It is no secret that men and women are different.  God created us both in His image, but also created differences that would complement each other. The way we go about raising our babies is no exception.

Picture a couple who just found out they are going to be parents.  They are happily married, financially secure, and excited about a new baby joining their family.  However, they both have fears about the journey they are about to embark upon.  As with just about every other relationship dynamic, the mother-to-be and father-to-be approach parenthood in very different ways with different sets of fears.

Women know that their life will change completely when a child comes into the home. Well before God breathes life into that tiny little body, the woman is responsible for nourishing and caring for it.  The mother will devote hours each day to feeding and caring for this child for years to come.

Most women are also the managers of the home.  I support equality in a marriage just as much as the next person, but statistics show that women are still responsible for most of the home care.  An added child means added cleaning and laundry.  This can quickly become an overwhelming thought to many women.   There may be moments when women worry that they won’t know how to handle the work load or have the time to keep it all together.  The Bible tells us that in 1 Corinthians 14:33 “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” As the home manager, we women are given the task of organizing and keeping the peace, even in times of chaos.  God created in women the ability to nurture and care for young lives.  God graces women with the gift of multitasking.  Proverbs 31:27 says, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

Daddy-to-be may not worry at all about caring for this new bundle of joy.  His concern may be more financial.  He may be up at night fretting over college funds and how to afford all those diapers.  Dads, by God’s design, are providers.  He is probably worrying about how to manage the finances, while mom worries about managing meals and laundry.

Dads also agonize over discipline.  1 Timothy 3:4-5 reminds us that “[An overseer] must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”   Of course discipline methods have to be discussed and agreed upon by both parents in order to succeed, but men tend to worry more about it ahead of time than women do.

This all may sound disheartening or unfair until we remember that we are not alone in our new roles.  God is entrusting us with His children.  We always have the comfort and mercy of God.

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