Ten Minute Marriage Checkup

TALK ABOUT YOUR PARENTING OBLIGATIONS

THE TEN MINUTE MARRIAGE CHECKUP

by Chuck and Eileen Rife - Used by permission
www.iwanttomakemymarriagework.com

Okay couples, man your stations. Got a plan for that weekly date? Some romantic interlude over a steaming cup of mocha latte? Maybe a picnic by the duck pond?  Hey, the sky's the limit. Let your imagination go wild and surprise your spouse with a special moment!

            While you're thinking about that special date, pull out your MARRIAGE WITH AN ATTITUDE book and turn to pg.115 of the marriage expectation inventory. Okay, I know there are a lot of newly weds out there in subscriber land, so get your pens and start writing. That doesn't let you oldie weds off the hook, though. Sit down at the kitchen table with your mate for a few minutes of soul searching on this week's topic:

             CHILDREN - Ah, yes, those precious cherubs. You had almost forgotten about them with all this talk of romance and twosome adventure.

            What comes to your mind (besides mass hysteria) when you think of this area of your marriage? Write down and then later talk about your thoughts concerning the following:

1)  Amount of kids we want to have.

2)  If we can't have kids, do we want to adopt or invest our lives in other people's children?

3)  Do we want to have natural childbirth when we do decide on kids?

4)  What are our shared responsibilities in childcare?

5)  Will we breastfeed or use the bottle?  (Sorry, dads, you're a little limited in this area, so honor your wife's desires.)

6)  How much time will we spend with each child?

7)  How will we share discipline responsibilities?

8)  Will we spank?

9)  Who will address the child's questions about sex, relationships, and life in general?  (Wow, that one will probably last you about 18-20 years, so you have plenty of time to talk that through).

            Now that you've settled all that, take a romantic drive in the moonlight.  Park in a secluded area and cuddle. But watch out, you may end up with baby number one (or two, or three or four .....). Now aren't you relieved you have all your parenting obligations talked through!