It is very easy for the roles to blur between being a parent and being a spouse. A primary task is to safeguard your marriage by putting your spouse ahead of the children at appropriate times. Remember, marital happiness is important not only for you but for your children as well.

While doing things as a family, many couples fail to keep some time on the busy calendar for themselves. It’s important to do fun things together as a couple. It keeps the relationship dynamic and relieves some of the stress brought on by parenting demands.

As our family grew, one of the critical things we did was control the family calendar. We monitored our activities to prevent over-commitment and to have some semblance of life at home. Date nights were intentionally put on the family calendar, and money for babysitters was allocated in the family budget. Occasionally, Cindy and I would go away by ourselves on an overnight trip not far from home. We also found it helpful to put the kids to bed at a decent hour regularly. Not only did they benefit from the rest and routine, but we also found time in the evening for each other.

Your marriage is a rich and personal resource for your children. As you focus on your children and all involved in raising them, don’t forget to be married. The words of the Apostle Paul seem appropriate: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, New Living Translation).