MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part I)

MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part I)

An article from “U.S. News and World Report” highlights the awesome challenges of parenthood.  For the next three days, I’ll reprise portions of that article along with other expert perspectives on parenthood.  In the process, I’ll also share some of my own views.

The article suggests that parenthood is possibly the most daunting and stressful challenge any couple will navigate.  Carolyn and Philip Cowan, psychologists from the University of California, found that 92 percent of new parents report increased conflict and diminished satisfaction in their marital relationship.  Pennsylvania State University psychologist, Jay Belsky, completed a 7-year study of 250 sets of new parents and only 19 percent reported that their marriages improved after the birth of a child.  Although couples typically look forward to the birth of a baby as a time of increasing closeness, Belsky’s study reveals that nearly all new parents tend to grow more polarized and self-centered in response to the overwhelming demands of this newfound stress and fatigue.

Parenthood presents opportunities for disagreement and conflict.  But successful marriages are safe havens where trust is built and sustained as couples learn to minimize stress during times of conflict.  Indeed, uncontrollable tempers are a relationship death knell, both to successful marriages and effective parenthood.  Communication is key.  In fact, it is mission critical to maintaining an open disposition and positive mindset in others, no matter if they are parents or children.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!