| This is the third article in a series designed to provide | | | | specific topics to focus on. |
| guidelines for communication during the early stages | | | | -When and How many. The answer can range from |
| of a relationship. The previous two articles have | | | | "O and never" to "10 as soon as I get married". It is |
| focused on financial concerns and general | | | | ok to disagree on this topic as long as you are |
| expectations. This article will examine family | | | | honest. It is a terrible thing for someone to expect |
| expectations. As always it is not necessary to have | | | | to have children shortly after they are married only |
| read the previous two articles, though if you find this | | | | to have their spouse constantly putting it off. |
| article helpful, the other two are structured the same | | | | - Adoption. Some people are comfortable adopting |
| way. | | | | children, while others find it uncomfortable and |
| Why: One hundred years ago it was expected that | | | | strange. |
| as soon as you were married you would immediately | | | | - Discipline. If you do decide to have children, what |
| begin having as many children as you could. Modern | | | | are you disciplinary expectations and concerns. What |
| expectations have a much wider array though. We | | | | methods do you prefer? |
| no longer feel the pressure of a short life-span and | | | | - Education. Public school, private school, home |
| social expectations. Woman and man are exploring | | | | school? This is an area in which people naturally |
| career paths that do not as easily support a | | | | assume one thing, only to be later surprised with an |
| traditional family. | | | | answer outside of their expectation. |
| How: This is a much more acceptable topic for | | | | Beyond children it is important to discuss other family |
| discussion. "How many kids do you want" is | | | | roles. Who is going to clean, cook, do laundry? It is |
| sometimes a default question on a first date, | | | | important as always not to assume that everyone in |
| interesting and important, but not carrying any sense | | | | the world has views similar to yours. |
| of obligation or commitment. Below are a few | | | | |