Seating Chart

Marriage can be lost in a sea of children, to-do lists and never-ending needs of others.  

Children cannot be ignored (and make it nearly impossible, even if it will only be for a short time), I understand.  

But, I would argue that your spouse should not be ignored either.  

The decline of marriage is a slow methodical slide that we climb onto, we move slowly downward at first and then gain speed toward the exit.  This all begins so innocently, with actions that move us further away from our spouse, first physically and then emotionally.  

This is not scientifically backed and would not hold up in a court of law.  However, over 25 years of marriage, I have been watching others and have observed this over and over. When I see this, I do wonder what that marriage is like when no one else is around.  

Here is my theory… The decline of a marriage begins by letting children sit between Mom and Dad.  It is that simple.  

When I am at church, at a basketball game, at a choir concert, at a restaurant, or any other public event, I watch families to see where the children are allowed to sit.  Most of the time, they sit between the parents.  Children have a natural desire to wedge their cute little selves right between Mom and Dad.  

Good Lookin’ and I have pledged to each other and trained our children that we sit next to one another, every time!  They no longer ask or try to squeeze between us, but the desire is real!  I watch unsuspecting others try to navigate the seating conundrum and am saddened by the number of parents that easily give into the children’s desire to sitBETWEENthem.  Mom and Dad need every opportunity to be physically close because of the infinite other ways that children (unintentionally) work to divide us.  There is no malicious intent behind this desire!  Do not misunderstand me.  

Children do feel safe under Mom or Dad’s arm. However, I believe that the security of knowing that Mom and Dad deeply love each other also provides safety and confidence for kids to rest in!  Parents still have 2 sides for kids to sit by, please make those lovingly available!  And let them see you holding hands and leaning in close to each other.  Let them SEE that you are united and even your own kids cannot get between you! 

A strong relationship grows closer with a seating chart!