What is Couple First Parenting and what are its Benefits…
Couple First Parenting (CFP) is simple but not that common. CFP is when you make your couple relationship your 1st Priority and the kids your 2nd. It is not that common because once the children arrive on the scene, they seem to take over your mind, body, and spirit. So, what does Couple First Parenting require?
- Create some “our” time as a SACRED space for just the two of you and make it happen EVERY day. Our dialogue time fits that bill and, yes, we do have to juggle around some kids’ needs, but we still make it happen, even if it is just before flopping into bed exhausted. Our ideal time has always been before the children wake up in the morning, and we encouraged our kids to sleep in whenever possible!!
- Make sure any behavior we expect from the kids can work for us as a couple first. For example, if we do not want yelling or swearing in our home, then it has to be true for us before it makes sense to expect it from our kids!!
- Always be on the same page about everything in our dealings with the kids and discipline to prevent the divide and conquer that kids can wield. If it is something that we had not previously discussed, then we tell the kids we have to talk together BEFORE giving them an answer.
Remember, CFP results in the best gift you will ever give your children, your strong, passionate relationship! However, let us know how you keep your relationship first when there is an emergency like sickness or injury, that requires you to put your child first?
