For those of you who are married or have a partner with whom you are sharing the experience of raising children, this is a particularly poignant piece of writing.  Many couples (wrongly) assume that a child will improve their relationship, when in fact, the additional responsibility can increase strain and expose problems that may not have been apparent.  It is really hard to keep our most intimate partnership at the top of our minds when we are working through screaming, crying, pooping and the like.  Hopefully this article will provide some awareness, as well as tips and tricks for enhancing your approach to your marriage or partnership.

In recent years, I have found myself in the dubious position of giving advice to expectant moms about the changes a baby brings to all phases of your life.  Many couples seem shocked when I have shared that they may need to work with their partner in a more business-like fashion than they are used to.  It doesn’t mean that love is lost, but it can be part of the requirements when two people try to coordinate care for a being that they love deeply.  Our children look to us for their relationship lessons, and if we are always barking orders at each other to change pants or make food, what will they learn?  This article is a very nice, concise guide to keeping the love alive throughout the turbulence of child-rearing.