[Brenna]

Who comes first in your house the kids or your spouse? I read a really good article the other day that talks about how important it is to focus on your marriage first and then the kids. Here's the link if you are interested: Loving the Husband More Than the Kids is Key to Good Life | Parenting - Yahoo! Shine

[homemaker]

Your spouse should come first. That can be hard to remember especially for new parents, but it is important. If mom and dad can't get along well (which takes time devoted to the relationship)it will take a toll on the whole family.

[Peggy]

I'm not sure. The parents do need to be happy for the family to work but a child also does not have a choice in the matter. I do think that a child should certainly come before a step-parent though.

[craftykris]

I don't agree with this, I think kids should come first. Your main job is to protect them and love them! That means that they come first (when they are younger).

[wreckedmess]

I can somewhat agree with that but not always. I think there is a difference in some of the circumstances. What happens when the kid is sick and the spouse just wants attention to have it? Its kind of like what comes first, work or family. Without family you have nothing to work for (other than yourself) but without work you have no way to support your family (or yourself).

[Trena]

Originally Posted by wreckedmess

I can somewhat agree with that but not always. I think there is a difference in some of the circumstances. What happens when the kid is sick and the spouse just wants attention to have it? Its kind of like what comes first, work or family. Without family you have nothing to work for (other than yourself) but without work you have no way to support your family (or yourself).

I agree with this. Children do not have an opportunity to make themselves happy or to get a job and work. Another example would be if the spouse is abusive to the children. It's right to stand up for the defenseless child.