Babyproof Your Marriage

Most people believe when the baby arrives, your marriage will automatically become closer. Unfortunately, it's a very stressful time, and often couples will feel a strain on their relationship. Tricia O'Brien Features Editor for American Baby, offers some tips on how to babyproof your marriage.

The first challenge couples might experience is who is doing their fair share of the child care and housework. Each person feels like he/she is doing more than the other. The simplest solution is to draft a master to-do list which will include everything on it. This makes it easier for each of you to see the invisible things the other one does. And be sure to set up a clear division of labor, so there are no questions who should be doing what.

Another problem couples face are adjusting to new roles in the relationship. If you worked full time before you had your child and now are a stay-at-home mom, you may be relinquishing some earning power. And on the flip side, your husband might feel the financial noose tightening around his neck because he is the sole earner. To clear this hurdle, you need to understand the other person's position. Create a budget if it's going to help ease some of the financial strain.

And finally, couples might find difficulty reigniting the romantic spark after the baby is born. It can be hard for the woman to bridge the divide between tired mom and charming wife. And new moms are often self conscious about their body. The easiest solution is to just do it! You'll be tired for the next 18 years, but you can't wait that long to bring the romance back. And if you have to plan the night ahead of time, then do it.

For more tips on keeping the marriage healthy and other parenting tips, please click here.
by Jenn Eaker