Us and Kids: Parenting and marriage coaching with therapist, Jan Talen

We are carrying on with the series that we’ve been going through each week in January about how to have a fresh start after 2020. So today, we’re on chapter 4 and we’re talking about exploring and expanding because a part of building strong relationships is that the courage to be with each other and by each other to try new things to experience things together.

Because it expands the way that you are connected so that if one of the connection points isn’t as strong, there’s another one that counterbalances it that is. So this fourth thing is all about having the courage to explore ideas and experiences so that we can bond or attach more.

On today’s show, we are carrying on with our series that we kicked off 2021 with. This series is about how to reset from the mess of 2020. This week we are going to talk about routine and overwhelm. How do routines help settle down the overwhelm and what to do when the routines aren’t working. Because it’s true, sometimes they don’t work.

Next week we are going to talk about exploring ideas that help to expand possibilities. And how do we have more courage to look up and around and say what else can I do, where else do I need to go?

Calm is a four letter word, you know!  And we all know the frustration in trying to feel, be and experience calm when life is anything but calm! 

So, three actions that can settle the noise, energy and tension down, no matter if it is within your self or in your household.  They are not always easy to do - but once you do them, they will be so worth the effort and energy.  

And, once you do these 3 things, your kids and family will like it so much, they will do them too!

Join on in for calmness all around!

Oh - and jump in to the Us and Kids website for the printable:  A whole chapter about SET for Calm from the Five Things Book!.   

On today’s show, we are starting out the year by talking about marriage. When we developed the Us and Kids  platform, and later the DNA for Fun Communications Course, we wanted to really be able to encourage these two places (marriage and parenting) in the same place...because being married forever while you parent together is crucial to being married forever.

We know based on studies that the fractures in a marriage come in the first 5 years of parenting, not the first 5 years of marriage. That is because in the first 5 years of parenting there have to be so many psychological shifts.

It’s just past Christmas day...and like most other traditions and truths there is a fabulous story to go along with this tradition of Christmas. So, today instead of teaching and guiding you into spaces about being your best self, parent or partner/spouse, I want to encourage you to relax, listen to this story, with all the applications for your life today.

For those of you who know the details to this story, I am skipping a few of them in the interest of time and the focus of this podcast. I am leaving some space for spiritual interest and intrigue.  I invite you to wonder about yourself and home; be introspective and use this story to upgrade your life story in some small and good way.

On today’s show, we are talking about finding ways to end the year well. When we feel that in many ways this year has been bumpy, there have been anticipations and disappointment and adjustments that just seem nonstop. Sure there has been good, but there’s also been struggle and tension.

Last week we talked about anticipation and how the biblical wise men had to make changes and pivots and they were tired too but that they ended up in a really good spot. This week we are going to continue on with those wisemen and that biblical story - bringing gifts.

On today’s show, we are talking about finding ways to end the year well. When we feel that in many ways this year has been bumpy, there have been anticipations and disappointment and adjustments that just seem nonstop. Sure there has been good, but there’s also been struggle and tension.

Last week we talked about anticipation and how the biblical wise men had to make changes and pivots and they were tired too but that they ended up in a really good spot. This week we are going to continue on with those wisemen and that biblical story - bringing gifts.

On today’s show, we are talking about anticipation. This can be a negative or positive word depending on if we are expecting the best and good or expecting and planning on something unpleasant or undesired.   Anticipation is often harder when it is something we can not control.

How can you build a pleasant expectation even when what you thought was going to be the real deal, was not?  The ability to pivot...until you are dizzy is thought of as fun, exciting, challenging.  And this is fun, when YOU are the person in charge. Not so much fun when being pushed into it.  Let's talk about how to manage those anticipations and adjustments and hope. 

On today’s show, we’re going to talk about kids. Yes, those little monkey’s that climb all over your furniture. Those little things that spill and don't seem to care or wonder why you do so much. Sometimes it feels like we need instructions on how to manage these energetic ones.

We’re going to break this up into 4 levels and talk about each one. These will apply to each kiddo no matter how old they are - these are universal truths. Join in together so we can say, what is our next best step?

Hey Dad!  Do you love those words, ignore them (because you are not a Dad), or cringe to be bothered once again?

Being a Dad throughout this year has come with a set of challenges that no one really could have predicted.  So, let's just go back and review what are some of those basic qualities for steller (or at least good) Dad-ness.  

D.A.D builds out a clearer picture of how to end this year - with your Dad hat on - tall, strong and proud! 

PS - Wait, you're not a  Dad so you get this week off???  Listen in and encourage the Dad's you know in their efforts and desires to be the best Dad that they can!