby will need care around the clock.
Talk about how having a family will affect your relationship. Agree on your upcoming responsibilities. Who will get up with the baby at night? How will you divide daytime care if one of you works? If both of you work? To guide your discussion, read "Dividing the Duties."
Baby Here? Put Marriage First
If your new baby has already arrived, follow these tips:
Extra TLC means a lot right now. For example, even if your wife is nursing, consider getting out of bed to bring the baby to her in the middle of the night-especially when the baby is waking every few hours. Remember that your wife's hormones are fluctuating; she may feel sad, irritable or fearful. Try not to take it personally, and make sure she gets time alone. Encourage her to take a relaxing bath, go shopping or visit friends. You'll invest in your marriage and also begin creating a unique bond with your child.
Make time for your husband. He may feel left out and even jealous because the baby needs so much attention. Or he may feel discouraged by the added financial responsibility, household chores, and your own emotional ups and downs. Let him know he's a wonderful father and husband. Respect the way he cares for the baby; it's bound to be different than your way, but unless it could actually be harmful, let it pass. Lopsided diaper tape won't hurt your baby, but criticism about it may hurt your husband.
It's tempting to make your baby the center of your world. The few times he or she doesn't demand all your attention, you'll be focused on getting a shower, taking a nap, or fitting in chores. Making time for just you and your spouse may not seem important with everything else you have to do, but this is when putting the marriage first must begin. Take the time to be alone as a couple. Remember, the biggest thing your baby needs in life is for the two of you to have a healthy, loving relationship. Studies show that keeping your marriage strong is the best way to ensure your child is emotionally and physically healthy, does well in school, avoids drugs, alcohol and teen pregnancy, and can have a happy marriage as an adult. Consider strengthening your marriage by taking one of our classes.
Tell all your friends about thinkmarriage.org          |
| Last Updated on Thursday, 11 March 2010 21:40 |