Kids know when mom and dad aren't getting along.
It affects them because when mom and dad aren't happy they're not happy.
So get the marriage help you need sooner rather than later for the sake of the kids.
And meanwhile, while you engage the process of finding the marriage help you need, here are six options to
improve your relationship and make things better for you and your kids -- in fact, these will improve just about any marriage.
Option 1: Go Somewhere With Your Spouse Without The Kids For A Talk.
You might think you’re an expert at shielding your child from
marital conflict but it’s impossible to hide EVERYTHING 100% of the time.
So do yourself a favor and go somewhere alone with your spouse to discuss marital challenges and problems.
Option 2: Take A Short Trip.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You and your spouse need time ALONE to recover from the stresses and worries of life.
Do whatever you can to get away for a couple of
days.
Time away makes things better because it frees you from the relentless demands that are stressing you out. You will gain perspective, too.
Time away creates an emotional cushion and the opportunity to talk, listen, share, and forgive.
Option 3: Regular Dates.
Maybe all you really need is regular time with your spouse in the form of date
nights.
Healthy couples make time for each other.
If this isn’t your current practice, give it a try for a month and see the
difference it makes.
Option 4: Make Time For Family Play.
Lighten up! Have fun! Be a memory-maker of joyful moments that you and your kids will cherish forever.
Make the most of each day while you can; it's a gift that passes too quickly.
So take time to laugh, play and serve.
Create memories of a life well-lived.
Option 5: Marriage Counseling.
Never ever feel ashamed to see a counselor.
You take your car to a mechanic for routine maintenance so why shouldn't you take your marriage to a counselor?
*** Here’s the good news: When you and your spouse begin marriage
counseling, the message it sends to your kids is that you value and care for the family. ***
(If your spouse is unwilling to attend marriage counseling you can go alone.)
When your kids see you working together to make things better they’ll know you’re not giving up. What a great message and example.
Option 6:
Self-Improvement.
Never underestimate the power of investing in yourself to grow personally and improve your life.
Although you might not be 100% in control of the situation, you are ALWAYS 100% in control of one thing: You.
Improving yourself as a person benefits your marriage and family because they will notice a change in you. They will see a more confident and happier person. And when you're happier they are happier.
So don't put things off. Take charge of your marriage (in a good way).
Take care of yourself, too.
Let this be the day things started getting better for you AND your kids.
Until next time, this is Mike & Gayle Tucker and we want YOU to be mad about
marriage!
