Struggling to stay connected as a couple while raising a neurodiverse child? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to stay this hard. This episode is about rekindling love and strengthening your marriage even under the weight of stress, exhaustion, and survival mode.

Join us as we talk with Melanie Yates, a relationship and dating coach who helps couples find joy and strength in their relationships, even in the most difficult seasons. Using EFT tapping, body language, and emotionally honest conversations, she guides partners back to one another with compassion and practical tools.

What you’ll learn:

• How to reconnect when you’re stuck in stress and survival mode

• A simple shift in body language that builds confidence and emotional safety

• How unspoken resentment sneaks into parenting partnerships—and how to clear it

• What EFT tapping looks like in real-time to regulate emotions

• Ways to rekindle love and respect when you feel disconnected

• Why small wins in a marriage can shift the whole family dynamic

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to season 2

00:32 Why couples need each other more than ever

04:41 Melanie’s journey: from numbing to nurturing relationships

15:25 When self-help doesn’t save the marriage

21:53 Parenting stress and the hidden resentment loop

28:12 Rewiring conflict with curiosity and body awareness

35:15 The bathroom game: playfully rebuilding connection

40:19 Quick wins that shift the family dynamic

44:12 Tapping away old wounds (live EFT demo)

59:20 Emotional breakthroughs and healing patterns

1:04:14 Final thoughts on choosing love again

Resources

• Learn about sensory enrichment for brain development: https://www.mendability.com

• Work with Melanie Yates: https://www.happyjoyousandfree.org

• Free guide: How to De-Escalate a Meltdown Without Saying a Word

Next: Watch our episode on why self-care isn’t selfish for special needs parents.

#parentingmarriage #autismfamilies #emotionalconnection