Although I am in the Marriage and Family Studies major, I have struggled with the idea of what I will eventually do will my degree. People usually ask after learning of my major, "Oh! What are you going to do with that?" The honest answer is. "I really don't know." But as I've been prompted to take certain classes within this field, I've come to realize that I do have a direction and a purpose here. It is within my own family. I might not ever be able to finish my bachelors degree or it might take me 15 years, a little at a time, as we begin our family together and bring children into our home. Even if I never get to finish, I will be so grateful I have taken classes pertaining to family. My family has already been blessed as I have applied the principles I've learned throughout this and past semesters and I am excited to apply things I've learned for future situations.
Tomorrows class is dealing with marital satisfaction and the birth of children. Studies have shown that there is a significant drop in marital satisfaction with the birth of the 1st child. This trend continues on through the 2nd, 3rd, 4th...etc. children and then something happens as the children leave the home. Marital satisfaction increases, one by one, as children leave for college or other interests. In general, this is what studies have shown to the common American marriage.
Just KNOWING this helps me to be aware of the kinds of things to expect. I will know, in the future, if I begin to notice a decrease of satisfaction in my marriage, that there are things I can do to increase it. For instance, remembering to focus on my husbands needs, and not just the child's, will help me show love and acknowledgment within my marriage. Being positive, happy and focusing on trying to be verbal about the things my husband and I AGREE on instead of DISAGREE on will help us to enjoy each others company. Also, my teacher mentioned involving your husband in a creative way. Such as, during pregnancy, explaining to your husband what it feels like when the baby kicks and sharing those moments along the way so they feel part of the whole experience with you.
These are just a few things you can do to increase the satisfaction within your marriage as you begin to bring children into the home. Help it be an enjoyable one! If your constantly "down in the dumps", complaining, and nagging, of course it won't be a fun experience. As you focus on the need's of your spouse, you will begin to see how life gets easier.
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