By Kathleen Gilbert
September 11, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Following the birth of her second son, pop star Gwen Stefani, a woman who is not normally known for her “family friendly” image, told the U.K.‘s Hello! Magazine that welcoming children into her marriage has helped her and husband Gavin Rossdale be more loving and attentive to each other, in addition to giving her “one of the greatest and purest pleasures” of a lifetime.
The Hollaback Girl singer gushed to the magazine that giving life to her newest son Zuma Nesta Rock has revitalized and strengthened her marriage. “We feel so blessed to be able to share this experience together and see how we have both become more romantic and caring for each other, simply because we have seen how beautiful it is to have come this far together and started a new chapter in our lives.”
Stefani said that she and her husband plan to continue having children: “Gavin loves being a dad and he wants to have a bigger family, too.
“I feel we are closer in many ways now that we are building something together outside our own crazy relationship.”
On the joy she has discovered in motherhood, Stefani said, “I feel happier now. I know every mother must feel this way, but watching your child grow up and learn new things every day is one of the greatest and purest pleasures you can have.”
Psychologist Trayce Hansen, PhD., an author who specializes in dating and marriage issues, commended Stefani, observing that her statement that children actually strengthen a marriage was very insightful.
“As youngsters we are all narcissistic. But marriage and parenthood, for most people, begins a maturing process that redirects one’s focus away from the self,” said Hansen. “Focus on others rather than self creates happier individuals. An adult who remains narcissistic cannot be happy.”