Marital satisfaction also can decrease when children are born. One factor is the fact that a couple has less time to spend with each other. First-time parents can grow into this role. But in a second marriage, it's possible that each spouse may bring children to the marriage. Taking the time to get to know each other's parenting style and children will be important to the success of a second marriage.
Second marriages have a higher failure rate than first marriages.
That doesn't mean that they can't succeed. By the time a couple gets married, they should be best friends, she said. Couples usually choose one of three styles, she added. When conflict arises, some couples compromise and then move on. Still others sweep conflict under the rug and can keep going only if they both agree to avoid conflictual issues.