Ever tried to have a quiet conversation with your wife while a toddler was around? Good luck. We love kids, but they sure can get in the way sometimes. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the threats parenting presents to marriage.

Why This Matters

Marriages change after you have kids. Men must prioritize their relationship with their wives in order to weather the challenges that parenting presents.

Common Threats to Marriage After Becoming a Dad

-Exhaustion: Kids wear us out physically, emotionally, and mentally. It impacts your marriage.
-New areas of conflict: Arguments can get us thinking “me” not “we.”
-Losing sight of each other: Set aside intentional time to connect with your wife.
-Mis-ordered priorities: Our wives’ needs should always come before kids’.
-Forgetting you’re a team: Work together with your wife to raise kids well.

Important Episode Timestamps

• 00:00 – 02:03 | Anniversary Plans Gone Wrong
  Bobby’s romantic 10-year anniversary getaway turns into a chaotic family trip—complete with kids in the kiddie pool and a disastrous cake.

• 02:03 – 05:15 | When Kids Interrupt Everything
  The dads share hilariously awkward stories about kids walking in at the worst possible moments.
• 05:15 – 07:02 | Life Before and After Kids
  The group agrees that parenting wipes out free time, leaving couples exhausted and nostalgic for pre-kid life.
• 07:02 – 09:20 | The Big Question: What Threats Do Kids Bring to Marriage?
  The hosts examine how parenting can unintentionally weaken the marriage bond.
• 09:20 – 13:31 | Threat #1: Exhaustion
  Sleepless nights, emotional fatigue, and nonstop parenting leave dads drained and short-tempered.
• 13:31 – 17:12 | The Power of Prioritizing Date Night
  Scheduling intentional time together keeps marriages strong and connected.
• 17:12 – 22:13 | Threat #2: New Arenas for Conflict
  More responsibilities mean more chances to clash with your wife.
• 22:13 – 26:33 | Threat #3: Living Like Roommates
  Overloading your schedule with too many kid activities can turn spouses into passing ships instead of partners.
• 26:33 – 33:15 | Threat #4: Misordered Priorities
  Work, kids, and busyness often leave couples living together as strangers.
• 33:15 – End | Pro Move of the Week
  Put your wife first this week. Plan a date. Schedule quiet time together. Remind her that she is your top priority.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.