DEAR AMY: My husband and I have been married for three years, and we have a 2-year-old son. I'm to the point where I have emotionally checked out of the relationship.

We have had several talks that have led to arguments about problems in the marriage, including drug use and his not helping out more around the house.

After both fights (one in which I took our son and moved out for a few days), he would apologize and say he would help more or stop smoking weed, and he would -- but only for about a month.

I understand he works long hours and is helping out at church, but I also work all day and then come home to deal with the dog and our son by myself for four days out of the week.

I'm tired of talking to him. I want things to change so we're happy again, but if after two previous discussions things obviously haven't changed, is it even worth a third talk?

Checked Out

DEAR CHECKED OUT: Your letter will be read with recognition by couples who have survived these extremely tough early years and can look back and say, "We've been there."

So, yes, your marriage and your family is worth a third conversation. It is worth a fourth conversation and more beyond that. This is the toughest period of the family journey. Please be kind to yourself. Find ways to be kind to him.

Ways of being kind are to find little moments of personal respite in your daily life, punctuated by longer moments of privacy and positive experiences with your husband. (I assume that you are both being the best possible parents to your toddler.)

Here's what I see in your husband, even though you don't present him in a positive light: He is listening. He wants to change. He's a hard worker.

The strongest couples always describe themselves as a "team." You and your husband need to find ways to reconnect and discover -- and act upon -- your shared goals. If you do, you both will change in ways that are lasting and profound.

Perhaps your church offers family nights or marriage workshops. If so, attend. I recommend the book "Ten Lessons to Transform Your Marriage: America's Love Lab Experts Share Their Strategies for Strengthening Your Relationship," by John M. Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman and Joan Declaire (2007, Three Rivers Press).

DEAR AMY: Your answer to "Grandmother" was correct but not nearly stern enough.

The problem described (mom has a string of serial boyfriends; small children sleeping with mom and the boyfriend du jour) is nothing short of neglect at a minimum, if not abuse, which I hope is not the case.

As a teacher/mandated reporter, I would have to call the Department of Children and Family Services if I heard about such arrangements. Men who are temporary sexual partners of dreadful mothers such as this are frequently sexual abusers of children in the home.

Also Worried

DEAR ALSO: I agree. Thank you.
