Parenting Together

A common observation of married couples is they are NOT DOING what happily married couples do. Instead they are doing what MISERABLE couples do--and then they wonder why they are not happy. What is it then that happily married people do?

Week 1
Happy couples enjoy talking together. They are comfortable risking their inner feelings and ideas with each other without fear of being put-down, stomped on, or criticized, or made to feel stupid.

Week 2
Happy couples can easily approach the other for a hug, embrace, or physical contact. We all have a need to be touched, to be loved, to hold hands, to have some physical contact.

Week 3
Happy couples date frequently to renew their relationship. They want to get away from phones, children, and distractions. It has been said that "A babysitter is cheaper than a divorce," and I believe it. Every couple needs to get away together.

Week 4
Spending time with children strengthens the marriage relationship too. When a spouse invests time and effort with your children, it makes you love them even more. This is especially critical in stepfamilies.

Week 5
Happy couples help each other out as equal partners. Parenting is a multi-faceted relationship and when you feel your partner is interested in helping you carry out your roles and responsibilities, it enhances your feelings of love for them.

Source: Doug Brinley is a research associate at the BYU Center for Studies of the Family