TNMU #217: Parenting When Your Marriage Sucks

Parenting well is a big job. It’s made even harder when your marriage isn’t in a good place. What do you do if you find yourself as a dad in a marriage that sucks? How do you stay strong as a dad and deal with the difficulty of a strained relationship? That’s what Mark and John get into with this episode.   Expanded Notes: Suggestions from a professional counselor Order — be clear on the roles of the family; help order the chaos Love — maintain connection; don’t abuse the connection Value — ensure your kids’ sense of worth and value; let them have their activities Hope — have something to look forward to; keep your word If there’s nothing to build on, then you won’t move forward Return to relationship fundamentals From Dr. Curt Thompson’s work We all desire to be Seen, Safe and feel Secure You must do the work on yourself first and maintain your connection with your kids Dr. John Gottman’s work Parents must become emotion coaches Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting Action steps: Fight for your marriage and for your family Continue to engage in your role as a father