The Gottman Institute, Seattle's preeminent marital researchers,
found that two-thirds of marriages report a decline in marital satisfaction
after having kids. Grace and Arnie Martinez participated in the Gottman study
which uncovered this (seemingly obvious) result, and used the
opportunity to plan for a life with more time and flexibility once their
child was born.
The Martinez's started a business, cut back on expenses, and payed off debt, so that they could realize work-family balance that many people strive for but few achieve. Started before their daughter's birth, their pet-sitting business now allows them to work in shifts so that someone is always home with their daughter.
Not surprisingly, the Martinez's report high marital satisfaction as well as flexible schedules which allow ample time for their daughter and for their marriage. Like parents before them, they seem to have discovered the pot of gold at the end of the work/life balance rainbow: simplify, simplify, simplify. And man, I'm envious.
