206: Should We Still Have Kids? And Do Children Really Save Marriages? (Parenting, Identity & the Pressure to Get It Right)

In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive into the pressures of modern parenting, the myth that children can “save” a struggling marriage, and why so many couples today are asking the big question: Should we still have kids?They explore how becoming a parent shifts identity — especially for women — and how resentment, overwhelm, and the mental load can silently reshape a relationship. They unpack why society still expects mothers to carry everything while fathers get praised for basic involvement, and how these expectations can erode self-worth and partnership satisfaction.The conversation goes deeper into how parents lose a sense of identity, why no one feels allowed to say they’re struggling, and how communication often collapses under the weight of “just surviving.”Listeners also get a surprising look at Gen Alpha’s emotional landscape, reflected in the darker, introspective songs today’s kids love — revealing what they might actually be feeling but not saying.🎵 Songs Mentioned (Gen Alpha Picks)Roula highlights the emotional depth in today’s kids’ playlist:“Puppet” – John Michael Howell“Medusa” – John Michael HowelL“Shadow” – LivingstoneThese tracks spark a discussion about anxiety, identity, pressure, and the inner world of Gen Alpha.🎙️ Related Rosie & Roula Episodes to RevisitIf you want to go deeper into themes mentioned in this episode, check out these previous conversations:Episode 24 – “The Big Question – Kids or Not?”⭐ What You’ll Hear in This Episode* The myth of kids “fixing” a marriage* Why modern parents feel overwhelmed and unsupported* How identity shifts after becoming a parent* The unspoken emotional weight mothers carry* What Gen Alpha’s favorite songs reveal about them* Why honesty in parenting conversations matters more than ever✔️ Take our anonymous listener survey: rosieandroula.com/survey✔️ Support the show by buying us a coffee: rosieandroula.com/coffee✔️ Send us a voice note or message — we want to know YOU.✔️ Follow + rate the podcast — it helps the show reach more people like you.🎙️ Related Rosie & Roula Episodes to RevisitIf you want to go deeper into themes mentioned in this episode, check out these previous conversations:Episode 24 – “The Big Question – Kids or Not?”--------------------☕️ Buy us a coffee!🎙️ Send us a voice message🛍️ Buy some Rosie and Roula merch!--------------------⭐️ Leave us a review▶️ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok🎞️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel--------------------🎧 Check out Roula's podcast🎧 Check out Rosie's podcast