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![Three Steps to Better Communication](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_f9fdee75f20147e9979ffec869b54679~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_560,h_315,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_f9fdee75f20147e9979ffec869b54679~mv2.webp)
Three Steps to Better Communication
"In my years of working with couples, families, and their kids, I have learned that most of us have common patterns that chip away at o
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_40fca012f1e4453a8d8b4b380664b4fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/ee8bb9_40fca012f1e4453a8d8b4b380664b4fa~mv2.webp)
![Effective Communication (Even in Conflict)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_40fca012f1e4453a8d8b4b380664b4fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_576,h_384,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_40fca012f1e4453a8d8b4b380664b4fa~mv2.webp)
Effective Communication (Even in Conflict)
"By far, the number one goal most people come to therapy for is to communicate better (followed closely by decreasing conflict)... If y
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_1d765067fa70449e99a167df315d0ee8~mv2_d_2848_4288_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/ee8bb9_1d765067fa70449e99a167df315d0ee8~mv2_d_2848_4288_s_4_2.webp)
![Communication and Teamwork as Parenting Partners](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_1d765067fa70449e99a167df315d0ee8~mv2_d_2848_4288_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_1009,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_1d765067fa70449e99a167df315d0ee8~mv2_d_2848_4288_s_4_2.webp)
Communication and Teamwork as Parenting Partners
How do you keep your sanity as a parenting couple? Communication, checking in with each other, and practicing gratitude may be valuable keys
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![Finding Joy Through Positive Perception](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_3f8cbf431e8c4cf98e64bf21357a4008~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_447,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_3f8cbf431e8c4cf98e64bf21357a4008~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.webp)
Finding Joy Through Positive Perception
Practicing intentional positivity to outweigh the negativity brought more joy and harmony to these people’s lives as well as decreased confl
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![Getting to the Root: Relationship Tending](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_3829ce7d1bf34f2b9fb59c6cf1801614~mv2_d_6016_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_445,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_3829ce7d1bf34f2b9fb59c6cf1801614~mv2_d_6016_4000_s_4_2.webp)
Getting to the Root: Relationship Tending
You've got to clear out the stuff that's not important, prioritize and care for what is, and continually keep an eye on it.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_86aab96ef155479dac680bcede759929~mv2_d_3792_2546_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/ee8bb9_86aab96ef155479dac680bcede759929~mv2_d_3792_2546_s_4_2.webp)
![Empty Cups and Oxygen Masks](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_86aab96ef155479dac680bcede759929~mv2_d_3792_2546_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_450,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_86aab96ef155479dac680bcede759929~mv2_d_3792_2546_s_4_2.webp)
Empty Cups and Oxygen Masks
Practicing healthier self-care and relationship-care leads to overall happiness and satisfaction.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d542afccfbef4b89b22ec86f012efa76.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/d542afccfbef4b89b22ec86f012efa76.webp)
![A United Front: Parenting as a Couple in the Midst of Kid Chaos](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d542afccfbef4b89b22ec86f012efa76.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_447,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/d542afccfbef4b89b22ec86f012efa76.webp)
A United Front: Parenting as a Couple in the Midst of Kid Chaos
My wife and I recently decided on a shared epitaph for our gravestone. The summation of our accomplishments in life would be expressed...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_bcf364fd731843f897a62a09c3cb5bfb~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/ee8bb9_bcf364fd731843f897a62a09c3cb5bfb~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.webp)
![Infomercials, Autopilot, and Adam Sandler](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_bcf364fd731843f897a62a09c3cb5bfb~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_447,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_bcf364fd731843f897a62a09c3cb5bfb~mv2_d_6000_4000_s_4_2.webp)
Infomercials, Autopilot, and Adam Sandler
One of my favorite infomercials is for the Slap Chop. (No, I’m not compensated for this, nor do I necessary endorse this product.) If you...
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![Don't Be Like Abby and Allen](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/973ae271b7294a78aeebc470482e74f6.jpg/v1/fill/w_670,h_1004,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/973ae271b7294a78aeebc470482e74f6.webp)
Don't Be Like Abby and Allen
Abby and Allen (fictitious characters, of course) are on the road to disaster if they keep heading down the same path. What can they do to t
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![It Takes a Village](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee8bb9_ad21d6e3f4334bb89993d48b900a5662~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_540,h_720,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/ee8bb9_ad21d6e3f4334bb89993d48b900a5662~mv2.webp)
It Takes a Village
I took this picture about a week ago. It's a little nest that a mama and papa bird built in a planter outside on my front porch. I've...