Updated
Updated · NPR · Jun 25
Merle Bombardieri Offers 4 Exercises to Help Couples Decide on Having Children
Updated
Updated · NPR · Jun 25

Merle Bombardieri Offers 4 Exercises to Help Couples Decide on Having Children

3 articles · Updated · NPR · Jun 25

Summary

  • Psychotherapist Merle Bombardieri shared four exercises aimed at helping couples decide whether to have a baby while reducing the chance of future regret.
  • The guidance draws on decades of counseling experience with partners facing conflicting feelings, uncertainty or pressure around parenthood.
  • The exercises are designed to bring clarity to a deeply personal decision by helping couples test assumptions, surface priorities and work toward a solution they can both live with.
  • The report frames the approach as practical decision-making support rather than a push toward either parenthood or remaining child-free.

Insights

What crucial conversations can prevent the stress of parenthood from damaging your relationship?
Can healing your 'Mother Wound' be the key to deciding if you truly want children?
Is your fear of motherhood an authentic desire or an old trauma response in disguise?