Do you ever feel like parenthood has impacted how you connect with your partner? In this episode, I break down how we can foster compassionate communication in our relationship, even when we’re exhausted and juggling a million things at once. We chat about why it’s so easy to lose sight of our partners when we’re in the thick of parenting, and I’ll share some practical tips on how to keep that connection alive. Using real-life examples we see how small shifts in communication can make a big difference. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ll cover: 🌟 The impact of self-compassion on your relationship 👂 The art of active listening and why it matters 💬 How to express your needs without blame or judgment 💞 The importance of empathy and understanding your partner’s perspective 🧠 Why regular check-ins can keep your relationship strong 🤝 Tips on navigating tough conversations with kindness and care --- LINKS MENTIONED Episode #1: Matrescence Episode # 4: Patrescence Episode # 9: Communication Skills in Parenting Couples Communication Checklist

Get it for FREE by leaving an Apple Podacst review and sending me a screenshot HERE. --- Journaling Exercise

Go to your journal and think about one thing that you want to discuss with your partner. Don't pick the most difficult one. Don't pick one that is going to create a lot of tension. Pick something lighter that you think is not resolved that you still think needs a little bit of work. And as a first step, just write it down in your journal. Write down the emotions that you feel and how you would turn the conversation into I statements.

Then, you can go and download my communications checklist for couples, review it a little bit, and see how you can incorporate those I statements that you have in your journal into a conversation that you can have with your partner.

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Resources and Links Mentioned

> FREE Self-Connect Calendar| > FREE Guide: Calm Parent Calm Child > (Re)Discover Your Identity in Motherhood [waitlist] > Get in touch with me (Instagram; website; e-mail) > Leave a Podcast Review HERE 😀 > FREE Motherhood Coaching Session: Send an e-mail to info@markellakaplani.com with the subject line “Podcast Guesting” > Join our community on Facebook: Parenthood and Relationship Group

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JOURNALING EXERCISE:

Pick one of the suggestions that I made, whether that be the self-connect calendar (markellakaplani.com/selfconnectcalendar), whether it be a meditation with a body scan or mindful breathing, whether it's taking a walk, practicing self-forgiveness, etc… take one of these and write how you're going to be implementing it in your journal.

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Find the full transcript HERE.

🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world! 📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates. ---

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