Bringing Baby Home

4/14/2009

Having a baby means that things in your life are going to change --- BIG time. New parents are usually unaware of how much change there will be. Just the lack of sleep plus the lack of time for intimacy can affect a marriage relationship in pretty bad ways. The constant 24/7 responsibility for an infant can place a huge strain on your marriage. Marriage experts tell us that many couples will have their greatest problems during their baby’s first year of life. This means that couples must work hard to keep their marriage happy and healthy. After you get baby home, do some specific things to work on your marriage.

1. Read a marriage book together.

2. See a Christian counselor for help with your communication.

3. Very important: Get away for a weekend alone within the first 3 months of your baby’s arrival.

4. Have regular date nights. You can leave your baby with a sitter or grandparent for a few hours while you get away to spend needed time reconnecting.

Learning to be a parent is exciting, fun --- and stressful. Don’t allow the stress of this time in your life to separate you and your spouse from each other. Stay close. Stay caring. Stay in love. Your child will one day say Mom and Dad, thanks for the happy home you gave me.