What to Discuss Before Having Kids with Nikki Lively, LCSW

Practically Married with Paula Holt

Having a child is a joyous yet extremely stressful experience for most couples. So, this week I’m talking to Nikki Lively, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) about some of the conversations couples should begin having years before starting a family.
We cover a wide range of topics including:

• Deciding if and when to have children
• Fertility issues
• Considerations for how many kids to have
• Gender & personality preferences
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Parental roles & expectations
• Division of labor
• Boundaries with extended family
• Culture, religion & community
• Childcare choices

Nikki Lively, LCSW is the Clinical Director of the Transitions to Parenthood Program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. To learn more about Nikki's work, visit:

• NikkiLively.com
• Nikki Lively at The Family Institute

Additional resources:

• The Family Institute Resource Library
• The Fair Play Method
• Get Ready to Say "I Do" (the FREE Practically Married mini-course)

Get in touch!

• Follow us on Instagram @getpracticallymarried
• Visit PracticallyMarried.net for more info and to check out our free conversation-starting resources!
• Email us at [e-mail]

Edited by Veronica Gruba
Music by Sage Holt-Hall