Becoming Parents

PAMELA L. JORDAN, Ph.D., R.N., is associate professor in the Department of Family and Child Nursing, University of Washington. She is an educator, researcher, writer, and creator of the Becoming Parents Program, a modified and expanded version of PREP. SCOTT M. STANLEY, Ph.D., is codirector of the Center for Marital and Family Studies, University of Denver, a developer of PREP, and coauthor of A Lasting Promise. HOWARD J. MARKMAN, Ph.D., is professor of psychology and codirector of the Center for Marital and Family Studies, University of Denver, and a developer of PREP. Stanley and Markman, along with Susan L. Blumberg, are coauthors of the best-selling Fighting for Your Marriage.

"Becoming Parents teaches survival skills necessary to raise your child, while managing to thrive in your marriage. If you're thinking about having kids, read this book." (John Gray, author, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus "Marriages, like children, need constant care and nurturing if they're going to thrive and develop. This book offers all parents a clear, concise, and wonderfully insightful program that will go a long way toward making marriages?and families?stronger and healthier." (Armin A. Brott, author of The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be and A Dad's Guide to the Toddler Years) "Anyone can figure out how to put a diaper on a baby-but how do you keep your marriage strong and stable as you become parents? Finally, a book that teaches survival skills to help couples who are on the road to parenthood stay connected and happy." (Suzanne M. Lewis, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator) "Becoming Parents zeroes in on the problems that can strain a marriage and offers practical techniques to help couples talk and solve problems. Research-based and clearly written, this book will increase the joys and decrease the stresses of parenthood." (Penny Simkin, coauthor, Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide) "...really believe that much can be gained from reading, studying, and discussing it." (International Journal of Adolescent Medical Health, Vol.13, No.4, 2001) "...this book is likely to be an asset to any new parent." (Counselling & Psychotherapy Journal, February 2001)

• Handling conflict : protecting your marriage. Four key patterns that can harm a relationship Communicating safely and clearly : the speaker-listener techniqueProblem solvingGround rules for handling conflict Going deeper : dealing with core issues. The difference between issues and eventsUnmet expectations and what to do about themThe importance of core values and beliefsCommitment : the glue that holds relationships togetherForgiveness and the preservation or restoration of intimacy Relationship enhancement : maintaining the great things. Preserving and protecting friendshipPreserving and protecting fun togetherHello baby, goodbye sex? : protecting and enhancing your sex life Creating a healthy lifestyle. Managing fatigueManaging stressWarning : don't try parenting by yourselvesRoles and tasks : who does what?