Number three – don’t just be our children’s friend, show some discipline.

Men, you can’t just be good cop; you have to play the part of bad cop too. Yes, us women know how hard this can be – we do it all the time, but we need you to actively support discipline with us – we can’t do it all alone.

There is nothing worse than a mother saying “no” and then the child goes behind her back and the father says “yes”. This completely overrides a mother’s authority, and makes a man look like an easy target – not to mention that it adds fuel to the fire in mom’s head, and can result in a very heated fight.

The best way to avoid this situation is to discuss discipline methods before having children. You both can agree on how your children should be raised, and have a plan going into parenthood. Deciding on discipline together is the only way a family can successfully thrive without major conflict.

But us seasoned parents know that even if you have a plan, it changes as children grow. And, together, you should decide how discipline will evolve during your child’s life span.

And, do her a favor – let her be good cop once in a while. She loves the kids just as much as you, and wants to hold a special place in their heart. It’s hard to say no all the time, so pick up the slack and help her say yes.

Number four – trust us, but a little jealousy can go a long way.

“Where are you going, what are you doing and when will you be back,” isn’t something a woman wants to hear every time she leaves the house. One of the cornerstones of a relationship is trust, and without trust you have a hard time giving the relationship your all.

With that said, remember number two? A woman wants to be wanted by you – but it doesn’t hurt to mention that a guy at the grocery store was checking her out, or “did you see that teenage boy ogling you?”

Let’s clarify something before going further - seeing other men appreciate your wife’s beauty should be thought of as a positive thing, not a reason to get into a fight. Yes, there are instances where a man may be completely inappropriate, and both your wife and you should remove yourself from the situation (no violence, please!), but there are also innocent glances from men admiring a beautiful woman, and should be taken as just that and nothing more.

And if you see those gazes, let her know. Women tend to be in their own little worlds in grocery stores, running errands and such, and don’t even notice when they are admired. While she may say “no they weren’t, you need to get your eyes checked,” deep down inside she likes that feeling, and her confidence soars.

And, admit it, it’s nice to know that other men find your wife attractive. It gives you a rush of “yes, she’s beautiful, and she’s all mine” – something that boosts your confidence as well.