From Partners to Parents: Key Issues for Couples in the Transition to Parenthood
Couples need to deal effectively with stresses that occur in the transition to parenthood. Key concerns that parents may encounter in the transition to parenthood include: 1) Division of labor in housework and child care; 2) Money worries; 3) Relationship difficulties; 4) Career and work issues; and 5) Social activities. This seminar will explore a variety of useful coping strategies and resources that can help couples who face these stresses that come with a new child.
Time Markers
00:00 – Welcome by Ryan Gordon and introduction of Dr. Sean Brotherson
00:27 – Dr. Brotherson's professional background at North Dakota State University
01:02 – Research experience in marriage, family life, fathering, and relationship education
01:29 – Personal background and family life
01:55 – Webinar instructions, feedback survey, and audience Q&A
02:15 – Introduction to From Partners to Parents: Key Issues for Couples in the Transition to Parenthood
02:39 – Dr. Brotherson's Utah background and professional experience
03:37 – His work in family life education and major family transitions
04:31 – Why the transition to parenthood deserves special attention
04:59 – Overview of the webinar's major topics
05:56 – Two important questions couples face when becoming parents
06:27 – Differences in parenting experience, preparation, and expectations
07:01 – The uncertainty and responsibility of bringing a newborn home
07:55 – Thinking of parenting as a new job with specific responsibilities
08:28 – Identifying the skills and tasks required for parenting
08:53 – How personal experiences and strengths influence parenting readiness
09:44 – Recognizing individual strengths and developing parenting skills
10:42 – Harvard's developing child framework and the importance of relationships
11:41 – Why stable, responsive relationships support healthy child development
12:44 – Creating a safe and supportive family environment
13:16 – Emotional and psychological changes associated with becoming a parent
13:50 – Preparing for the psychological demands of parenthood, not just practical needs
14:37 – Parenthood as a significant developmental transition
15:21 – Why parents need education about changes in their lives and relationships
16:17 – Preparing as partners for the arrival of a child
16:45 – Understanding support systems for babies and couples
17:27 – Common shifts in identity when becoming a parent
17:56 – How parenthood changes an individual's sense of self
19:21 – Changes in household responsibilities, childcare, and financial obligations
19:45 – Emotional changes: Joy, stress, anxiety, and postpartum difficulties
20:21 – Fatigue, sleep deprivation, communication, and intimacy challenges
21:09 – Changes in friendships, social activities, and support needs
21:32 – Video introduction: Preparing for the transition to parenthood
21:57 – Why couples often prepare for baby supplies but overlook relationship changes
23:06 – Understanding declines in couple relationship satisfaction after childbirth
23:58 – Research on challenges to relationship quality and stability
25:04 – Common parenting stressors and differences in partners' experiences
26:15 – Introduction to the Transition to Parenthood Quiz
27:04 – Identifying the most significant concerns for new parents
27:40 – Common concerns: Sleep, finances, childcare, intimacy, and household work
28:33 – How couples use the quiz to identify their top five stressors
28:57 – Understanding and predicting a partner's biggest concerns
29:41 – Common concerns reported by men during the transition to parenthood
30:46 – Common concerns reported by women during the transition to parenthood
31:39 – Using the Transition to Parenthood Quiz in couple and parent education
32:32 – How the quiz encourages meaningful conversations and mutual understanding
32:59 – The connection between couple relationship quality and individual well-being
33:21 – How relationship stability affects physical health, mental health, and parenting
34:24 – Reducing relationship stress through preparation, communication, and realistic expectations
34:50 – Video illustration of parenting stress and relationship challenges
35:26 – Video scenario: Work pressure, exhaustion, and competing responsibilities
36:28 – Recognizing a partner's need for emotional and practical support
38:00 – Lessons from the video: Feeling supported and working together
38:41 – Why supporting your partner also benefits your child
39:57 – Introduction to five key concerns in the transition to parenthood
40:24 – Key issue 1: Division of labor, housework, and childcare
41:16 – Why caring for a newborn can be more demanding than expected
41:44 – How gender expectations influence household and parenting responsibilities
42:41 – Identifying childcare tasks and discussing who will do what
43:10 – Comparing each partner's expectations for family responsibilities
43:36 – How family history and personal experiences shape expectations
44:00 – The importance of flexibility, compromise, and shared responsibility
44:34 – Giving support instead of keeping score
45:00 – Why perceived fairness matters in the division of household work
45:47 – Expressing appreciation for each partner's contributions
46:13 – Key issue 2: Money worries and financial responsibilities
46:45 – Understanding different approaches to family financial needs
47:05 – Viewing financial disagreements as differences rather than deficiencies
47:37 – Budgeting together and choosing appropriate times for financial discussions
48:07 – Key issue 3: Relationship difficulties after becoming parents
48:32 – The roommate phase, sleep deprivation, and changes in intimacy
48:54 – How different daily routines can reduce couple connection
49:25 – Adjusting expectations and expanding the circle of love
49:49 – Protecting 15 minutes a day for meaningful couple conversation
50:13 – Helping each family member maintain a sense of belonging
50:34 – Encouraging fathers' involvement and supporting the caregiving partner
50:57 – Using daily emotional check-ins to maintain connection
51:22 – Key issue 4: Career and work adjustments
51:45 – Planning work schedules, childcare arrangements, and career changes
52:04 – Creating shared family goals and flexible routines
52:27 – Key issue 5: Social activities and changes in family routines
52:54 – Deciding which social activities to maintain or adjust
53:16 – Finding trustworthy childcare and preserving couple time
53:36 – Recognizing social isolation and the need for adult support
54:00 – Maintaining relationships with friends, family, and support networks
54:26 – Recommended books: And Baby Makes Three and Happy with Baby
54:51 – Additional resources: Bringing Baby Home and Pathways.org
55:15 – Dr. Brotherson's Extension publications and educational materials
55:43 – Closing the presentation and beginning audience questions
56:02 – Q&A: Where to find the Transition to Parenthood Quiz
56:28 – Accessing the quiz through North Dakota State University Extension resources
56:53 – Q&A: Utah Marriage Commission courses for couples preparing for parenthood
57:16 – Introduction to the Baby READY relationship education course under development at the time of the webinar
58:04 – Preparing for parenthood through conversations and shared expectations
58:25 – Q&A: How the transition to parenthood differs for single parents
58:50 – Parenting concerns shared by single and partnered parents
59:10 – The importance of support networks for single parents
59:43 – Discussing career, social, and caregiving adjustments with a support circle
01:00:07 – Building relationships that support parents and children
01:00:27 – Final appreciation and conclusion of the audience Q&A
01:00:50 – Feedback survey and continuing education credit reminder
01:01:11 – Announcement of the next Stronger Marriage webinar
01:01:34 – Final thanks and closing remarks
About Dr. Sean Brotherson
Dr. Sean Brotherson is a professor and Extension Family Life Specialist at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, where he has worked in family life education since 1998.
He earned graduate degrees in human development and family studies from Brigham Young University and Oregon State University.
Dr. Brotherson has conducted research and published professional articles on marriage, family life education, fathering, grief and bereavement, and other family-related topics.
He was involved in developing the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Model and is coeditor, with Joseph White, of the book Why Fathers Count.
His professional work focuses on developing research-informed educational resources and programs that support children, adults, couples, and families through important life experiences and transitions.
One of his areas of particular interest is the transition to parenthood and how couples can prepare for the individual, emotional, practical, and relationship changes that accompany welcoming a child.
He developed the Transition to Parenthood Quiz, an educational activity that helps couples identify common parenting stressors, compare expectations, and strengthen communication and mutual support.
Originally from Utah, Dr. Brotherson grew up in the Orem, Provo, and eastern Utah areas. He and his wife, Kristen, are the parents of eight children and enjoy reading, traveling, and church service.
Through his teaching, research, and Extension education, Dr. Brotherson encourages couples to strengthen their relationships, communicate openly, and support one another as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of family life.
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