In a balanced system parents devote their attention to bonding and getting to know their baby together. Even when one partner specializes in economically providing, both are involved in responsibilities and equal decision-making about caretaking and about their shared economic future. There is however an awareness of this first year as a very special year which establishes the foundations of trust in relationship. Decision making is shared. Both partners feel their needs are considered.
Power is in balance and parental teamwork strengthens the couples' relationship.
Knowledge of the child through firsthand nurturing experience develops simultaneously for each parent. Generational boundaries are intact. The primary task of early family development is one of nurturance. As women become mothers and men become fathers, it is necessary to take time and energy to focus on emotional bonding and caretaking. Too often in our society the anxieties caused by this transition make us vulnerable to solving this anxiety by putting energy into work and accomplishments, instead of the emotional work of bonding.