ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, November 13, 1996 TAG: 9611130024
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
Talk about how you envision life with kids. Before having a child, couples should talk about how they envision life after the baby comes.
Set priorities. Both parents should list their priorities and rank them. What's important? Making sure the kids go to the library regularly? Playing golf once a week? Is there room for negotiation?
Negotiate. Sit down, talk and listen. Start with nonconfrontational lines such as: ``I know your free time is limited, but I miss you. The kids miss you.''
Plan activities for the kids while Dad is gone. But tell Dad in advance so he doesn't think you're trying to shut him out of the children's activities.
Consider getting together with people in a similar situation. If dads don't want to give up their regular Saturday of golf, seek out other sports ``widows.'' They can form a terrific support network.
- KNIGHT-RIDDER/TRIBUNE
LENGTH: Short : 31 linesby CNB