Carving out couple time is critical. If your children don?™t see you and your spouse spending time together, being affectionate, helping each other with chores, joking around, resolving a disagreement, or going out on a date for just the two of you occasionally ??how else will they learn what a healthy marriage relationship should look like?

Paying attention to your spouse is important. Little things can mean a lot ??helping with a meal, assisting with picking up a child, a note in a lunch bag, or a back rub. I?™ll never forget how pleasantly surprised I was to come home one day and find my husband had cleaned the tub so I could take a bubble bath.

(5) Take time for yourself. The pressures of balancing families with multiple careers, maintaining a household, raising children and investing in a marriage can be overwhelming. Remember to set aside time for yourself. If that means you need to go for a walk, watch a sports event, join a Bible study group, sign up for a health club, get your nails done, read a book, visit a friend, or do something else that is totally ?œyours??then do what it takes to cram it into your schedule. I?™ve found that I?™m happier and a better wife and stepparent when I take a little time for myself.

Best wishes for a joyous New Year.

A thirty-something wife and stepmom, Dawn Miller writes a column on life in blended families at http://www.thestepfamilylife.com.