5 Unexpected Ways Kids Can Strengthen Your Marriage

Before my husband and I had our three children, we frequently went out to dinner, slept late on weekends, went to the movies, and were free to have sex whenever the mood struck us.

We were married for almost six years before our first child was born, and we thought we had a good thing going. Joe learned to find my habit of loving a particular food until I decided, without warning and usually after he bought a month's supply of it, that I would never eat it again, somewhat charming. Likewise I learned to endure his need to set the alarm clock for an hour earlier than he ever got up.

We felt our relationship was tested and strong. We thought we were close.

We were fools.

People may tell you that having kids will put stress on a marriage. And they are not wrong, it does. But after 23 years of (mostly) wedded bliss, I have learned that sometimes it's all in the way we look at things.

Here are five ways that having children has strengthened our marriage. They may not be the ways you might think.

1. Love it or hate it, once you have kids you never will never lack a topic of conversation. There is always something to talk about. Whether it is the epic mess junior made in the living room or the newest project that he has to bring into school on Monday made out of three pinecones, a milk container, and glue, or where the heck are Max and Ruby's parents, there is always a topic to discuss.

This piece was previously published on Kathy's site, My Dishwasher's Possessed!