What They Didn't Expect When They Were Expecting

Book excerpt: Most people realize that marriage is a big transition-that's why premarital counseling has become popular. But what about having a baby? Where is the pre-parental counseling? Childbirth classes describe how to get through labor, delivery, and those first feedings, but this new baby will require the parents to do much more. They will have to renegotiate their time together, their time at work, their leisure, their housework-everything. Without clear guidance, many first time parents may have unreasonable expectations about their new lives. Gleaning the results of 186 surveys and interviews, What They Didn't Expect When They Were Expecting . . . And How They Became Better Parents describes findings such as: * Fifty percent of the couples had at least one unexpected pregnancy.* None of the expectant parents thought they would have conflict over parenting. Nevertheless, all of those parents admitted to some conflict five years later.* Most expectant parents didn't think work would interfere with family life. But five years later, the mothers' #1 complaint was that their husbands worked too much.Additionally, this book provides practical, biblically-based guidance for expectant parents and parents of young children. Some of the topics addressed are:* How parents can take care of their family's needs as well as their own.* Why it's good for moms to get some space from the kids.* How to recognize toxic messages from the workplace and the media; messages that work against a happy family. * Practical techniques for child discipline.* Balancing work and family.* How dads can be equal parenting partners.* Practical techniques for resolving parenting conflicts.* Important information concerning the most appropriate types of childcare. What They Didn't Expect When They Were Expecting and How They Became Better Parents reveals how strengthening your marriage improves your parenting.