Wilson and Marilyn were married in December 1964. Together, they had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy (born 1968 and 1969, respectively), who later had musical success of their own as two-thirds of the group Wilson Phillips. Wilson characterized himself as a neglectful father and husband in his first marriage. Marilyn said that he had completely "backed out" of raising their children because he had felt that he was an unfit parent and would repeat his father's mistakes. His daughters inspired his songs "Roller Skating Child" (1977) and "Little Children" (1988).
Wilson and Marilyn were married in December 1964. Together, they had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy (born 1968 and 1969, respectively), who later had musical success of their own as two-thirds of the group Wilson Phillips. Wilson characterized himself as a neglectful father and husband. in his first marriage Marilyn said that he had completely "backed out" of raising their children because he had felt that he was an unfit parent and would repeat his father's mistakes. His daughters inspired his songs "Roller Skating Child" (1977) and "Little Children" (1988).