Conversation Continues

After yesterday's rant, I thought I had put the subject and emotion behind me (for a little while at least) but the topic seems to be following me.  I heard another radio program citing statistical evidence that couples who make their marriage a priority make better parents.  Everyone in the family, including the kids, are happier.

I don't know why it took a statistical survey to figure this one out.  When marriage has become all about the kids it becomes kid-centric.  And we all know what happens when kids take the center stage.  Do we really want them ruling our lives? I guess we do because Americans (at least Californians) indulge, over indulge, our children.  It's all about their activities, interests and so on, often at the expense of the parents' relationship.

Anyone who has tended to a garden knows that if it goes without water or is otherwise ignored for long, it either dies or goes to seed.  So does a marital relationship.  The best things we can do for our kids is take care of ourselves and nurture our relationship with our spouse.  The best thing we can do when that relationship starts to go sour is dig in and get to the root of the matter in order to salvage the most important treasure kids have to grow up healthy ~ an intact, functioning and mutually loving set of parents.

This seems so basic but in California anyway, we are taking it to another level by adding our pets, our dogs and cats, to the equation.  These critters have been elevated to the level of full-fledged family members, sometimes taking our focus off the marriage.  Let's face it, it's easier to give our love and attention to an animal who gives back unconditionally than work on a relationship with a spouse.

So if you are married, please nurture that relationship.  Make it a priority.  Your kids will thank you for it. 

(Blogmeister's note:  I know I've been a bit preachy these past two days, but I mentor or coach  young women, many who are struggling because their parents didn't take the time to nurture their marriage.  Divorce is the gift that keeps on giving ~ gifts of the wrong kind.)