Julie Blackburn shares her expertise on helping couples maintain strong relationships during the challenging transition to parenthood, drawing on her experience as a registered nurse, midwife, and Bringing Baby Home educator.

• 67% of couples become unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby's life
• The greatest gift you can give your baby is a happy and strong relationship between parents
• Parenting differences stem from our upbringing and personal experiences
• The "secret sauce" for healthy relationships includes maintaining friendship, regulating conflict, and creating shared meaning
• Criticism can cause partners (especially dads) to withdraw from parenting involvement
• When dad is unhappy in his relationship with mom, a gulf often grows between him and his child
• Father involvement is crucial for child development, affecting temperament, self-regulation, confidence, and academic performance
• Military families face unique challenges requiring extra intentionality in maintaining connection
• The Gottman card deck app offers structured ways to maintain meaningful conversations and express needs without criticism
• Keeping an emotional "bank account" full through expressions of fondness and admiration sustains relationships through challenges

The key to a stronger marriage connection is friendship and kindness. Remember to remain each other's best friend, hold space for each other, and keep telling your partner how much you appreciate them.

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