Setting boundaries

In her book Marriage isn't for Sissies, Dr. Beth Erickson argues that setting good boundaries is essential to having a great marriage. Erickson writes, "A good boundary is firm, clear, and yet flexible."

Erickson adds that there are special boundary considerations for people who have home-based businesses or work with their spouses.

If you work from home, teach older kids that they shouldn't interrupt you when you're working unless it is an emergency. (Check on them every hour or so.) Consider hiring someone to help you take care of very young children.

Do you work in a home-based business with your spouse? Resist the temptation of talking about work with him all the time. Rather, make a clear distinction between work time and spouse time.