Babyproofing Your Marriage Round-Up
If you’ve spent even one minute calculating how many diaper changes your spouse “owes” you, or wondering when you’re going to get “a break,” you’re probably like most couples with kids. Perhaps it’s because you, like many of us, spent so much time picking out baby bedding and pediatricians that you’re caught off guard when it comes to the state of your own post-baby relationship. Romantic evenings turn into daily battles, love turns into resentment, and we’re left feeling bitter, lonely, and tired.
Whatever the state of your relationship (or the age of your kids), Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O’ Neill, and Julia Stone, authors of Babyproofing Your Marriage
As far as the tone of the book, the bloggers appreciated the authors’ ability to share helpful hints that are ”sprinkled generously with humor.” “The stories are told using fun cartoons, plenty of anecdotes from real parents, and friendly advice. It is an easy, enjoyable, and entertaining read.“ Many commented on how it was not your typical self-help book, written by real moms – not the doctor/therapist type, that offered frank and funny advice for any parent. “This is not a hokey self-help book” and “I can honestly say that “Babyproofing” really opened my eyes to some of the ways I could help my marriage.”
Several bloggers found themselves remembering the difficult times in their marriages, with some having to make sure not to rehash old issues. “I sobbed with anger that things can get so frustrating. And I wondered why we all try to put up a front of perfection, as if parenting is simple.” However, they were comforted by reading and realizing that they were not alone. I found validation reading that I was not the only one who thought they were going crazy with responsibility, a lack of free time, a loss of self and a lot less intimacy while wondering how everyone else does it.
The advice offered by the authors “is realistic and can be implemented by both husbands and wives.” Many noted that while much of it was common sense, it’s often ” advice that we ought to remember, but often forget as we’re just barely managing to keep all the plates spinning – have a date night, do little favors for each other, don’t keep score of how many times you’ve done the dishes and he hasn’t.”It was clear that the book was directed towards both men and women, with fingers being pointed equally in both directions. ”And I loved that it was written with both women and men in mind. Both sides are equally chastised - though very nicely as, say, your best friend would - and given helpful pointers on how to make things right again.” “The authors seemed to take great care to give equal time and treatment to “the other side” - which in this case would be, ah, the men. This book is not an exercise in male-bashing.”A few bloggers noted feeling somewhat frightened at the prospect of having more children after reading the book, “If you are on the fence about No. 2, this could end the debate for you.” However, one reviewer gave some reassurance to readers.”If you have one child thinking about another, the chapter on “Ramping Up and Giving In” could be a real downer. Maybe I’ve already chilled out enough, but as a mom of three kids born in four and a half years, it really isn’t that bad. ”
Overall, the bloggers couldn’t say enough about the benefits of reading Babyproofing Your Marriage. “Bottom line: The mark of any good book, self-help or not, is if I would recommend it to my friends. And? I’ve already told three of my girlfriends about [this book]. So far.”
Make sure to check out the Babyproofing Your Marriage website for more information about the book and listen to the Motherhood Uncensored podcast February 20, 2007 from 9-10pm EST where host Kristen Chase will be discussing the book with two of the authors!
here!
Why do my husband and I need this book? We have a 3-month old. What new parents couldn’t use a little relationship advice?
With all the great comments blogggers have written about this book, I’m totally interested in reading it! Even though hubby and I have a good relationship, I’d love to get even more tips for keeping our marriage strong through the baby years. When it comes to marriage, good solid advice is always appreciated!
Plus, I’d love to read this book so I could give a hearty recommendation of it to my friends.
I’ve been absolutely dying to read this book ever since I first heard about it. I have a two year old and know for a fact that my marriage is going to take yet another blow once our second child arrives in May. After reading everyone’s wonderful reviews about the book, I know that it could benefit our marriage in so many ways. Having just moved 15 hours away from all of our friends and family, each other is all we have to rely on. I’m looking to strengthen our marriage even more to make as tight of a bond as possible. Not only will “babyproofing our marriage” make it better for us but ultimately better for our children as well. Children being raised in an environment with a strong parental bond is a wonderful thing to have. The love and bond between a husband and a wife is completely priceless and something that one’s children will appreciate as they get older and look back on over the years.
Watching my two year old all day and trying to take as best care of my pregnant self as possible, by the end of the day I’m just worn out. I’ll be the first to admit that our marriage definately needs some major “babyproofing”. Everything we do revolves around the kids, which can be good or bad. I know so many other mothers that are in the same predicament that we are in that I could share this wonderful book with.
I need this book because I am a mother of three boys (6,2, and 7 months). My marriage is not doing well at all right now. Currently, we aren’t even sleeping in the same room because of some of the problems going on.
What I wouldn’t give to win this book. I’ve heard nothing but good about it and since we’ve had to stop professional therapy, I’m sure it could help our marriage. We all need refresher courses on keeping our marriages fresh and reminders on how to stay true to each other.
I need this book. We’ve survived having our second kid, but we’d like another one eventually. The only thing that makes us hesitate? We hate each other for the pregannacy and first 6 months of the kid’s life. And he won’t go to therapy with me, so maybe a little book could help.
~Katie
I could use copy of this book because my local library is waaaay too small and underfunded to carry more than one copy of this book. The waiting list is six months long! Argh!