The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast | Matrescence | Relationship after baby | Motherhood life

Parenthood and the responsibilities of parenting change us and define our relationship with our partners from the time we become parents.

And that is exactly what we talk about in this episode. More specifically, we discuss the

👉 common long term relationship problems that many couples face after having kids

👉 importance of keeping our relationship strong

👉 ways to recognize whether the distance between us is part of the process or becoming problematic

👉 communication issues that arise when we avoid the tough conversations

👉  10 realistic ways to reconnect with our partners

Have a listen and then make sure to 

🎙️ leave me a review

⬇️ download the Couples’ Communication Checklist (https://www.markellakaplani.com/coupleschecklist)

#couplegoals #RelationshipGoals #marriageafterbaby #happilymarried #parenthood #parenting #honestparenthood 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

Journaling Prompt Questions

1. What I appreciate about my partner today __________.

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Get your Checklist for Healthy Communication in Parenthood

OR -  leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot of the review, and e-mail me that screenshot at [email protected] so that I can email it to you for free!\

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Get on the waitlist for the 8-Week Motherhood Identity Intensive (and get a chance to win a FREE spot!!!)

https://markellakaplani.com/identityintensivewaitlist

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Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

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LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

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Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Can great joy come with a deep sense of loss? 

In this episode, we begin the conversation around processing grief and loss in motherhood. 

The transition into motherhood comes with hidden grief; mom grief. 

This kind of grief comes from losing touch with one’s old self, making motherhood difficult and playing a huge role in motherhood psychology and mental health. 

But this is something that remains hidden due to the mom guilt and shame that comes with admitting this loss - as though it negates the happiness - as though it negates a mother’s absolute love.

So, what happens when we feel loss but are shamed into ignoring it away? Does it go away?

Today we talk about processing grief and loss in motherhood and I give you the first steps to reconnect with yourself through a

(a) self-reflection journal prompts and 

(b) a 30-day self-connection calendar, 

both of which I have made sure to include in this description to make the process easier for you.

What do you say? Are you ready?

 #momguilt #matrescence #realmotherhood #honestmom #motherhoodunplugged 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

RECONNECT to Yourself!

Go to markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar so that you can get this gentle guide that will help you nurture your relationship with yourself every day with a tiny action that respects your busy schedule and your mental load!!

Journaling Prompt Questions

1. Write down the aspects of your old self or life that you miss. Be honest and as specific as you can. 
   

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Get on the waitlist for the 8-Week Motherhood Identity Intensive (and get a chance to win a FREE spot!!!)

https://markellakaplani.com/identityintensivewaitlist

—

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

In today’s episode we talk about the effects of play on child development. More specifically, we get into how play impacts child development. 

We first see the different types of play, how each helps child development, how it can foster the parent-child bond, as well as the ways in which it can even improve our marriage! 

Most importantly, I leave you with parent child bonding activities and attachment building activities so that you can learn how to use play to strengthen the relationship with you child and also foster qualities such as independence, socialization, creativity, innovation and physical strength amongst many others. 

Finally, we explore how our past and our inner child may influence the way WE as adults and parents relate to play and I provide you with journaling prompts so that you can discover your relationship to play, how this influences your child, and how you can go about incorporating more unstructured play in your child’s daily routine. 

See this as a small introduction to play therapy, which can do wonders for our children even when we, as parents, apply it at home. Having fun can be therapeutic for both our children and for us. Hit play and let’s do this!

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

Discover your unique approach to play!

Go to markellakaplani.com/playstyle so that you can find out your parenting play style and get personalized tips to make playtime even more effective and enjoyable for both you and your child!

Journaling Prompt Questions

1. Reflect on your childhood play experiences. What were your favorite activities and how did they make you feel? How do these memories influence the way you approach play with your own children? 

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Get your Checklist for Healthy Communication in Parenthood

OR -  leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot of the review, and e-mail me that screenshot at [email protected] so that I can email it to you for free!

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

It is quite common for couples to lose their edge as they enter parenthood.

If you have even felt like your relationship has changed after having kids or that the parenting challenges are getting in the way of your relationship, you’re not alone.

In this episode, we explore why so many marriages and partnerships seem to face relationship issues, especially in the first year of a baby- and this includes couples with solid foundations.

By looking at the unspoken feelings that mothers and fathers experience at the onset of parenthood, we explore tips for establishing open communication and reconnecting with our partners to strengthen the bond and the family unit as a whole.

Let's dive in!

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

Episode on how our inner child influences the way we parent: Episode 3

Journaling Prompt Questions

4., What is one thing I wish I could express more freely?

Get your Checklist for Healthy Communication in Parenthood

OR -  leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot of the review, and e-mail me that screenshot at [email protected] so that I can email it to you for free!

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

As mothers, we are quite familiar with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, which can deeply impact our emotional well-being and relationships. This episode unpacks the nuances of mom guilt versus mom shame, providing clear definitions and exploring how these emotions manifest in everyday parenting.

Together we get to discover the historical contexts and societal pressures that amplify these feelings, along with personal anecdotes and external comments that trigger guilt and shame among us, mothers. We'll explore the direct effects on our self-esteem, mental health, and the dynamics within marital relationships and parenting styles.

Then, we learn unique and practical strategies to combat these pervasive feelings to reframe our personal parenting stories. Finally, we talk about the crucial role partners can play in supporting mothers through this journey, offering specific exercises like active listening and shared journaling.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent feeling overwhelmed by guilt or seeking to build a more supportive and understanding relationship with their partner. Tune in to find actionable advice and compassionate insights to help you navigate the complexities of motherhood with confidence.

*Resources mentioned in the episode

[FREE] Matrescence Mini Video Series: markellakaplani.com/videoseries

[FREE] Journaling Prompt Questions PDF: markellakaplani.com/momguilt 

Find the full transcript HERE.

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts; I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Becoming a father is a process, and this has a name: patrescence. Men, just like women, go through a massive transformation in their identity as they step into fatherhood.

Because this is not acknowledged and due to the fact that we dismiss the array of emotions that men have, there is a lot that is kept under the surface, which, however, negatively impacts the experience that fathers have.

This, in turn, creates tension and misunderstandings within the couple, as many things begin to be based on assumptions rather than genuine, healthy communication.

In this episode we talk about how fathers are primed to act in parenthood so that dads can gain a better understanding of themselves and their partners can understand where they are coming from, thus opening up the door to more effective communication and a deeper connection, leading to more a more fulfilled personal and family life. 

Find the full episode transcript HERE (Episode 4).

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and 

leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts;

I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

www.markellakaplani.com- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/

- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more: www.markellakaplani.com

- E-mail me: [email protected]

---

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Clinical-Counseling Psychologist

Parenthood & Relationship Coach

Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist

www.markellakaplani.com

In this episode, we reflect on how our changing identity and internal struggle with our inner child influence our parenting and potentially lead to us acting in ways we are not proud of despite our best intentions. 

Together, we explore the journey of 'reparenting your inner child,’ discussing strategies that help us resolve the deeper roots of our difficulty to show up as the parents we envision, extending compassion and forgiveness toward ourselves so that we can intuitively apply gentle parenting. 

We learn what it really takes to exemplify emotional regulation and self-soothing to our children and why our efforts may sometimes not bear fruit.

By engaging in inner child healing exercises, like inner child journaling, we begin to manage our emotions and offer our kids the patience and gentle guidance they need.

So, come listen to real-life stories and insights that might hit close to home, like how unresolved issues from our childhood can show up in our parenting. 

Think about it—those moments you're not so proud of? They're not just random. They're signals, calling out for a bit of self-love, self-compassion, and self-forgiveness. 

By understanding and nurturing our inner parent, we learn to extend compassion to ourselves, making it easier to reflect that warmth and understanding back to our kids. 

If you’ve ever wondered where to begin to parent yourself, this episode offers incentive and a good starting place. 

By the end, you’ll see how connecting with and healing your inner child doesn't just change how you react in challenging parenting moments—it transforms your relationship with your children in the most beautiful ways.

Find the full episode transcript HERE (Episode 3).

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and 

leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts;

I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

www.markellakaplani.com- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/

- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more: www.markellakaplani.com

- E-mail me: [email protected]

---

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Clinical-Counseling Psychologist

Parenthood & Relationship Coach

Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist

www.markellakaplani.com

Do you ever wonder how relationships change after having kids? 

How does parenthood affect marriage? 

In today’s episode, we discuss how to save your marriage from parenthood; at the very least we take the first step, which is to validate the disruption that comes with having children. 

As much of a blessing and a joy as it is to have children, marriage after baby is also admittedly strained.

Parenting challenges and relationship issues are not irrelevant to one another; they go hand-in-hand.

But this is not an episode dedicated to figuring out who is the problem in the relationship or about relationship problems after having a baby or children; it’s the opposite. 

Together, we explore the affect that becoming parents has on us as a couple, we normalize the dip in marital satisfaction, and we reframe the bleak statistics so that we can destroy dominant myths that contribute to relationships failing. 

Through consideration, compassion, and reflection, we can come out of this even stronger than before.

Liking this? 

Please SHARE with a friend (or more!) and 

leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts;

I appreciate it more than I can express in words!

Read the episode Transcript HERE.

---

LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/

- Take the Couple’s Quiz:

- E-mail me: [email protected]

---

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Clinical-Counseling Psychologist

Parenthood & Relationship Coach

Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist

www.markellakaplani.com

Welcome to the first episode of "The Parenthood & Relationship Podcast," where we discuss the profound transformation of parenthood and how this affects us as individuals and as a couple. 

The topic of this episode centers on the concept of "Matrescence," a profound transition that resembles adolescence, where we, as mothers, undergo a significant identity shift. 

We unpack the emotional and psychological change that accompanies our entry into parenthood, shedding light on the often unspoken challenges of parenthood such as struggling with the transition to motherhood and the identity crisis it often brings. 

More specifically, we get into the topic of the "Canscade of Motherhood," which describes the extent to which motherhood affects all areas of life, with the ultimate aim of normalizing feelings of shame, loss, or mom guilt that come up alongside the joy, love, and gratitude we feel for our children.

By recognizing and embracing this cascade of changes, we can strengthen our relationships and foster a nurturing environment for both ourselves and our children. 

Whether you're a mom who feels conflicted between utter joy and grief for your old self, or a partner eager to support and understand her, this episode provides essential insights into the joys and challenges of parenting. 

Join me as we explore how to navigate these waters together, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and our loved ones in the journey of parenthood.

See the episode transcript here

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LET'S TAKE OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL 😉

- Find me on Instagram: @markella.kaplani

- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/

- Watch the FREE Mini Video Series on Matrescence: markellakaplani.com/videoseries

- E-mail me: [email protected]

---

Markella Kaplani, M.A.

Clinical-Counseling Psychologist

Parenthood & Relationship Coach

Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist

www.markellakaplani.com

Looking for a haven for understanding the complex dynamics of becoming a parent and evolving relationships? You’ve arrived! 

The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast delves into the psychology of parenthood, the nuanced stages of matrescence and patrescence, and the intricate balance between personal identity and parenting roles.

This is not your average parenting advice platform. Adding to the plentiful resources that arm us with parenting strategies we, indeed, benefit from, this podcast has been designed with a stronger focus on the emotional and psychological shifts experienced during the transition to parenthood, like grappling with the loss of identity, navigating parenting challenges, and seeking to strengthen their relationship with ourselves, our partner, and our children amidst the whirlwind of parenting.

As a clinical-counseling psychologist, a parenthood and relationship coach, a matrescence activist, and a parent, my goal is to integrate the many facets of the family dynamic that I’ve been privileged to experience to present holistic, straightforward, and compassionate insights we can all use to become more confident, reassured, and present in our parenting and our relationship with ourselves and our partners. 

Each weekly episode aims to foster self-awareness, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the evolving relationships within the family unit.

You can look forward to topics ranging from overcoming parental guilt to exploring how parenthood affects marriage, as we address the internal struggles, the relationship dynamics post-childbirth, and the path to harmonizing the new family structure. 

With a focus on practical, research-based parenting strategies and the importance of self-reflection and reparenting, my hope is that you take our discussions and synthesize them with your own expertise and intuition to establish your unique direction on becoming the parent you aspire to be.

If any of this resonates, join our supportive circle where deep introspection and mutual support pave the way to personal and relational fulfillment. 

I can’t wait to explore, grow, and thrive together in this exciting journey of parenthood! 

Welcome!

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Read the Episode Transcript by clicking HERE :)