Real Wife Lessons

I'm going to tell you something that I wish I learned when I was 13. Something we all should teach our daughters so they don't have to experience the same pain... YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FEEL GUILTY! Guilt is NOT your friend.... You will be happier and healthier if you let go of guilt! Guilt SHAMES you and makes you feel BAD about yourself. When you allow yourself to feel guilty, you second-guess yourself, put other's needs before your own, and minimize the value and importance of boundaries. If you struggle with guilt, work on letting it go with the tips below. HOW TO LET GO OF GUILT: 1. Replace your guilty thought with a kind thought or mantra. (I.e., "My feelings are valid.") 2. Think about the benefit of your boundary, feelings, or needs. (I.e., "When I take time away from my family, I am a better mom and wife.") 3. Get comfortable with the idea that you may disappoint others. It may feel bad to let someone you love down, but your mental health matters. What do you feel most guilty about as a mom and wife? See more

I'm going to tell you something that I wish I learned when I was 13. Something we all should teach our daughters so they don't have to experience the same pain... YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FEEL GUILTY! Guilt is NOT your friend.... You will be happier and healthier if you let go of guilt! Guilt SHAMES you and makes you feel BAD about yourself. When you allow yourself to feel guilty, you second-guess yourself, put other's needs before your own, and minimize the value and importance of boundaries. If you struggle with guilt, work on letting it go with the tips below. HOW TO LET GO OF GUILT: 1. Replace your guilty thought with a kind thought or mantra. (I.e., "My feelings are valid.") 2. Think about the benefit of your boundary, feelings, or needs. (I.e., "When I take time away from my family, I am a better mom and wife.") 3. Get comfortable with the idea that you may disappoint others. It may feel bad to let someone you love down, but your mental health matters. What do you feel most guilty about as a mom and wife? See more

Hey mama! Do you want to know one of the most common mistakes I see women make in their marriage after having a baby? New moms (and moms in general) give their husbands WAY TOO much "feedback" (criticism). When you give your husband "feedback" or criticize how or what he is doing, he will withdraw and eventually stop helping or getting involved.... No one wants to feel like they are incapable or incompetent, so when your husband receives negative feedback, when you "re-do" what he has already done, when you step in and "just do it yourself," or when you tell him he is doing something wrong, he will stop helping. If you are a new mom or a mom desperate for her husband to jump in and help, stop giving so much "feedback." Let your husband find his own way of doing things. Let him figure out that he needs to pull the ruffles out on the diapers, that if he leaves the milk in the bottle that it smells and is harder to clean, that if he resists baby's schedule everything is more complicated for the rest of the day, that if he forgets to check the diaper bag, he may not have what he needs, and if he doesn't ask for help, he'll have to learn things the hard way. In short, allow your husband space and freedom to learn how to be a dad just like you learned how to be a mom - trial and error. This does mean that you should be mean or passive-aggressive as you let him figure it out. Instead, it means that you give him space, reinforce and praise him as a way to help build his confidence, help when he asks for advice, join with him during the hard moments, and trust that he WILL grow into a capable, competent father and husband! Do you need to take a step back and allow him to find his way? See more

Hey mama! Do you want to know one of the most common mistakes I see women make in their marriage after having a baby? New moms (and moms in general) give their husbands WAY TOO much "feedback" (criticism). When you give your husband "feedback" or criticize how or what he is doing, he will withdraw and eventually stop helping or getting involved.... No one wants to feel like they are incapable or incompetent, so when your husband receives negative feedback, when you "re-do" what he has already done, when you step in and "just do it yourself," or when you tell him he is doing something wrong, he will stop helping. If you are a new mom or a mom desperate for her husband to jump in and help, stop giving so much "feedback." Let your husband find his own way of doing things. Let him figure out that he needs to pull the ruffles out on the diapers, that if he leaves the milk in the bottle that it smells and is harder to clean, that if he resists baby's schedule everything is more complicated for the rest of the day, that if he forgets to check the diaper bag, he may not have what he needs, and if he doesn't ask for help, he'll have to learn things the hard way. In short, allow your husband space and freedom to learn how to be a dad just like you learned how to be a mom - trial and error. This does mean that you should be mean or passive-aggressive as you let him figure it out. Instead, it means that you give him space, reinforce and praise him as a way to help build his confidence, help when he asks for advice, join with him during the hard moments, and trust that he WILL grow into a capable, competent father and husband! Do you need to take a step back and allow him to find his way? See more

Pandemic or not, I know that you feel frustrated with your husband. I know that you're annoyed when he leaves his coffee mugs around. You're disappointed that he doesn't remember important dates. You feel angry and lonely Saturday mornings when he goes for his run/bike ride/golf. But being annoyed isn't going to make your marriage better. Being passive-aggressive isn't going to make him change. And hoping that he'll "get the point" or "read your mind" wil...l only leave you feeling disappointed. If you want your husband or your marriage to change (heck, if you want any part of your life to change), YOU have to make changes. You have to get clear on what YOU want and begin to work towards it. You have to take small steps every day towards your goals, your wants, and your dreams. You have to realize that your happiness, even in your RELATIONSHIP, lies within YOU! Waiting for your husband to get it, hear you, wake up, grow up, or show up, will leave you hurt, lonely, disappointed, and angry. Waiting will lead to resentment, which will chip away at your marriage and create more unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Taking control and making small daily changes instead, will lead to significant changes in time. So if you want your relationship to improve, if you want your husband to change, if you want to feel happier and more satisfied, then wake up and be different. No more waiting, hoping, or wishing. Be the wife, partner, mother, and woman you want to be and trust that change will follow. Wake up tomorrow and be the wife, partner, mother, and woman YOU want to be and trust that change will follow. See more

OK, so your marriage is struggling a bit (or maybe a lot) since quarantine or since you've had a baby or since you got married... The truth is ALL marriages struggle during times of transition, and COVID-19 life is one great big transition, having a baby is one great big transition, and getting married is a huge transition. So, as you navigate life and your marriage during these uncertain times, I want you to remember that there are some very CERTAIN ways ...to nurture your marriage and keep your love ALIVE! 1. Wake up and remember WHY you CHOSE him! 2. Be physically daily! Hug, kiss, cuddle. 3. Laugh together often! 4. Talk about your future goals together. 5. Look him in the eye, listen to him, and always find the good in him. See more

Pandemic or not, I know that you feel frustrated with your husband. I know that you're annoyed when he leaves his coffee mugs around. You're disappointed that he doesn't remember important dates. You feel angry and lonely Saturday mornings when he goes for his run/bike ride/golf. But being annoyed isn't going to make your marriage better. Being passive-aggressive isn't going to make him change. And hoping that he'll "get the point" or "read your mind" wil...l only leave you feeling disappointed. If you want your husband or your marriage to change (heck, if you want any part of your life to change), YOU have to make changes. You have to get clear on what YOU want and begin to work towards it. You have to take small steps every day towards your goals, your wants, and your dreams. You have to realize that your happiness, even in your RELATIONSHIP, lies within YOU! Waiting for your husband to get it, hear you, wake up, grow up, or show up, will leave you hurt, lonely, disappointed, and angry. Waiting will lead to resentment, which will chip away at your marriage and create more unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Taking control and making small daily changes instead, will lead to significant changes in time. So if you want your relationship to improve, if you want your husband to change, if you want to feel happier and more satisfied, then wake up and be different. No more waiting, hoping, or wishing. Be the wife, partner, mother, and woman you want to be and trust that change will follow. Wake up tomorrow and be the wife, partner, mother, and woman YOU want to be and trust that change will follow. See more

You are SUPER, but you are not superhuman. You need to ask for help. You need to let go.... You need to allow your husband to do things his way so that you can take care of you. Now go ask him for help with the kids, with the dishes, with the laundry, and go take a nap! You deserve it!!! Share the one thing you asked for help with below. We all need ideas to help us let go! See more

OK, so your marriage is struggling a bit (or maybe a lot) since quarantine or since you've had a baby or since you got married... The truth is ALL marriages struggle during times of transition, and COVID-19 life is one great big transition, having a baby is one great big transition, and getting married is a huge transition. So, as you navigate life and your marriage during these uncertain times, I want you to remember that there are some very CERTAIN ways ...to nurture your marriage and keep your love ALIVE! 1. Wake up and remember WHY you CHOSE him! 2. Be physically daily! Hug, kiss, cuddle. 3. Laugh together often! 4. Talk about your future goals together. 5. Look him in the eye, listen to him, and always find the good in him. See more

No one prepares you for the negative feelings you have as a new mom. No one talks about the resentment, the anger, and the hate you start to feel towards your husband as a new mom. No one lets you behind the curtains and reveals their silent pain. I know we don't WANT to talk about it. It's uncomfortable to acknowledge our dissatisfaction. Like we're allowing negativity in during a time when we should feel blessed, grateful, and in love. There seems to be ...an unwritten rule that says we're supposed to be happy as a new mom. We feel the need to say things like, "Everything is GREAT!" OR "I'm SO in love!" OR "My husband is an AMAZING father." OR "I couldn't be happier!" But after speaking with THOUSANDS of new moms over the past few years, I know that this isn't true. And after having my own three children, I know that marriage after baby is TOUGH! You are not alone. 70% of couples feel less satisfied in their marriage after a baby is born. 70% of couples struggle in their relationship after becoming parents. 70% of couples question if they're relationship will last. If you are a new mom or a mom with a new baby, your feelings of dissatisfaction are normal. It is OK to hate your husband, it is OK to feel unhappy, sad, or lonely, and it is OK to miss your old life. You won't feel this way forever; things will get easier; you will fall back in love with your husband. WHAT HELPS? - Working on your marriage helps. - Finding a new rhythm as a family helps. - Giving yourself time to heal, adjust, and find your role as a mom helps. - And reminding yourself EVERY DAY WHY you CHOSE to marry your husband, what you love most about him, and making a list of all the ways he DOES help around the house helps! See more

It’s the weekend and many couples spend the weekend fighting, but not this weekend! This weekend you are going to ENJOY one another! I'm challenging you to focus on getting along with your husband this weekend! And I will be here to help! Send me your questions, post your struggles, download a relationship building tool, learn how to say, "I'm Sorry", and plan a quarantine Date Night!... Check my bio and IG stories all weekend for tips, tools, and links. And don’t forget to send me your questions!! See more

To all the hardworking, homeschooling, quarantine surviving mamas out there, this is just a reminder that you are AMAZING! Of all the superpowers in the world, know that your superpower is the one that makes the world go round. From the very beginning, you have provided all that your child needs. Without thinking, you have comforted, protected, and nurtured. Without question, you have given when you've had nothing left to give, and reassured, when you have... felt uncertain. Remember today and always, that your superpower (LOVE) is all your child needs. Your love will help your child thrive. Your love will boost their self-esteem. Your love will help them learn right from wrong. Your love will teach them about compassion, respect, empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance. Your love will transform the world. See more

You are SUPER, but you are not superhuman. You need to ask for help. You need to let go.... You need to allow your husband to do things his way so that you can take care of you. Now go ask him for help with the kids, with the dishes, with the laundry, and go take a nap! You deserve it!!! Share the one thing you asked for help with below. We all need ideas to help us let go! See more

To all the hardworking, homeschooling, quarantine surviving mamas out there, this is just a reminder that you are AMAZING! Of all the superpowers in the world, know that your superpower is the one that makes the world go round. From the very beginning, you have provided all that your child needs. Without thinking, you have comforted, protected, and nurtured. Without question, you have given when you've had nothing left to give, and reassured, when you have... felt uncertain. Remember today and always, that your superpower (LOVE) is all your child needs. Your love will help your child thrive. Your love will boost their self-esteem. Your love will help them learn right from wrong. Your love will teach them about compassion, respect, empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance. Your love will transform the world. See more

No one prepares you for the negative feelings you have as a new mom. No one talks about the resentment, the anger, and the hate you start to feel towards your husband as a new mom. No one lets you behind the curtains and reveals their silent pain. I know we don't WANT to talk about it. It's uncomfortable to acknowledge our dissatisfaction. Like we're allowing negativity in during a time when we should feel blessed, grateful, and in love. There seems to be ...an unwritten rule that says we're supposed to be happy as a new mom. We feel the need to say things like, "Everything is GREAT!" OR "I'm SO in love!" OR "My husband is an AMAZING father." OR "I couldn't be happier!" But after speaking with THOUSANDS of new moms over the past few years, I know that this isn't true. And after having my own three children, I know that marriage after baby is TOUGH! You are not alone. 70% of couples feel less satisfied in their marriage after a baby is born. 70% of couples struggle in their relationship after becoming parents. 70% of couples question if they're relationship will last. If you are a new mom or a mom with a new baby, your feelings of dissatisfaction are normal. It is OK to hate your husband, it is OK to feel unhappy, sad, or lonely, and it is OK to miss your old life. You won't feel this way forever; things will get easier; you will fall back in love with your husband. WHAT HELPS? - Working on your marriage helps. - Finding a new rhythm as a family helps. - Giving yourself time to heal, adjust, and find your role as a mom helps. - And reminding yourself EVERY DAY WHY you CHOSE to marry your husband, what you love most about him, and making a list of all the ways he DOES help around the house helps! See more

Does this ever happen in your marriage? You and your husband are getting along fine, and then all of a sudden, you fall out of sync? You start to feel like ships passing in the night, conversations quickly turn into arguments, and you just can't seem to get on the same page?? Want to know how to get your marriage back on track???... I've got you! HOW TO GET BACK IN-SYNC: - Acknowledge that you've fallen out of step with one another. - Express how falling out of sync is making you feel (i.e., sad, anxious, disappointed, lonely). - Start talking about stressors that are affecting each of you - Never underestimate the impact stress and overwhelm have on the quality of your marriage. - Identify needs - Time together, alone time, time to workout, family time, etc. - Carve out time to be together - Make a plan to have fun together, hang out together, go for a walk together, and enjoy one another. - Be physical - Hug, kiss, hold hands, cuddle, make love. The physical side of your relationship matters. Hormones that foster bonding, attachment, and connection are released through physical contact, which strengthens your marriage. And remember, it's okay if the two of you fall out of sync or wind up on different pages. Working together to get back on track will make your marriage stronger. It's ignoring or avoiding the distance in your relationship that causes real problems. Learn simple connecting questions to help you reconnect on the blog (LINK IN BIO). See more

I see you. I know you're struggling with this question. I know that as the days drag on, you question if you ARE enough? If you're DOING enough? If you're DOING it RIGHT?... And the answer is YES!" YES, you ARE enough! And YES, you are DOING enough. Everyone under your roof, including you, only needs you to be "good enough." That means 30% of the time you get it right, respond correctly, or handle it well. You do NOT have to be PERFECT. You will NEVER be perfect. YOU ARE ENOUGH. So wake up and remind yourself that you are enough. Before you go to bed list 3 wins for the day and proudly say the words, "I AM ENOUGH!" Share this with a friend that needs to hear this today. See more

It’s the weekend and many couples spend the weekend fighting, but not this weekend! This weekend you are going to ENJOY one another! I'm challenging you to focus on getting along with your husband this weekend! And I will be here to help! Send me your questions, post your struggles, download a relationship building tool, learn how to say, "I'm Sorry", and plan a quarantine Date Night!... Check my bio and IG stories all weekend for tips, tools, and links. And don’t forget to send me your questions!! See more

To all the hardworking, homeschooling, quarantine surviving mamas out there, this is just a reminder that you are AMAZING! Of all the superpowers in the world, know that your superpower is the one that makes the world go round. From the very beginning, you have provided all that your child needs. Without thinking, you have comforted, protected, and nurtured. Without question, you have given when you've had nothing left to give, and reassured, when you have... felt uncertain. Remember today and always, that your superpower (LOVE) is all your child needs. Your love will help your child thrive. Your love will boost their self-esteem. Your love will help them learn right from wrong. Your love will teach them about compassion, respect, empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance. Your love will transform the world. See more

Working mamas, this one is for you! Do you remember the days of wishing that you could work from home so you could spend more time with your family? Have you ever longed for the freedom to participate in your children's day, putting them down for naps, kissing boo-boos when they get hurt, cooking with them, and reading piles of books without the pressure of getting to the next activity on time? Have you ever stood at school, hugging your child, wishing you didn't ha...ve to leave them as they cried, begging you not to go? I have! Today I thought about my FANTASY of working for home vs. my current REALITY of working from home. This beautiful desk with flowers on it is my fantasy, but my reality is different (swipe left). My reality is a desk in the middle of the kitchen cluttered with school work, Mother's Day cards for family members, birthday notes for friends, and a work calendar that keeps me on track. It is messy and chaotic, which makes me anxious, but it is also a symbol of something that I have wanted. Sure, a global pandemic was not part of my fantasy, but I've often wished for more time with my family without the stress and pressure of rushing from one thing to the next. Of course, I love and miss playdates, dinner dates, sports, school, and so much more. But I also love having lunch with my family after a client session. I love going for an after-dinner walk without worrying about waking up for school. I love reading together and being part of my kid's learning journey, even if it is stressful and interferes with accomplishing other tasks. And I love playing with my baby girl, watching her grow, witnessing her first steps, and soaking in these final months of snuggles. Yes, the days are long and hard, and I'm juggling more than I can keep up with, but I've realized that my wish came true, and I should make the most of it! Anyone else feel this way? @ Los Angeles, California See more

To all the hardworking, homeschooling, quarantine surviving mamas out there, this is just a reminder that you are AMAZING! Of all the superpowers in the world, know that your superpower is the one that makes the world go round. From the very beginning, you have provided all that your child needs. Without thinking, you have comforted, protected, and nurtured. Without question, you have given when you've had nothing left to give, and reassured, when you have... felt uncertain. Remember today and always, that your superpower (LOVE) is all your child needs. Your love will help your child thrive. Your love will boost their self-esteem. Your love will help them learn right from wrong. Your love will teach them about compassion, respect, empathy, forgiveness, and acceptance. Your love will transform the world. See more

Do you want to know the secret for getting your husband to fall in love with you again and again??? Just be YOU! Once upon a time, your husband met you and fell in love with you.... He loved your eyes, your hair, your smile. He loved your passion for life, the way you cared for others, and your ability to let go and have fun! He loved how perfectly imperfect you were, and CHOSE to spend his life with you. Parenthood may have changed your marriage, it may have changed some aspects of you, and it may have changed your husband, but at the end of the day, you are still YOU! Your core self, your loveable qualities, your ability to make him smile are all still part of you! So let your loveable self shine through! Make an effort to laugh together, play together, and talk together. Let your guard down, be vulnerable, and allow your husband to fall back in love with the perfectly imperfect you! What do you think your husband misses most about the girl he met before marriage and kids??? See more

Happy May the 4th! Today was a day my boys have been waiting for, almost like Christmas!! To say Star Wars is their favorite series is an understatement. My boys LIVE for Star Wars, and they've never even seen any of the movies! They do, however, listen to Star Wars audiobooks every time we're in the car, read Star Wars books at home, have all of the action figures, visit Star Wars land at Legoland, attend "meet and greets" and parades that include Star ...Wars characters, have Star Wars pajamas, shirts, and bikes, and have celebrated many Star Wars-themed birthdays. They LOVE it! As a mom, I didn't really get it at first. Especially when they were super young, but as they've grown older and I've had the opportunity to observe their play, I understand the draw. Star Wars is an opportunity for children (and adults) to explore good and bad. To visit the dark side and almost immediately return to being "good little boys." It is a safe way to aggress against one another through lightsaber play and then return to being loving brothers. It is a window into a world filled with angst, fear, fighting for what you believe in, rebelling against authority, and growing stronger with each new challenge. I have come to appreciate Star Wars, and I'm happy to support their passion. When I can, I play Star Wars with them, helping them explore themes of good and bad, and working through their aggression. When they are in sync with one another, I smile, as they learn how to navigate a world of good vs. evil, power and control, rebels vs. followers, and dark vs. light. So to all the moms of little Darth Vaders, Storm Troopers, Princess Leias, Reys, and Finns, on this May the 4th, I want to remind you to get involved in the play. Read your children Star Wars stories, discuss the themes, and teach them how to identify and express their emotions as they grapple with the daily decision to save the galaxy or destroy it. @ Dana Point, California See more

Does this ever happen in your marriage? You and your husband are getting along fine, and then all of a sudden, you fall out of sync? You start to feel like ships passing in the night, conversations quickly turn into arguments, and you just can't seem to get on the same page?? Want to know how to get your marriage back on track???... I've got you! HOW TO GET BACK IN-SYNC: - Acknowledge that you've fallen out of step with one another. - Express how falling out of sync is making you feel (i.e., sad, anxious, disappointed, lonely). - Start talking about stressors that are affecting each of you - Never underestimate the impact stress and overwhelm have on the quality of your marriage. - Identify needs - Time together, alone time, time to workout, family time, etc. - Carve out time to be together - Make a plan to have fun together, hang out together, go for a walk together, and enjoy one another. - Be physical - Hug, kiss, hold hands, cuddle, make love. The physical side of your relationship matters. Hormones that foster bonding, attachment, and connection are released through physical contact, which strengthens your marriage. And remember, it's okay if the two of you fall out of sync or wind up on different pages. Working together to get back on track will make your marriage stronger. It's ignoring or avoiding the distance in your relationship that causes real problems. Learn simple connecting questions to help you reconnect on the blog (LINK IN BIO). See more

I see you. I know you're struggling with this question. I know that as the days drag on, you question if you ARE enough? If you're DOING enough? If you're DOING it RIGHT?... And the answer is YES!" YES, you ARE enough! And YES, you are DOING enough. Everyone under your roof, including you, only needs you to be "good enough." That means 30% of the time you get it right, respond correctly, or handle it well. You do NOT have to be PERFECT. You will NEVER be perfect. YOU ARE ENOUGH. So wake up and remind yourself that you are enough. Before you go to bed list 3 wins for the day and proudly say the words, "I AM ENOUGH!" Share this with a friend that needs to hear this today. See more

Working mamas, this one is for you! Do you remember the days of wishing that you could work from home so you could spend more time with your family? Have you ever longed for the freedom to participate in your children's day, putting them down for naps, kissing boo-boos when they get hurt, cooking with them, and reading piles of books without the pressure of getting to the next activity on time? Have you ever stood at school, hugging your child, wishing you didn't ha...ve to leave them as they cried, begging you not to go? I have! Today I thought about my FANTASY of working for home vs. my current REALITY of working from home. This beautiful desk with flowers on it is my fantasy, but my reality is different (swipe left). My reality is a desk in the middle of the kitchen cluttered with school work, Mother's Day cards for family members, birthday notes for friends, and a work calendar that keeps me on track. It is messy and chaotic, which makes me anxious, but it is also a symbol of something that I have wanted. Sure, a global pandemic was not part of my fantasy, but I've often wished for more time with my family without the stress and pressure of rushing from one thing to the next. Of course, I love and miss playdates, dinner dates, sports, school, and so much more. But I also love having lunch with my family after a client session. I love going for an after-dinner walk without worrying about waking up for school. I love reading together and being part of my kid's learning journey, even if it is stressful and interferes with accomplishing other tasks. And I love playing with my baby girl, watching her grow, witnessing her first steps, and soaking in these final months of snuggles. Yes, the days are long and hard, and I'm juggling more than I can keep up with, but I've realized that my wish came true, and I should make the most of it! Anyone else feel this way? @ Los Angeles, California See more

Do you want to know the secret for getting your husband to fall in love with you again and again??? Just be YOU! Once upon a time, your husband met you and fell in love with you.... He loved your eyes, your hair, your smile. He loved your passion for life, the way you cared for others, and your ability to let go and have fun! He loved how perfectly imperfect you were, and CHOSE to spend his life with you. Parenthood may have changed your marriage, it may have changed some aspects of you, and it may have changed your husband, but at the end of the day, you are still YOU! Your core self, your loveable qualities, your ability to make him smile are all still part of you! So let your loveable self shine through! Make an effort to laugh together, play together, and talk together. Let your guard down, be vulnerable, and allow your husband to fall back in love with the perfectly imperfect you! What do you think your husband misses most about the girl he met before marriage and kids??? See more

Happy May the 4th! Today was a day my boys have been waiting for, almost like Christmas!! To say Star Wars is their favorite series is an understatement. My boys LIVE for Star Wars, and they've never even seen any of the movies! They do, however, listen to Star Wars audiobooks every time we're in the car, read Star Wars books at home, have all of the action figures, visit Star Wars land at Legoland, attend "meet and greets" and parades that include Star ...Wars characters, have Star Wars pajamas, shirts, and bikes, and have celebrated many Star Wars-themed birthdays. They LOVE it! As a mom, I didn't really get it at first. Especially when they were super young, but as they've grown older and I've had the opportunity to observe their play, I understand the draw. Star Wars is an opportunity for children (and adults) to explore good and bad. To visit the dark side and almost immediately return to being "good little boys." It is a safe way to aggress against one another through lightsaber play and then return to being loving brothers. It is a window into a world filled with angst, fear, fighting for what you believe in, rebelling against authority, and growing stronger with each new challenge. I have come to appreciate Star Wars, and I'm happy to support their passion. When I can, I play Star Wars with them, helping them explore themes of good and bad, and working through their aggression. When they are in sync with one another, I smile, as they learn how to navigate a world of good vs. evil, power and control, rebels vs. followers, and dark vs. light. So to all the moms of little Darth Vaders, Storm Troopers, Princess Leias, Reys, and Finns, on this May the 4th, I want to remind you to get involved in the play. Read your children Star Wars stories, discuss the themes, and teach them how to identify and express their emotions as they grapple with the daily decision to save the galaxy or destroy it. @ Dana Point, California See more

Hey mama! Do you want to know one of the most common mistakes I see women make in their marriage after having a baby? New moms (and moms in general) give their husbands WAY TOO much "feedback" (criticism). When you give your husband "feedback" or criticize how or what he is doing, he will withdraw and eventually stop helping or getting involved.... No one wants to feel like they are incapable or incompetent, so when your husband receives negative feedback, when you "re-do" what he has already done, when you step in and "just do it yourself," or when you tell him he is doing something wrong, he will stop helping. If you are a new mom or a mom desperate for her husband to jump in and help, stop giving so much "feedback." Let your husband find his own way of doing things. Let him figure out that he needs to pull the ruffles out on the diapers, that if he leaves the milk in the bottle that it smells and is harder to clean, that if he resists baby's schedule everything is more complicated for the rest of the day, that if he forgets to check the diaper bag, he may not have what he needs, and if he doesn't ask for help, he'll have to learn things the hard way. In short, allow your husband space and freedom to learn how to be a dad just like you learned how to be a mom - trial and error. This does mean that you should be mean or passive-aggressive as you let him figure it out. Instead, it means that you give him space, reinforce and praise him as a way to help build his confidence, help when he asks for advice, join with him during the hard moments, and trust that he WILL grow into a capable, competent father and husband! Do you need to take a step back and allow him to find his way? See more

Pandemic or not, I know that you feel frustrated with your husband. I know that you're annoyed when he leaves his coffee mugs around. You're disappointed that he doesn't remember important dates. You feel angry and lonely Saturday mornings when he goes for his run/bike ride/golf. But being annoyed isn't going to make your marriage better. Being passive-aggressive isn't going to make him change. And hoping that he'll "get the point" or "read your mind" wil...l only leave you feeling disappointed. If you want your husband or your marriage to change (heck, if you want any part of your life to change), YOU have to make changes. You have to get clear on what YOU want and begin to work towards it. You have to take small steps every day towards your goals, your wants, and your dreams. You have to realize that your happiness, even in your RELATIONSHIP, lies within YOU! Waiting for your husband to get it, hear you, wake up, grow up, or show up, will leave you hurt, lonely, disappointed, and angry. Waiting will lead to resentment, which will chip away at your marriage and create more unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Taking control and making small daily changes instead, will lead to significant changes in time. So if you want your relationship to improve, if you want your husband to change, if you want to feel happier and more satisfied, then wake up and be different. No more waiting, hoping, or wishing. Be the wife, partner, mother, and woman you want to be and trust that change will follow. Wake up tomorrow and be the wife, partner, mother, and woman YOU want to be and trust that change will follow. See more

OK, so your marriage is struggling a bit (or maybe a lot) since quarantine or since you've had a baby or since you got married... The truth is ALL marriages struggle during times of transition, and COVID-19 life is one great big transition, having a baby is one great big transition, and getting married is a huge transition. So, as you navigate life and your marriage during these uncertain times, I want you to remember that there are some very CERTAIN ways ...to nurture your marriage and keep your love ALIVE! 1. Wake up and remember WHY you CHOSE him! 2. Be physically daily! Hug, kiss, cuddle. 3. Laugh together often! 4. Talk about your future goals together. 5. Look him in the eye, listen to him, and always find the good in him. See more

You are SUPER, but you are not superhuman. You need to ask for help. You need to let go.... You need to allow your husband to do things his way so that you can take care of you. Now go ask him for help with the kids, with the dishes, with the laundry, and go take a nap! You deserve it!!! Share the one thing you asked for help with below. We all need ideas to help us let go! See more

No one prepares you for the negative feelings you have as a new mom. No one talks about the resentment, the anger, and the hate you start to feel towards your husband as a new mom. No one lets you behind the curtains and reveals their silent pain. I know we don't WANT to talk about it. It's uncomfortable to acknowledge our dissatisfaction. Like we're allowing negativity in during a time when we should feel blessed, grateful, and in love. There seems to be ...an unwritten rule that says we're supposed to be happy as a new mom. We feel the need to say things like, "Everything is GREAT!" OR "I'm SO in love!" OR "My husband is an AMAZING father." OR "I couldn't be happier!" But after speaking with THOUSANDS of new moms over the past few years, I know that this isn't true. And after having my own three children, I know that marriage after baby is TOUGH! You are not alone. 70% of couples feel less satisfied in their marriage after a baby is born. 70% of couples struggle in their relationship after becoming parents. 70% of couples question if they're relationship will last. If you are a new mom or a mom with a new baby, your feelings of dissatisfaction are normal. It is OK to hate your husband, it is OK to feel unhappy, sad, or lonely, and it is OK to miss your old life. You won't feel this way forever; things will get easier; you will fall back in love with your husband. WHAT HELPS? - Working on your marriage helps. - Finding a new rhythm as a family helps. - Giving yourself time to heal, adjust, and find your role as a mom helps. - And reminding yourself EVERY DAY WHY you CHOSE to marry your husband, what you love most about him, and making a list of all the ways he DOES help around the house helps! See more