#89 - Parenting Without Losing Your Mind... or Your Marriage

#89 - Parenting Without Losing Your Mind... or Your Marriage

Becoming a Family: The Greatest Adventure of All Nothing can quite prepare you for the realities of parenthood. Life with babies and small children is, for most couples, a total shock to the system. As joyful and meaningful as this stage of life is, it can be very difficult. If you aren't thoughtful and intentional about what you're doing, parenthood can quickly become a chaotic, frustrating experience -- and take a huge toll on your marriage. As a marriage counselor, I'm always thrilled when smart, proactive couples show up for premarital counseling. My only wish is that more would show up for "pre-baby counseling." Because having a baby is a much bigger deal, emotionally and relationally, than getting hitched. Unfortunately, there is no such thing. Do a quick google search and about the only thing you find about "preparing for a baby" has to do with fitness, nutrition, and the ocean of baby-gear that you could acquire. Having kids changes everything, but it's hard to imagine what those changes will be until you actually do it. Most couples experience challenges that never occurred to them were even possible, while they were spending leisurely days shopping for baby furniture and talking about how much fun family fishing trips will be. (Or were consumed with riding the rollercoaster of protracted infertility). From the first day that little bundle is home, they are both faced with needing to make major changes around everything from they way they communicate, to expectations about what should be happening, to a higher need for teamwork, to establishing new systems so everything runs smoothly, to what role they each take with each other and as parents. Sprinkle in some anxiety, post part depression, sleep deprivation, no game plan, and a screaming baby and it can get tense pretty fast. It's a major life transition, and a lot to deal with. And if you just let it go, and hope for the best it's quite possible to become a statistical average and not enjoy the experience that that much. Research on marital satisfaction over the family life cycle has shown that there is a trend towards lower enjoyment of married life after having kids. Here's the depressing graph: www.growingself.com/parenting-without-losing-your-mind-yourself-or-your-marriage Parenting Together CAN Be Joyful That graph does not have to be YOUR reality. You are not a statistical average. You are a person with free will, choices, and you're already taking control over the situation by educating yourself. You get to be in charge of your life, and your family experience. I'm here as a wife, mom, and marriage and family therapist to tell you that life with kids doesn't have to be difficult, and it does not need to negatively impact your marriage. In fact, if you put even half as much time into figuring out your post-baby game plan (and your own personal growth opportunities) as you do into childbirth preparation classes you can avoid many of the most common pitfalls of new parents. Embracing the opportunities to grow that this phase of life offers will expand you. Parenthood is truly a vehicle to personal evolution. Even more importantly, when you intentionally grow skills in a few key areas you can cultivate a stronger marriage than you had pre-baby: You can have better communication, stronger agreement, more teamwork, and more fun than ever before. Except that it can be even more meaningful, important, and love drenched -- and probably messier -- that you ever imagined. On this edition of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast I'm going to be sharing some tips about where to where to start if you want to have a peaceful home, a strong marriage, great communication, easy kids, be on the same page with your partner, and have a shared vision for your family that is rooted in your core values. All the best, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Jaksot(468)

#303 - Personality Type Compatibility in Relationships

#303 - Personality Type Compatibility in Relationships

Are we a good fit? Do we have enough in common? Is my partner really “The One?”  Personality type compatibility in relationships isn’t about being alike or agreeing on everything — it’s about learning to understand your differences and use them for the benefit of each other and the relationship.  In today's episode, you’ll learn all about what really makes a couple compatible, and how you can harness your differences for a stronger relationship. With love,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.GrowingSelf.com

27 Kesä 202257min

#302 - Feeling Lonely In a Relationship? How to Reconnect.

#302 - Feeling Lonely In a Relationship? How to Reconnect.

We all dream of having a close, connected relationship that fulfills us on every level. If you're feeling lonely in a relationship, it hurts. It can be hard to know how to reconnect, especially if the distance has been growing for a while — or if negativity has crept in. Deep connection is created through the intentional cultivation of emotional intimacy. In this episode, we’re exploring how to do that, so you can create the loving, satisfying relationship you want and deserve. With love to you both,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

20 Kesä 202246min

#301 - Dealing With Control Freaks

#301 - Dealing With Control Freaks

Dealing with control freaks is aggravating, but when you know what’s behind it, it’s easier to have understanding and empathy for them — and also create healthier boundaries for yourself.  In this episode, you'll learn all about the psychology of the control freak: What drives their behavior, and how you can maintain a relationship with the control freak(s) in your life while still being authentically yourself. xo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

13 Kesä 202256min

#300 - Us: Getting Past You and Me

#300 - Us: Getting Past You and Me

Our relationships are priceless. They can’t be bought, they can only be built. Without them, our lives would be empty.  But all of that is easy to forget when you’re in the midst of a furious argument with your partner, or anyone you love. When we’re emotionally elevated, we say and do things that damage our connections with others. But it doesn’t have to be that way — conflict can be an opportunity for deeper connection and better relationships.  On today’s episode, internationally recognized marriage counselor and author Terry Real shares how to get past "you and me" to build your "we." Tune in for advice on shedding the individualist mindset and bringing more love into your life. Made with love, for you! Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

6 Kesä 202250min

#299 - Life After Loss

#299 - Life After Loss

On today’s episode we’re discussing the unwelcome territory we all have to navigate eventually: life after loss.  Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a dream, a job, or a relationship, adjusting to your new reality requires a grieving process. Giving yourself permission to fully mourn heals you, and fosters new growth too. In this episode, I'm speaking with two expert grief counselors about coping with grief and loss, finding peace, and moving forward when it feels like you can’t. If you've experienced a loss, I'm sorry... and this one is for you. With love,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

30 Touko 20221h 1min

#298 - Can You Be Friends With Your Ex?

#298 - Can You Be Friends With Your Ex?

Should you be friends with your ex? After a divorce or breakup, being friends with an ex can seem appealing, especially if you're co-parenting. Making the transition from partners to pals is possible. But without radical self-honesty and clear intentions, it can be challenging — and may even create new problems. Can you be friends with your ex? If so, how do you go about this transition in a healthy way? That's what we're exploring, in this episode. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

23 Touko 202252min

#297 - Why Relationships Fail

#297 - Why Relationships Fail

Every committed couple begins with the best of intentions, believing they’ll love each other forever. But we all know it doesn’t always work out that way. The truth is that people often accidentally damage their relationships beyond the point of repair... without even realizing it.  Today, we’re talking about the real, hidden reasons why relationships fail, so you can take positive action now to keep yours healthy and strong.  With love,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

16 Touko 20221h 18min

#296 - Attachment Styles in Relationships

#296 - Attachment Styles in Relationships

Why do we react the way we do? Attachment styles in relationships are a powerful force. Understanding your attachment style, as well as that of your partner, can help you create a more compassionate partnership. In this episode, you'll learn about attachment patterns, identify yours and your partner's, and how to develop healthy and secure relationship systems. With love,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby GrowingSelf.com

9 Touko 202255min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
kolme-kaannekohtaa
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
aikalisa
olipa-kerran-otsikko
i-dont-like-mondays
sita
poks
antin-palautepalvelu
loukussa
kaksi-aitia
mamma-mia
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
rss-murhan-anatomia
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
meidan-pitais-puhua
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
terapeuttiville-qa
lahko
rss-palmujen-varjoissa