Little babies can create a big upheaval in a relationship. According to a recent article on Yahoo news, “An eight-year study of 218 couples found 90 percent experienced a decrease in marital satisfaction once the first child was born.”
The story also states that, “Couples who lived together before marriage experienced more problems after the birth of a child than those who lived separately before marriage, as did those whose parents fought or divorced.” Interestingly enough, some couples reported that their relationships were stronger after the birth of a child. Course these people tended to have been married longer or had higher incomes.
Does having a child guarantee you both will lose that lovin’ feeling? Nope.
"There are different types of happiness in life and that while some luster may be off marital happiness for at least a time during this period of life, there is a whole dimension of family happiness and contentment based on the family that couples are building," said Scott Stanley, a research professor of psychology at University of Denver.
If this is something you and your partner are concern about why not check out the Bringing Baby Home program, sponsored by the Lutheran Family and Children Services (8631 Delmar Blvd 63124)? The program, which will be held on Mondays May 4, 11, 25 and June 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. gives couples guidance how to the cope with the stressors of becoming a family. It doesn’t matter whether you’re awaiting the arrival of a first baby, or have just had baby number six! Childcare for children under the age of 11 is free. Refreshments will be provided. The cost of the workshop is $35 and cost assistance is available for couples in need. To register contact Lisa Von Wahlde at 314-754-2758.
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