Thanks for watching this episode of The Family Couch!
In this episode of The Family Couch with John Harrison, MA LPCC we discuss how to have a happy relationship after having children, focusing on the importance of growth, self awareness, and being intentional in our interactions with our spouse.
We dive in immediately, discussing how parenting is individual – everything you do is going to be unique. There is never going to be a “right” answer to parenting. John explains that by managing your relationship expectations by becoming more aware of interactions after children we create an atmosphere that is positive for all involved.
John shares the impact of becoming more intentional. After children we do not have as much time or energy to focus on our relationship with our significant other. He explains how this can manifest into internalizing feelings and the impact that it can have on your relationships and life overall. We discuss how to share and understand what our significant other is going through and John shares his perspective for males during this time period. Women tend to be more emotionally flexible and men may what to work through training.
John recommends starting to use a schedule (even for those who do not like schedules). He explains how even for those parents where this is not natural, the benefits out way the discomfort in getting set up. The most important part is that as a couple, you are on the same page in every aspect of life.
We discuss how parenting is fun and joyful but also full of choices, difficult choices. John gives us examples on how to reframe our perception of the difficult decisions we have to make when we need to “give up” things we love as parents, i.e. our free time activities and how to swap for activities that can still bring joy to our lives but work for a new family dynamic.
Lastly, we discuss the role growth plays in parenting and marriage. John shares a belief that this is the time to “do your life’s work,” it may not be “easy” but it is the time to decide and choose to grow. He shares how by reshaping our mindset to the idea that things are not meant to be easy, but that parenthood is full of moments, good and bad, may make the shared experience a relationship builder.
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GUEST BIO:
John Harrison, MA, LPCC, is a licensed professional clinical counselor, awareness builder, confidence guide, and an intuition coach. John received his master’s degree in mental health counseling at the University of Cincinnati. He is a former Army officer and is experienced in mentoring people by maximizing their potential through their strengths and weaknesses.
He provides solutions and guidance for people who are “stuck” in their life situation and are wanting to move into something new. Something they want.
He helps people who want to get what they want in their lives but are stuck because they don’t think it’s possible or they simply don’t know how to do it.
He guides them to see how they can do life differently, moving off their old familiar spot, so they can be freed to get what they so desperately want and need.
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RESOURCES/LINKS:
Website: http://www.johnharrisoncounseling.com/
Email: john@johnharrisoncounseling.com
Podcast: http://www.johnharrisoncounseling.com/category/truecallingproject/
CONNECT WITH JOHN:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnharrisoncounseling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmattharrison/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-harrison-lpcc-b8a7621a/
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Want to be on The Family Couch or know someone who would be a great guest? Email us at mercedes@shameproofparenting.com
