Loving, Learning and Growing Together

Becoming Us

Having a baby changes your life.

At first it's the physical changes you notice, the ripening and blossoming of breasts and bellies, and then the practical ones: needing a bigger car, home or pay cheque. There's more expansion as our children grow.

Then, if we take the time to look inward, there are other ways we are expanded as well: mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And whilst both partners experience this, we can experience it differently. This has consequences, but also opportunities, for our relationship.

Because parenthood brings invitations for insight, for growth. For really knowing the fullness and truth of ourselves and to learn valuable lessons in life and love. Parenthood also brings opportunities to nurture and deepen the relationships we have with those closest to us: our partner, family and friends. Through the changes of parenthood, wonderful (and unexpected) new things can grow.

Becoming Us walks you through the changes and adjustments to life and love as a family. For couples thinking about having a baby through to parents of teens, Becoming Us guides you and your partner to:

  • Explore the unspoken expectations you may have of each other or your children.
  • Identify the practical and emotional needs of a young family and how to meet them.
  • Manage the strong and varied emotions that normally come with parenthood!
  • Acknowledge the adjustments most parents experience so you can talk about them and find ways to work together as a team.
  • Recognise opportunities for personal and relationship growth.
  • Prevent or resolve the most common relationship problems for parents.
  • Manage conflict in ways that bring you closer and inspire trust and mutual respect.
  • Deepen your relationship and make it more intimate.
  • Cope with parenting challenges typical to the newborn, toddler, school age and adolescent years, and
  • Build confidence in yourself and each other and embrace the changes so you can all thrive.

    • Becoming Us covers everything the parenting classes don't and what your friends would tell you if they could.

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    Elly Taylor

    is a relationship counsellor, columnist for Practical Parenting magazine, runs Parent Support Online and is mum of three. Becoming Us is her first book.

    Elly provides private pregnancy consultations to help couples prepare for life and love after baby and counsels clients for personal and relationship issues.

    For appointments in Southern Sydney please see Be in Balance Wellness Centre under "counselling" for details. Skype sessions are also available.