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

Top 1 Reason for Fighting After Baby (Understanding the Deeper Roots of Arguments with Partner) | Episode 12

Ever felt sidelined by your partner after becoming parents? 🚸 
Do they no longer ask what you need or appreciate what you do? 💔
Does love feel taken for granted? 

In this episode of the Parenthood and Relationship Podcast, we dive into why those little squabbles with your partner seem never-ending. 

🗣️ Why taking out the trash becomes a major fight when the real issue is much deeper. 

 

Tune in to learn:

- The real reasons behind your arguments 🧠

- How to recognize underlying guilt and fears 💡

- Practical tips to improve communication 💬

- The importance of empathy and compassion ❤️

🌟 Don't miss out! 
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for updates and more insights. 

🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!

⬇️ Download the Couples Communications Checklist
(or leave me a review on Apple and get it for FREE)

Find the full transcript HERE.

 

#Parenthood #RelationshipGoals #CouplesTherapy #Communication #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #Podcast #MarkellaKaplani #LoveAndParenthood #Empathy #SelfAwareness #HealingTogether

***Resources mentioned in the episode

 

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 info@markellakaplani.com so that I can email it to you for free!

-

Go listen to the BLISSFULLY BOLD Podcast - host: Gavie Remaly

-

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

Find them in fuchsia pink within the full transcript HERE.

—

Leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts

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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!

---

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/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Balancing Motherhood and Personal Goals: How to deal with mom guilt and find fulfillment | Episode 11

Does becoming a mom mean that we have to lose ourselves and our passions?

🎙️ For many of us who thought that our multi-faceted interests would fade as we stepped into motherhood on account of our deep love for our children, the fact that we can both want to be with them 24/7 while still yearning for the things that used to make us whole, can create intense internal turmoil.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

👉  The lingering need for personal goals, passions, & fulfillment outside of motherhood

👉 The societal norms that villainize this need, leading to mommy guilt and shame

👉 Gentle ways to re-discover our passions & how make time for them even if we feel like an overwhelmed mom

👉 The key role that our self-fulfillment plays in the healthy development of our children

 

Join me so that we can normalize being multi-layered and finding balance as a mom. 

Together we can take steps in the direction of overcoming mom guilt!

The reality of motherhood is very different than what the media and society have us believe. And it’s much more balanced and healthy like that! 

 

🎧 Listen now and leave a review!

⬇️ Download the free guide "Calm Parent, Calm Child"

 

#realmotherhood #momlife #honestmotherhood #findingbalance inmotherhood #findingbalance #matrescence #ParentingTips #SelfRegulation 

 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

 

Get your FREE Calm Parent, Calm Child guide

Go to markellakaplani.com/calmparentcalmchild to download this gentle guide that includes practical strategies to address toddler tantrums and self-reflection prompts to help you learn to self-regulate the next time your child experiences a meltdown.  

 

Communities and Programs to Get a Passion Project Up and Running

Greece: @artemis.gavriilidou

USA: @brainstorm_road

Australia: @deemaiseycoaching

—

 

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

 

Find them within the full transcript HERE.

 

—

Leave me a REVIEW on Apple Podcasts

—

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
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

How to deal with tantrums in toddlers by self-regulating | Gentle Parenting Tantrums | Episode 10

Dealing with toddler tantrums can feel overwhelming, but there are gentle, effective strategies to help. 

In this episode, we explore:

 

👉 Understanding the triggers behind an emotional meltdown

👉 The power of self-regulating

👉 Practical tips for calming both yourself and your child

👉 The role of co-regulation in managing tantrums and emotional development

 

Join me for expert advice on creating a peaceful home environment and nurturing your child’s emotional well-being. If you’ve ever wondered how to deal with toddler tantrums, don’t miss out on the special guide at the end of the episode! 🎙️

 

🎧 Listen now and leave a review!

⬇️ Download the free guide "Calm Parent, Calm Child"

 

#GentleParenting #ToddlerTantrums #ParentingTips #SelfRegulation #MindfulParenting

 

Find the full transcript HERE.

***Resources mentioned in the episode

Get your FREE Calm Parent, Calm Child guide

Go to markellakaplani.com/calmparentcalmchild to download this gentle guide that includes practical strategies to address toddler tantrums and self-reflection prompts to help you learn to self-regulate the next time your child experiences a meltdown.  

 

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. Think about a recent time that your child had a meltdown. What was the situation? How did you feel in that moment? Write down everything that you remember about the incident. 
2. Identify your triggers. What were the main stressors for you at the time? Were you already feeling stressed or tired? Reflect on how these factors might have influenced your reaction. 
3. Assess your response. How did you respond to your child's meltdown? Were you able to stay calm or did you feel overwhelmed? Be honest with yourself and try to write without judgment. 
4. Explore the alternative responses. Let's think about how you might handle a similar situation in the future. What strategies could you use to stay calm and support your child better?
5. Self-compassion check-in. Write a few kind words to yourself, acknowledge the challenges that you're facing, and remind yourself that you're doing your best. What can you do to take better care of yourself and manage your stress?
6. Set a small goal. Based on your reflections set one small, achievable goal for the next week and commit to it. 

—

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
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Communication skills for couples: Navigating parenthood and parenting together | Episode 9

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

This is not synonymous with having relationship problems after the baby.

In fact, this transformation that happens both within yourself and in the way you relate to your partner, can benefit you greatly - it can bring you closer together if you nurture your relationship.

 

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 __________.
2. How I felt supported this week __________.
3. Moments of connection I cherished __________.
4. What’s one thing that I love about our relationship?
5. What's a challenge we overcame together?"

—

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 info@markellakaplani.com so that I can email it to you for free!\

—

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
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Lost in Motherhood? Processing Mom Grief & Reconnecting with Ourselves | Episode 8

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. 
   
   
2. Reflect on what these moments that you miss meant to you and why you cherish them. Allow yourself then to feel the emotions that come up as you write. 
   
   
3. Think about how these losses have changed you. What have you gained from becoming a mother and what do you still struggle with?
   
   
4. Pay attention to where you feel stuck or unresolved as you do this. Which areas call for more time and for more work? 

—

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
- Download the Self-Connect Calendar HERE.

- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

How play helps child development and the parent child bond (+ suggested parent child bonding activities) | Episode 7

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? 
2. observe your child's playtime over the next week. What types of play do they naturally gravitate towards? How can you engage and support their interests while keeping play simple and unstructured?
3. Think about the balance between structured activities and unstructured play in your child's routine. Are there any changes you can make to allow for more spontaneous child led play? 
4. Consider your feelings of adequacy and stress as a parent. How can embracing the simplicity of play help you alleviate some of these pressures? What small steps can you take to be more present and engaged during playtime? 

 

—

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 info@markellakaplani.com 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
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

Unhappy Marriage After Baby? Communication Tips for Navigating Parenthood & Parenting | Episode 6

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

1. What emotions have I felt most strongly this week regarding parenthood? 
2. What specific situations triggered these feelings? 
3. How have I communicated these feelings to my partner, if at all? 

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 info@markellakaplani.com 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
- Take the Couple’s Quiz: Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship?
markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com

 

Overcoming Mom Guilt & Shame: Practical Strategies for Happier Parenting | Episode 5

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
- Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/
- Visit my website for resources, quizzes, articles, and more:
markellakaplani.com/
- E-mail me: info@markellakaplani.com

—

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Matrescence Coach, Facilitator, & Activist
www.markellakaplani.com