Adding One To The Family Of Two

I know it must be hard to have a baby, because it is a huge responsibility. Mothers can feel so daunted by the task, that they either want to leave, or commit suicide (The Need for Fathers). This is why Father's are so critical! They provide the relief needed for mothers in their time of stress.There are many helps which can relieve baby blues. When the couple takes the leap into parenting together, the transition into parenting is much smoother. We learn from Gottmann that when each spouse participates equally and actively in the development and raising of the child, the experience of having the child serves as one which knits the family together.

I personally feel that when I have a child, I want my family to FEEL like a family. God never said, "be one, until the baby comes along, and then Mom, you and the baby become a unit, and the father is an outsider." No! The family is to be one at ALL times. I know it can be easy for moms to feel they know what is best for their child, but it's important to remember that it's OUR child, and that the father should have just as much say in how the baby is taken care of. Having a baby WILL change the family dynamic, but this change can be positive if mother and father are mutually involved (Gottmann). I know that families are special, and that as we strive to be intentional in our mothering and fathering, and make choices as one, we will be able to feel close and united, and our children will be the greatest benefactors of our unity.