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A recent study of couples found that 90% were less happy with their marriage once they became parents.
90%…THAT IS REALLY SCARY!
Here are some of the possible reasons for the lack of satisfaction in these marriages.
- Lack of sleep
- Fragmented attention
- Strained finances
- Disagreement over how to raise the children
- Any or all of the above
What can couples do to reverse this trend?
1. Spend time together…just the two of you…to keep the romance alive. It can be a walk in the park, a night out or just a quick lunch while the kids are in school.
2. Spend time alone…to remember who you are…you are not just a mom or dad or husband or wife. Go for a solitary walk, take a relaxing bubble bath when no one else is home or sign up for an adult education class that meets once a week.
3. Spend time touching each other…and I’m not talking about sexual foreplay…as enjoyable as that may be. 🙂 It is so important to reach out and express your love by holding hands, remembering to give a loving caress on head or cheek as you pass by and making eye contact…your eyes are the windows of your soul.
Paying attention to these three things will go a long way towards keeping the flame alive and the relationship fresh.
There will be an added benefit as well…children tend to model themselves after their parents. Parents who are loving and respectful of each other are great role models for their children. 
Is the question of how to fill all those summer hours of children home and nothing to do also putting a strain on you? Head over to my website and purchase a copy of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking, NOW ON SALE FOR 50% OFF THE COVER PRICE. Filled with 100’s of simple inexpensive craft projects, cooking activities and picture book story suggestions and summaries, this award-winning book for parents and teachers do
es all the planning for you and will keep you and your kids busy and happy all summer long and beyond!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I’m not a parent yet…but it always shocks me to hear when people put the blame on marriages dissolving on children.
Obviously, me not being a parent, I’m not an expert….but if the marriage wasn’t strong enough to last WITH children, it probably wasn’t strong enough to begin with.
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Oh you are so right, Sharon. 🙂 People who are in a relationship that is shaky should NEVER have children because they think it will make it better. The point I was trying to bring out was that having children can put a strain on a marriage relationship…and parents need to be aware of that and take the necessary steps (like having a date night once in a while, holding hands, etc.) to keep their original loving relationshiip strong and healthy.
I would NEVER blame children for a marriage breaking up…they are the innocent bystanders who get hurt. 😦
I always appreciate you stopping by and commenting, Sharon…you always have something of value to say!
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Interesting statistic, Vivian.
Children offer great joy . . . but they are expensive, messy, demanding, and stressful. Couples who don’t realize that before having kids realize it soon afterwards.
We discussed the pros and cons and decided NOT to have kids. We’ve never regretted that decisions.
Those who did choose to have kids should definitely read your book since your ideas make it a more worthwhile venture for all concerned. 😀
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I applaud people who think deeply about this important decision before they make the one that’s right for them…too many people have children for all the wrong reasons and it is the children who suffer. 😦
Your lovely comments about my book are very kind..thank you, Nancy!
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I can relate and many of these ideas sometimes come after the fact… Love the picture of your daughter and family. 🙂
Have a Blessed Memorial Day!
Eliz
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Thank you, Eliz…hope your Memorial Day is filled with love. 🙂
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