Just John and April

In this episode John and April discuss Bids for Emotional Connection as noted by John Gottman and the Gottman institute. Sometimes in our relationships we misjudge things that our significant other does and we think they are being dodgy or difficult about saying what it is that he/she wants from you. In fact, we sometimes may exclaim, "WHY ARE YOU PLAYING GAMES!?!" "Just tell me what you want." Sometimes our significant other could be making a bid for connection and we don't realize it. If we miss to many of these or reject them it could end in extreme resentment and there could be a break up.

In this episode John and April discuss the importance of parent-directed screen time and how it can help kid's behavior. Some kids change their countenance after playing certain games for long periods of time. If parents direct the games and the times they are playing them, children's attitudes may be more pleasant and/or peaceful. Some kids become irritable after having long hours of certain types of screen time. John & April believe it is not the screen time that is actually effecting the kids but what they are doing and watching during that time. It is also noted that children seem to be more creative in finding things to do when their screen time is directed giving them an opportunity to be more creative in their spare time. Some parents are worried about extended screen time during virtual school. Parents should not worry about that because that is productive screen time.

In this episode John and April discuss why they think it's a good idea for them to argue in front of their kids. They also discuss the negatives of fighting in front of the kids the wrong way. Modeling positive disagreements in front of the kids has extreme value. Kids should not witness negative disagreements between parents where there is name calling and demeaning language exchanged because they will likely grow up thinking that's what they need to look for in a spouse.  It can also impact your child's self esteem.

In this episode John and April discuss the importance of teaching our kids about racism especially in our current climate  . As "Black Lives Matter" protests continue throughout our country and around the world, our children are asking questions. They are now being exposed to hatred and white supremacy at every turn. What are we to do as parents and guardians as we navigate raising our children during this time?

It's been a long road to finally reaching 1,000 subscribers and we have you to thank for that. Some of you have supported us from the very beginning and for that we are very grateful. We want to specifically thank Onyx Family for their mentorship and friendship throughout our YouTube journey. Also, to our good friends Egwu and Saba we say a HUGE thanks! You guys are really part of the team. We also want to thank Erik "Bluetooth" Griggs of Piano Man Entertainment and Lee "Ricky" Cort of Naturally 7 for all the great music you've provided since the start of this thing. You guys are our ride or die friends from day one. Our families have played a large role and we want to say thank you for always being there. Now we are on our way to 10,000 subs.

In this episode John and April are interviewed by Message Magazine online.  In the Message Magazine show "What's The Message," Claudia Allen asks John and April about a wedding that took place during a Black Lives Matter protest.  This ceremony during the protest made some people upset but others felt it was a great way to represent black love.

In this episode, John and April discuss the little known holiday Juneteenth and what that means for them as Black Americans. They also reminisce on the good times they were able to enjoy during their childhood despite the negative situations they lived through.

In this episode John and April discuss their recent participation in the historic BLM peaceful protest in Downtown D.C. and how that experience gave them hope for a better tomorrow. They also discuss the fact that they both could stand to speak less in certain situations.

In this episode John and April participate in a panel discussion with other experienced couples about things they've discovered during their time in quarantine that they never want to lose, even when the pandemic is over.

In this episode John and April discuss the recent events in Minneapolis involving the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officer, Derek Chauvin. Riots have broken out in Minneapolis underscoring the outrage and disappointment felt within the community about the way the judicial system has responded thus far. There is a clear and obvious cry for justice in America and good people need to respond by standing up for the oppressed.