Transition to parenthood from couplehood: implications for therapy

Abstract

Couples find themselves overwhelmed as they become parents and are subsequently unhappy in their marriage. Today, fewer resources, such as extended family, community neighbors and friends are less available to support new parents. Programs are available to prepare couples for childbirth, but there are no classes available that teach parenting skills and how to cope with the transition within the marital relationship. Household and childcare tasks must be discussed and decisions made regarding who will complete them. As tensions increase, communication often decreases which leads to greater conflict within the marital relationship. Issues of intimacy and how to meet each other’s needs must also be addressed. This paper will utilize an extensive review of the literature in relationship to the family lifecycle, the implications on the couples’ relationship/marriage upon the transition to parenthood, arriving at conclusions that the therapist will benefit by becoming aware of these issues.