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Parenthood and maintaining a healthy relationship are ambitious endeavors. Being fully aware, you armed yourself with all the latest books, articles, podcasts, and resources, committed to being present and strong for your family. Yet, despite embracing every piece of advice and strategy in your search for reassurance, there are times you find yourself wondering why the harmony, connection, and closeness you envisioned seem out of reach. If this rings true, let me tell you: it’s not you! It’s what they didn’t tell you. The parenting guidance and strategies we read online lack depth. They hardly ever address the transition into parenthood and the profound impact this has on our identity, partnerships, and ability to show up as the parent we wish to be for our children. But guess what? We’re about to turn that around. Hi there, I’m Markella Kaplani. A clinical-counseling psychologist, a parenthood and relationship Coach, a matrescence coach and facilitator, a former special educator, and a parent myself. In my 15+ years in counseling and coaching, I know this to be true: once a parent is truly supported, not only through being given techniques to overcome parenting challenges, but on a personal and relational level, then the entire family can thrive. So, welcome to the Parenthood and Relationship Podcast! Here, we learn to grow individually, normalizing and validating the processes of matrescence and patrescence (i.e. struggling with identity, mom guilt, dad guilt, postpartum rage, work-life balance, etc). We also grow together by unraveling how parenthood affects marriage and what stands in the way of following the actionable parenting strategies that we know are helpful. So, if you’re feeling ready, let me hold your hand while we tackle intriguing, yet difficult topics, with compassion and curiosity. Interested to know more? - Reach out via email at info@markellakaplani.com with your questions, and - Visit www.markellakaplani.com to access FREE resources and check out ways to work with me personally. Let’s do this! --- 🔎 Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship? FIND OUT NOW! https://www.markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz 🖥 Reconcile the ’old’ identity with the ’new’ Grab your FREE Matrescence Mini-Course https://www.markellakaplani.com/videoseries 👥 Join our Circle: www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/ 🤝 Would you like a more personalized touch? I can offer Parenthood and Relationship Coaching. info@markellakaplani.com www.markellakaplani.com Book an introductory session to explore our chemistry and whether I am the right fit for you: http://tidycal.com/markellakaplani/intro-session
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Mental Load, Resentment & the Fair Play Method with Valerie Recore | Ep. 88
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Wednesday Dec 31, 2025
Motherhood today isn’t just exhausting. It’s mentally relentless.
In this episode of The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast, I sit down with Valerie Recore, productivity coach for moms and certified Fair Play facilitator, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of modern parenting.
This isn’t a conversation about doing more, delegating better, or “just asking for help.”
It’s about the mental load, the invisible labor, and the emotional weight mothers carry, often even when partners are willing and well-intentioned.
We explore why this generation of mothers feels uniquely overwhelmed, why comparison culture intensifies burnout, and how resentment quietly builds inside relationships when responsibility isn’t truly shared from beginning to end.
You’ll hear why asking “What do you need me to do?” can actually make things worse.. and how tools like the Fair Play Method shift couples from fighting each other to working together against the problem.
This episode is especially for couples navigating parenthood, identity shifts, and the silent tension that grows when one partner becomes the default manager of life.
It’s honest. It’s validating. And it’s deeply practical.
Today we explore:
- Why the mental load isn’t about tasks - it’s about constant vigilance
- How “help” can still leave mothers feeling alone and resentful
- What the Fair Play Method actually changes inside relationships
- Why values, flexibility, and emotional safety matter more than perfection
🎧 If you’ve ever thought “Why am I so tired even when I’m not doing everything?” — this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.
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For 1 insight, 1 exclusive tool, and one 3-minute reset,
Get on The Sunday Reconnect
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ABOUT VALERIE RECORE
Valerie Recore is a productivity coach and a Certified Fair Play Method Facilitator. She teaches moms how to get it all done because nobody should feel like they’re failing at motherhood. Whether they work full-time, stay home full-time, or fall somewhere in between, moms call her when they’re ready to stop sacrificing their health and relationships to get it all done. Through their work together, moms start feeling more present with their families and go to bed knowing they focused on their goals.
How to Connect with Valerie:
website: https://strideproductivity.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strideproductivity/
10-Minute Task Triage: https://expert-innovator-4217.kit.com/63e9ecbed6
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Full Transcript HERE.
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Want to take our relationship to the next level?
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👉 Link to my Newsletter
👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
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