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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. 

What are some of the things you do to keep the connection with your partner strong?

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 does all the planning for you and will keep you and your kids busy and happy all summer long and beyond!