Allow your partner to be more involved with caretaking of your little ones. While they are together try to minimize jumping in to fix situation when challenges between two arise. Allowing your partner to problem solve when situations occur only increases your partner’s confidence in handling matters. It also allows them to strengthen their already loving bond with their child.

If you need help doing housework or any other chores, don’t be afraid to ask your partner for help. Make your needs known to your partner so that there is no miscommunication. You just may discover that your partner will actually appreciate being asked to be more involved with daily activities.

Being open about your needs prevents resentments from occurring and alleviates tension for both parties. Remember that your partner doesn’t know your thoughts unless you express them.

Artist and Inspirational Writer Heather J. Tait began her career as a professional artist back in 1997 in Morgan Hill, CA. Her work and articles are displayed internationally. She is also the founder of Silence Speaks International Artist Association and the Editor of Intrigue Magazine. She has also been inducted into the 2004-2005 Who’s Who Among American Women. Email: contact@silencespeaks.com Silence Speaks http://www.silencespeaks.com

3) It doesn’t have to be family. Never feel you "have to" make a sister or other family your Maid of Honor. If your best friend’s a loyal trooper who goes with you on all errands, choose her. She deserves it.

4) Pick someone local if you need a lot of help. No one can do much from 3000 miles away, no matter how badly they want to.

5) Be realistic; look at past performance. Weddings are exciting. People are human. When everything’s new and you’ve just announced your plans, lots of people will offer to help. But not everyone will manage to follow through.

Who came through for you before wedding? Who actually managed to rearrange their schedules to be with you, even when inconvenient? These are people to rely on. No matter how exciting your plans, they won’t make an overcommitted person more available to you. Avoid trap of asking such a person because you think your wedding will be "important enough" for them to "change their ways," and you’ll avoid all stress and hardship of a disappointing Maid of Honor.

6) Be realistic; look at her life ahead. No matter what a treasure your Maid of Honor is, she has limits, too. Is she expecting a new baby? Is she working through a divorce? If these things slow her down, which they probably will, can you pick up slack without feeling disappointed?

7) Consider more than one Maid of Honor if you just can’t decide. But keep in mind, this can cause problems too. Can your Maids of Honor divide responsibilities, communicate well and avoid feelings of jealousy?

Now that you've chosen, honor your Maid of Honor with a little sign of how special she is to you. Take her out to a day spa, or go together to have your hair done before ceremony. Pick out a dress for her that’s a different color from other bridesmaids, or order her a bouquet with some special touches. She deserves it!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be bride who spends that all-important day surrounded by loving, warm friends at their ease. Could anything be better?