Excerpt from THRIVE AND SURVIVE, ZERO TO FIVE

Though conversation with a husband can meet a certain need for adult companionship, we all know they don’t enjoy chatting as much as we do, not to mention they’ve never been moms.

After an especially draining day, I (Mary) couldn’t wait for my husband to walk through the door after work. His sympathizing ear would soothe my intense frustration and encourage me.

As soon as he was within earshot, I began detailing my distressing day, eager for his encouragement. When he reminded me I was blessed to be a mother and ought not to be complaining as I was, it didn’t do a thing to help me.

Since he was unwilling to give credence to my complaints, I snatched a piece of notebook paper from a nearby table and wrote, “I UNDERSTAND!” in big, bold, capital letters. Then I held the paper in front of his face and said, “Say this to me.”

He did, and though I knew he didn’t really understand, it helped a little. But better than expecting your husband to sympathize with the relentless demands of motherhood, it’s more effective to find another mother.

SIDEBAR: WHERE TO FIND ANOTHER MOTHER

• Church nurseries
• Parks
• Book clubs
• Co-ops
• Neighborhoods
• Bible studies
• Health clubs
• Relatives
• MOPS meetings
• Sunday school classes