We have a question from a listener. “I am 5 months pregnant, work fulltime, and have a 3 year old son. When our son needs anything in the night my husband expects me to get up and take care of it.  I am a tired mom! How can I get him to help?”

• It’s time for an “adult conversation” between Mom and Dad.  They need to see if they can come up with a plan to share the nighttime responsibilities. This conversation needs to be unemotional & honest.
• Another aspect of the “adult conversation” is that both parties need to listen. Maybe Mom is getting out of bed and going into the child’s room when Dad thinks it’s unnecessary.  We Moms tend to overreact.  Typically Dads don’t.  That is a real possibility.
• There are guidelines if Dad agrees to help. If he agrees to begin helping at night, Mom must let him have the freedom to do it his way. Trusting him to adequately care for their child is an important component.  Mom, if you want to tell Dad how to do it “right,” bite your tongue.
• The Take-Away? Parenting is a team sport whenever possible.  Mom and Dad both bring unique talents and perspectives into the family. The kids benefit from the input of both mom and dad, and the job of parenting becomes more joyful and less stressful when it is shared.

For more from John & Kendra Smiley about teamwork parenting listen to this interview with Ted & PK.