Which factors contribute to maintaining, and perhaps even enhancing, marital satisfaction following the birth of a child? Apply these factors to Felix and Edweena, who have a 6-month-old at home.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A good answer would include the following key points:
- Relationship expert John Gottman identified three factors that can help couples deal with the increased stress that follows the introduction of a child to a marital relationship.
- Working to build fondness and affection for one's partner is a good start. Felix might give Edweena two of her favorite candy bars, for no reason at all, as a reminder of the little things that brought them together and make one another happy.
- Remaining aware of events in one's partner's life and responding to those events helps. Even if she needs to write it down to remember, Edweena should ask Felix about his upcoming initiation at the Moose Lodge, and celebrate the day when it arrives.
- Considering problems as controllable and solvable is good advice for new parents, and for people in general. When Felix complains that "there's no way to pay the installments on the potato harvester!" Edweena can remind him that they've always made the payments before, there's cash left in the bale wrapper fund, and that meeting each challenge as it arises is part of successful coping.