I had friends who celebrated their seventy-third wedding anniversary. Listening to them talk about their life together reminded me of the old adage that the best thing a father can do for his children is love their mother.
A New Baby Is the Center of Attention
When a new baby enters a family, it’s easy to center all attention on that child. Before the baby’s arrival, the couple had time in their lives for romance and talk without too much planning. By necessity, a baby is center stage in the beginning. It’s a fulltime job to care for a little person that requires food and diaper changes about every three hours. If parents are lucky, the new baby sleeps on a similar schedule. After a time, a routine can be established to give life some degree of normalcy.
Parents’ Relationship Must Be the Primary One
Then it’s time for young parents to reestablish their relationship as the primary one. God created Adam and Eve, not Adam, Eve and the boys. They had time together before the arrival of Cain and Abel.
A Child Who Is the Center Becomes Self-Centered
A child who senses that he is the center of his family will become a self-centered adult. Besides wanting our children to become adults who are concerned about others, there is another reason for making the couple the primary relationship: Parents who love each other give their children a security unlike anything else. Even as a child strives to become the center of his family, he is happy and secure knowing that Dad and Mom have a special relationship that doesn’t include him.
For the Good of Your Child, Honor Your Spouse
Honor your spouse in daily small gestures as well as regular date nights. It will be a precious gift to your children.
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January 20, 2012
Blog, Family