Let Dad do it differently

3. Learn to let go
Try to let your partner do almost everything else his way. Many of my clients are challenged with this one -- as I know I am at times. I was recently frightened by how my husband "fixed" my seven-year-old's hair before they left for an event (think Pippi Longstocking hit by a truck). The problem is, if we insist on feeding the baby every meal because "they can't do it right" or we don't let them dress our young ones because they can't match to save their life, we will drown in the family workload and everyone will suffer the repercussions -- especially us! (Our brains and bodies can only handle so much. We are human.)

4. Be positive
Focus on the strengths of his unique approach, and when you feel like criticizing, zip it! I know, easier said than done. There are many times that your way really does seem like the better way -- to you, at least. But, restrain yourself. Remember the bigger picture: both parents need to bond with their children through effective parenting and time together, and you need nonparenting time to lead a whole life.

Keeping yourself aware of the big stuff you want to manage yourself or want to coparent consistently, and letting go of all the small stuff, will do wonders for your self, your marriage, and your partner's relationship with your children. What can you let go of this week and let your partner do differently?

Read about lessons learned by stay-at-home dads.

---

Excerpted from The Balanced Mom by Bria Simpson, MA. Copyright 2006 by Bria Simpson. Excerpted with permission by New Harbinger Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Page 2 of 2