Family Dialogues

In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with Deb Dana, author of Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, about how parents can better understand stress, emotional dysregulation, tantrums, shutdowns, anger, anxiety, people-pleasing, and conflict through the lens of polyvagal theory.  Deb explains how the autonomic nervous system scans for safety and danger, why parents may snap, shut down, or feel overwhelmed, and how learning to “befriend” the nervous system can help families move from reactivity to connection.  Together, they explore practical ways parents can support co-regulation during meltdowns, strengthen emotional regulation through small daily “glimmer” practices, repair after rupture, and create more emotional safety with children and partners. This episode is especially helpful for parents who want to understand their triggers, respond more calmly to tantrums and bedtime battles, improve family communication, and raise children who can recognize and regulate their own emotions. In This Episode You’ll learn: What polyvagal theory is and why it matters for parents How the nervous system responds to safety, stress, conflict, and overwhelm The difference between fight, flight, shutdown, collapse, appeasement, and fawning Why children cannot learn lessons when they are dysregulated How parents can use co-regulation during tantrums and meltdowns Why “calm down” often does not work How glimmers, gratitude, and curiosity can strengthen regulation How couples can understand mismatched nervous system responses Why rupture and repair are essential for secure family relationships How to teach children emotional regulation by modeling it yourself Recommended Resources Deb Dana’s website: Rhythm of Regulation Deb Dana’s book: Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory Polyvagal Institute Deb Dana’s Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series Deb Dana’s books and cards on Amazon   Podcast feedback: [email protected]

In this powerful episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Burke speaks with award-winning journalist and author Kate Rope about how parents can raise girls who trust themselves, set healthy boundaries, express emotions safely, and grow into confident, self-aware young women. Kate shares why the elementary years, ages 5–12, are such a critical window for building a girl’s confidence, agency, emotional resilience, and body autonomy. She explains how small everyday parenting choices such as allowing girls to make decisions, say no to unwanted hugs, express anger, and listen to their instincts can shape lifelong self-trust. This conversation also explores the pressure girls face to be “nice,” accommodating, and pleasing, and why parents must create a home where difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, and disappointment are safe to express. Kate offers practical language parents can use to support emotional regulation without dismissing or shaming their daughters. The episode also addresses body image, social media, online safety, father-daughter relationships, and how caregivers can help girls understand that their bodies are not for judgment, performance, or approval, but for living, feeling, moving, and protecting them. Listeners will walk away with practical tools for raising confident, emotionally healthy, independent, and grounded girls. In This Episode You’ll hear about: Why girls need to learn self-trust before adolescence How parents can help girls express anger in healthy ways Why “you’re the boss of your body” should start early How to teach girls boundaries without guilt or shame Why forced hugs can send the wrong message about consent How social media affects girls’ body image and mental health Why listening, pausing, and asking better questions builds agency What fathers raising daughters need to understand about girls’ lived experiences How parents can repair mistakes and model healthy self-advocacy Recommended Resources & Platforms to Hyperlink Kate Rope’s website: KateRope.com Book: Strong as a Girl by Kate Rope Book: Strong as a Mother by Kate Rope Instagram: @KateRopeWriter The Jed Foundation Seleni Institute

When ADHD shows up in a marriage, it can often be misunderstood as laziness, selfishness, unreliability, or a lack of care. In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with ADHD relationship expert Melissa Orlov, author of The ADHD Effect on Marriage, about how ADHD can impact communication, trust, emotional regulation, household responsibilities, intimacy, and connection in couples.  Melissa explains why many adults first recognize ADHD patterns after a child is diagnosed, how a partner can misread ADHD symptoms, and why couples often fall into painful cycles such as over-functioning and under-functioning, resentment, criticism, emotional volatility, and the parent-child dynamic. She also discusses why education is often the first step toward healing, and how understanding ADHD can help couples move from blame and frustration toward compassion, accountability, and repair. This conversation is especially helpful for couples who suspect ADHD may be affecting their relationship, partners who feel overwhelmed by carrying the emotional or practical load, and adults who struggle with distractibility, time management, follow-through, emotional dysregulation, or feeling constantly criticized. Melissa reminds listeners that ADHD is not an excuse, but understanding it can provide a pathway to practical solutions. With the right tools, support, assessment, and willingness from both partners, ADHD-affected couples can rebuild trust, improve communication, and create a more connected and loving relationship. The episode also emphasizes that anyone who suspects ADHD should consider seeking a professional assessment rather than self-diagnosing. In This Episode How adult ADHD affects marriage and long-term relationships Why ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for laziness, selfishness, or not caring The parent-child dynamic in ADHD-affected couples Emotional dysregulation, resentment, defensiveness, and repair How ADHD impacts trust, communication, intimacy, and household responsibilities How to gently raise the possibility of ADHD with a partner Why education, support systems, and professional assessment matter How couples can move from blame to teamwork and reconnection Recommended Resources ADHDmarriage.com ADHD Marriage Consulting The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov Melissa Orlov’s Couples Seminar / Nine-Session Seminar for ADHD-Affected Couples ADDitude Magazine Melissa Orlov’s ADDitude webinar on resentment in ADHD relationships Melissa Orlov - Psychology Today

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming with the constant reminders, emotional outbursts, forgotten tasks, and daily power struggles. But what if the key isn’t more discipline… but deeper understanding?  In this episode of Family Dialogues, ADHD expert Cindy Goldrich shares practical, research-informed strategies to help parents move from frustration to connection. Learn how to support your child’s executive function challenges, reduce conflict, and build independence without shame, punishment, or burnout. Whether you're navigating ADHD parenting, emotional regulation struggles, or daily routines, this episode offers actionable tools to create a calmer, more connected family dynamic.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why ADHD is not a behavior problem but a skill gap How executive function challenges impact memory, motivation, and routines The powerful mindset shift: “Parent the child you have” Why reward charts and punishments often fail with ADHD children How to reduce power struggles and defiance through collaboration The difference between enabling vs. supporting your child Simple strategies to build independence and responsibility How to communicate effectively: “Be brief, firm, and gone” Tools to support emotional regulation and self-awareness Why connection, not correction is the foundation of lasting change Key Takeaways: ADHD brains work differently; understanding this changes everything Children with ADHD are not lazy or unmotivated: They need skill-building support Strong parent-child relationships reduce conflict and improve outcomes Small shifts in communication and mindset can lead to major family transformation Resources & Programs Mentioned: Special resource for listeners - www.PTScoaching.com/DrBurke PTS Coaching Calm and Connected Parents Program ADHD Parent Coach Academy ADHD Teacher Trainer Academy Eight Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD (book) Substack (Cindy Goldrich) Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PTSCoaching Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ptscoaching LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptscoaching

What happens when life changes in an instant? In this deeply moving episode of Family Dialogues, we explore how one family navigated a sudden, life-threatening brain aneurysm, and what kept them grounded through fear, uncertainty, and recovery.  Scott Delahook shares the powerful story of his wife Mona’s medical emergency, the emotional and spiritual resilience required during ICU uncertainty, and the practical steps every family should take to prepare for the unexpected. This episode is a must-listen for parents, couples, and caregivers seeking guidance on family resilience, crisis management, emotional strength, and faith during adversity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What really happens during a brain aneurysm and emergency brain surgery How to stay grounded in high-stress, life-threatening situations Why avoiding information overload can protect your mental health in a crisis The critical importance of medical directives, wills, and family preparedness How to build a strong support system and community before you need it The role of faith, surrender, and emotional resilience in healing Practical ways families can work together and delegate during emergencies Insights into traumatic brain injury recovery and long-term healing Why connection, love, and co-regulation are essential for both patients and caregivers Key Takeaway: Preparation, community, and faith are not optional; they are essential. Investing in relationships and having difficult conversations now can transform how your family survives and heals during crisis. Recommended Resources: Medical Directive / Advance Care Planning Resources Estate Planning & Family Trust Services Brain Injury & Stroke Recovery Support Groups Caregiver Support Communities (online & local) Faith-Based Counseling & Community Groups Mona Delahooke’s Parenting Resources & Books For episode feedback: [email protected]

In this powerful episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Tanisha Burke sits down with family enterprise advisor Emily Griffiths Hamilton to unpack the truth about generational wealth, succession planning, and building a lasting family legacy. Most families focus on making money, but far fewer know how to sustain wealth across generations without conflict, entitlement, or loss. Emily introduces the concept of a “family bank” which a framework that goes beyond finances to include shared values, communication, and intentional parenting. You’ll discover why 70% of wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% by the third, and how families can break that cycle. This episode explores: Why communication, not money, is the #1 reason families lose wealth The difference between financial wealth vs. human and intellectual capital How to create a family vision and shared values that guide decisions Why giving children “everything” can undermine resilience and independence How to raise children who are financially responsible, confident, and purpose-driven Practical ways to introduce money conversations at age-appropriate stages How to avoid inheritance conflict, entitlement, and family breakdown Whether you’re building wealth from scratch or thinking about your legacy, this episode will help you raise children who are not just wealthy—but prepared, grounded, and connected. 🔗 Recommended Resources Build Your Family Bank – Emily Griffiths Hamilton (Book) Family Meetings Course – Dr. Taniesha Burke

What happens to your marriage when life takes an unexpected turn through diagnosis, chronic stress, and emotional overwhelm? In this powerful episode of the Family Dialogues Podcast, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with licensed therapist, author, and special needs mom Kristin Faith Evans about how couples can not only survive but build a thriving, connected marriage while raising children with disabilities. Kristin shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, chronic grief, and marital strain, and the practical tools that helped her rebuild trust, connection, and emotional resilience in her relationship. This episode offers real, research-informed strategies for parents navigating caregiving stress, mental health challenges, and the silent impact on their marriage. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The hidden impact of chronic sorrow and “living loss” in special needs parenting Why marriages often struggle under caregiving stress, and how to rebuild connection Practical tools for improving communication, emotional regulation, and intimacy How 5–10 minute daily check-ins can transform your relationship The role of mindfulness, self-regulation, and micro self-care moments How to support siblings and recognize signs of emotional distress What friends and family should really say (and do) to support parents Reconnecting spiritually when faith feels distant or strained 💡 Key Takeaways: Small, consistent actions, not grand gestures, strengthen marriages Emotional validation is more powerful than fixing problems Regulated conversations lead to better decisions and less conflict You are not alone, connection and support are essential 🎯 Perfect For: Parents raising children with disabilities or special needs Couples experiencing stress, disconnection, or caregiver burnout Therapists, coaches, and anyone supporting families Friends and family wanting to better support loved ones 🔗 Resources & Programs Mentioned: How to Build a Thriving Marriage While Caring for Children with Disabilities (book by Kristin Faith Evans) Disability Parenting Website: https://disabilityparenting.com Disability Moms Living Strong (Support Group) Instagram: @disabilityparenting If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent or couple who needs encouragement today and don’t forget to follow the podcast for more conversations that strengthen families.

In this powerful episode of Family Dialogues Podcast, we sit down with author and cultural commentator Adam B. Coleman to explore the long-term impact of father absence, single-parent households, and broken family systems on children and society.  Drawing from his deeply personal story and his book The Children We Left Behind, Adam shares how growing up without a consistent father figure shaped his identity, mental health, relationships, and self-worth. Together, we unpack the emotional realities many children silently carry from abandonment wounds to low self-esteem and why these experiences often go unnoticed. This conversation goes beyond personal stories to examine broader cultural trends, including the normalization of family separation, the role of extended family, and the societal consequences of prioritizing adult happiness over children’s well-being. We also explore: The psychological effects of fatherlessness on boys and girls Why children from single-parent homes often hide their pain The link between family breakdown, mental health struggles, and risky behaviors The dangers children face when non-biological adults enter the home How unresolved childhood trauma impacts adult relationships and parenting The importance of intentional parenting, emotional connection, and accountability Adam also offers hope by sharing how he broke generational patterns, rebuilt his identity, and is raising his son with intention, presence, and emotional awareness.  This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers, and anyone seeking to understand the deeper impact of family dynamics on child development and long-term well-being.  Resources & Recommendations The Children We Left Behind – Adam B. Coleman Adam B. Coleman Substack Wrong Speak Publishing Wrong Speak Media Adam on YouTube/@wrong_speak

Can mothers successfully balance entrepreneurship, marriage, and motherhood without losing themselves in the process? In this episode of the Family Dialogues Podcast, Dr. Taniesha speaks with multimedia creator, filmmaker, and business strategist Cherene Francis about how women can build meaningful businesses while nurturing strong families and staying grounded in their identity. Together, they explore the mindset shifts women need to move from uncertainty to confidence, practical ways to start a business with minimal resources, and how faith, discipline, and intentional family planning help women thrive in multiple roles. Cherene shares powerful insights from her journey as an entrepreneur, wife, and mother including how grounding your day, understanding your personal rhythms, and building an intentional family ecosystem can transform both your business and home life. This episode is especially valuable for mothers considering starting a home-based business, transitioning to entrepreneurship, or creating a more flexible work life while remaining deeply present for their children and marriage. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why mindset and identity are the foundation of successful entrepreneurship Practical steps to start a business with minimal money or resources How mothers can leverage their skills and passions to create income online The role of faith, purpose, and personal development in building a meaningful business How to avoid common pitfalls when choosing a business coach or program Why AI can be a helpful tool, but not a replacement for human creativity and purpose How to design a family-centered business plan that prioritizes marriage and children Strategies for raising independent and capable children while managing a busy life The wisdom of the Proverbs 31 woman as a model for leadership, entrepreneurship, and family life Simple ways to protect energy, intimacy in marriage, and personal wellbeing If you are a mother seeking to build a life of purpose, flexibility, and strong family connection, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about work, identity, and leadership in the home. Platforms, Tools & Resources Mentioned Fiverr – freelance platform for hiring or offering services Upwork – global freelance marketplace ChatGPT / AI tools – used for brainstorming business ideas and automation The Baby Whisperer – parenting book on baby routines and self-soothing Connect with Cherene Francis Instagram: @ChereneFrancis Website: ChereneFrancis.com If you enjoy this episode, please follow, rate, and share the Family Dialogues Podcast so more families can build stronger, healthier relationships.

Raising a child with disabilities can transform every aspect of family life from medical decisions and advocacy to marriage, sibling relationships, and personal identity. In this powerful episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with author, advocate, and speaker Christine Staple-Ebanks, a mother whose son Nathan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after surviving a life-threatening birth condition. Christine shares her deeply personal journey navigating medical uncertainty, building resilience, and becoming a fierce advocate for her child. From raising Nathan in Jamaica, where services were limited, to navigating complex systems in the United States, Christine reveals how parents can move from overwhelm to empowerment. This conversation explores how families can stay connected, how parents can advocate effectively for their children, and how faith, community, and knowledge can transform a difficult diagnosis into a meaningful life mission. Whether you’re a parent of a child with special needs, a professional working with families, or someone supporting loved ones through similar challenges, this episode offers practical tools, emotional insight, and hope. In This Episode, We Discuss The emotional impact of receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis Trusting parental intuition when developmental milestones seem delayed The difference between aggressive vs. assertive advocacy in healthcare and education Navigating IEP meetings and special education systems How disability affects siblings, marriage, and the entire family system Rebuilding identity after leaving a career to become a caregiver Why community support and parent networks are essential How faith, resilience, and purpose can emerge through hardship Practical strategies for balancing caregiving, finances, and self-care Preparing for your child’s transition to adulthood and guardianship Key Takeaways Parents are experts on their children: document observations and ask questions. Effective advocacy is informed, calm, and solution-focused. Disability impacts the entire family ecosystem, not just the child. Building a support network of other parents can provide life-changing knowledge and resources. Scheduling intentional time for siblings, marriage, and self-care helps families thrive. About Our Guest Christine Staple-Ebanks is an author, speaker, and special needs advocate. As the founder of the Special Needs Mama Bear community, she equips families with tools, education, and encouragement to navigate life after a diagnosis. Through coaching, books, and online resources, she helps parents build confidence in advocacy and create thriving family systems. Connect With Christine YouTube: Special Needs Mama Bear Facebook: Special Needs Mama Bear Community Parent coaching and resources available through her Special Needs Mama Bear membership platform Platforms & Programs Mentioned in This Episode (Helpful resources referenced during the conversation) Special Needs Mama Bear Community & Store – Parent resources and coaching Udemy – Online course platform (Christine’s advocacy training) YouTube – Educational resources from Special Needs Mama Bear Facebook & Instagram – Parenting and community support groups Ronald McDonald House – Housing support for families with hospitalized children MyChart – Patient portal for accessing medical records and results UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – International disability rights framework

Why do so many modern marriages struggle after children arrive, even when couples start with the best intentions? In this episode, Dr. Taniesha Burke sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Joshua Coleman, author of The Lazy Husband, to unpack one of the most common sources of marital resentment: unequal parenting and household labor.  Most couples say they want an egalitarian marriage, but after kids, many mothers feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsupported. Fathers may feel confused, criticized, or unappreciated. What’s really happening beneath the surface? Dr. Coleman explains: Why marital satisfaction drops after children (especially for wives) The psychological shift from “me-centered” to “we-centered” marriage How “maternal gatekeeping” can unintentionally push fathers away The 3 marriage types: traditional, transitional, and egalitarian Why appreciation motivates men more than criticism The powerful 5:1 positive-to-negative ratio for long-term marital success We also explore: ✔️ Why many fathers compare themselves to their own dads and why that standard no longer works ✔️ How unequal mental load impacts intimacy and sexual connection ✔️ The connection between housework equity and increased marital satisfaction ✔️ Practical bargaining strategies wives can use to create change without nagging ✔️ How to communicate needs without triggering defensiveness ✔️ Why daily appreciation is more powerful than you think If you’ve ever felt like you’re raising another child instead of partnering with your spouse, this conversation will give you concrete tools for creating shared responsibility, emotional connection, and a healthier family system. This episode is essential listening for parents seeking: Marriage communication strategies Fair division of household labor Parenting partnership tools Reducing resentment in marriage Building a strong marriage after kids Positive discipline homes with secure children Because your marriage is the emotional engine of your family — and it’s never too late to shift the dynamic. Recommended Resources: The Lazy Husband The Marriage Makeover When Parents Hurt Rules of Estrangement Council on Contemporary Families Dr. Coleman’s Substack: Family Troubles Dr. Coleman’s website: https://www.drjoshuacoleman.com/ If this episode helped you rethink partnership, share it with another parent who needs it, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help more families build healthier marriages. For episode feedback: [email protected]

In today’s hyper-digital world, children are growing up immersed in screens and families are feeling the impact. In this powerful episode, Dr. Taniesha Burke sits down with clinical psychologist and author Catherine Steiner-Adair to discuss how technology, smartphones, gaming, and social media are reshaping childhood and what parents can do to reconnect with their children. Based on her bestselling book, The Big Disconnect, Catherine shares research-backed insights on screen addiction, emotional dysregulation, family values, AI companions, and how parents can protect their child’s mental health in the digital age. If you've ever wondered: Is my child addicted to screens? How much screen time is too much? Should I check my teenager’s phone? Are devices affecting my child’s brain development? How do I rebuild connection in my family? This episode is for you. 🔎 In This Episode, We Discuss: What “The Big Disconnect” really means for modern families The neurological impact of gaming and social media on children’s brains Why screen addiction mimics gambling addiction Emotional dysregulation and tech withdrawal meltdowns The rise in anxiety, depression, and body image issues linked to devices Why family dinners are more powerful than parents realize How to create a Responsible Use Agreement in your home The importance of tech-free mornings, car rides, and bedtime routines Should parents monitor their teen’s phone? AI companions and the dangers of outsourcing parenting How to raise confident, self-advocating children in a digital world Why parenting today is an act of rebellion 💡 Key Takeaway Children don’t need parents to be perfect; they need parents to be present. Strong family connection, consistent boundaries, and clearly defined family values are protective factors against digital addiction, online exploitation, anxiety, and emotional isolation.  Parenting in the digital age requires courage, intentionality, and leadership. 📚 Recommended Resources The Big Disconnect by Catherine Steiner-Adair If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent navigating screen time and digital parenting challenges.  Your family connection is worth protecting.

After children, many couples quietly shift from lovers to logistical partners. The romance fades, exhaustion sets in, and intimacy feels like another task on the to-do list. In this powerful episode, Dr. Taniesha Burke sits down with certified sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, author of Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids, to explore how couples can reconnect emotionally and sexually without grand gestures or pressure. We unpack why feeling like “roommates with children” is a normal and predictable phase of parenting, and how small, intentional daily choices can rebuild connection, safety, and desire over time. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why intimacy often declines after children and why it’s not a red flag The difference between spontaneous desire vs. responsive desire (and why this matters for couples) How exhaustion, mental load, and being “touched out” impact sexual connection The pursuer-withdrawer cycle and how it erodes emotional intimacy Why obligation sex can damage desire and what to do instead How your nervous system (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) affects intimacy Micro-moments that keep the emotional climate of your marriage warm Rebuilding sexual connection after fertility struggles Healing intimacy after traumatic birth experiences Navigating desire differences during perimenopause and menopause Reconnecting as parents of teens and empty nesters Dr. Rebecca shares practical tools for rebuilding intimacy in marriage, including: ✔ Expanding your definition of sex ✔ Communicating with vulnerability using “I feel” statements ✔ Creating intentional transition time from parent mode to partner mode ✔ Prioritizing micro-moments of connection (hello kisses, deep hugs, intentional eye contact) If you’ve ever wondered how to reignite romance after kids, restore emotional connection, or strengthen your marriage while parenting, this episode is for you. Recommended Resources & Programs Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids – Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy Secure Love – Julie Menanno Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy’s Website Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy on Instagram If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who may need encouragement in their marriage journey.

In a world where manners are fading, social skills are declining, and family connections feel harder than ever, could etiquette be the missing link to raising confident, respectful children? In this powerful episode of the Family Dialogues Podcast, Dr. Taniesha Burke sits down with renowned etiquette expert Jackie Vernon Thompson to explore how manners, respect, and social protocols shape children’s confidence, communication skills, and long-term success. Together, they discuss why etiquette is not about class, wealth, or being “old-fashioned,” but about self-worth, emotional intelligence, leadership, and strong family values. Jackie shares real-life insights from her global work with children, families, and professionals and explains how simple daily habits at home can transform sibling relationships, parent-child connection, and children’s readiness for the real world. This episode covers: Why etiquette and manners must start at home How social skills impact confidence, academic success, and career opportunities The hidden cost of screen time, blank stares, and poor communication How family meals and device-free conversations build emotional safety Dressing, hygiene, and non-verbal communication as forms of self-respect Teaching children boundaries, gratitude, responsibility, and courtesy Why etiquette is for every child, regardless of background If you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver who wants to raise respectful, emotionally healthy, and socially confident children, this conversation is essential listening. Programs & Resources Mentioned From the Inside Out School of Etiquette The Polished Society (Membership Program) Etiquette Consultant Certification Program Youth Empowerment Village (Summer Program) Book: Transformative Etiquette by Jackie Vernon Thompson Instagram - From the Inside Out School of Etiquette Facebook - From the Inside Out School of Etiquette TIK TOK - From the Inside Out School of Etiquette LinkedIn - From the Inside Out School of Etiquette  For podcast feedback email: [email protected]  

What really happens to a marriage after kids arrive? In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke sits down with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Jancee Dunn to talk candidly about resentment, emotional labor, and rebuilding a partnership after children. Drawing from her book, How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids, Jancee shares deeply relatable stories, research-backed insights, and practical tools to help couples move from simmering frustration back to teamwork, respect, and connection. Together, they explore how unequal mental load, maternal gatekeeping, poor communication, and unspoken expectations quietly erode relationships and what actually helps couples repair after the early parenting years. From FBI conflict-resolution techniques to chore redistribution systems, this conversation offers realistic strategies for overwhelmed parents who still want their relationship to thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resentment often builds between partners after having children How emotional labor and the mental load disproportionately affect mothers The impact of micromanaging and “maternal gatekeeping” on fathers Why children absorb parental conflict more than we realize Practical communication scripts that reduce defensiveness and shutdown FBI-backed techniques for de-escalating conflict during heated moments How clarifying roles and household systems can reduce resentment What gives hope to couples struggling in the early parenting years This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating marriage after kids, co-parenting stress, emotional burnout, and relationship repair. Recommended Books & Experts/Strategies How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids - Jancee Dunn FBI Behavioral Change Stairway Model Terry Real (Relational Life Therapy)

What does it really take to raise teenagers who still talk to us, trust us, and stay connected even as they push for independence? In this episode of the Family Dialogues Podcast, parenting expert Alyson Schafer joins the conversation to unpack one of the most challenging transitions for families: moving from parental control to parental influence during the teen years. Alyson explains why adolescence begins much earlier than many parents expect, how brain development and neuroplasticity shape teenage behavior, and why conflict often increases just as teens are doing exactly what development requires of them. Drawing from Adlerian psychology and decades of counseling experience, she reframes teenage resistance not as defiance, but as preparation for adulthood. You’ll hear practical guidance on: The three stages of adolescence and what parents should expect at each stage Why fear leads parents to overcontrol and how that erodes connection The critical shift from being the “pilot” to becoming a trusted co-pilot in your teen’s life How strong relationships, not punishment, protect teens from risky behavior Why teens who feel emotionally connected to their parents are more likely to make safer choices How to replace punishment with agreements, consequences, and family meetings Concrete strategies for keeping communication open, even with withdrawn or resistant teens How parents can rebuild trust and connection if the relationship already feels strained This conversation is essential listening for parents of preteens and teenagers, caregivers navigating power struggles, and anyone who wants to raise emotionally resilient teens without losing the relationship that matters most. Recommended Resources & Platforms Mentioned in This Episode Parenting the Adlerian Way Podcast – Hosted by Alyson Schafer Alyson Schafer’s Parenting Books (HarperCollins Canada) Alyson Schafer Parenting Teens Facebook Group Alyson's Instagram Parent Education Classes (Adlerian / democratic parenting approach) Family Meetings (as a structured parenting practice discussed in the episode)

In this episode of The Family Dialogues Podcast, Dr. Burke sits down with Dr. Willard F. “Bill” Harley Jr., clinical psychologist, marriage counselor, and bestselling author of His Needs, Her Needs, to explore a question many parents wrestle with but rarely say out loud: Should marriage come before children and why does it matter so much? Dr. Harley draws on over six decades of marriage research and counseling to explain how prioritizing romantic love between spouses creates emotional safety for children, strengthens family stability, and protects marriages from drifting into resentment, distance, or a “roommate” dynamic. He shares why neglecting a spouse’s emotional needs especially after children arrive is one of the biggest threats to long-term marital health. This conversation dives deeply into Dr. Harley’s emotional needs framework, including why men and women often prioritize different needs, how affection creates the environment for intimacy, and why intimate conversation, recreational companionship, and consistent connection are essential to keeping love alive. Dr. Harley also addresses common parenting challenges, including newborns, toddlers, exhaustion, lack of childcare, and limited time and explains why 15 hours of undivided couple time per week can transform a marriage, even in the busiest seasons of parenting.  Parents will walk away with practical tools, mindset shifts, and reassurance that loving your spouse well is not selfish, but one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. In this episode, we discuss: Why prioritizing marriage benefits children emotionally and developmentally The long-term impact of neglecting emotional needs after children arrive Dr. Harley’s emotional needs model and why needs differ between spouses Affection vs. sexual fulfillment: environment vs. event Why intimate conversation is foundational for lasting love Recreational companionship and staying connected through shared enjoyment Balancing marriage, parenting young children, and exhaustion Avoiding the “roommate marriage” trap Why dating your spouse is essential at every stage of family life Resources & Programs Mentioned Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr.: Marriage Counselor & Clinical Psychologist Book: His Needs, Her Needs – Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr. Book: Love Busters – Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr. Book: Five Steps to Romantic Love – Dr. Willard F. Harley Jr. Marriage Builders Program – marriagebuilders.com Marriage Builders Emotional Needs Questionnaire Marriage Builders Coaching & Courses Marriage Builders Radio Show / Podcast Dating the One You Married (Marriage Builders resource)

In today's episode of The Family Dialogues Podcast, we explore what it really means to be a "good mother" in a culture that glorifies perfection and the idea of the supermom. Host Dr. Burke sits down with Kate Kripke, LCSW, perinatal mental health therapist and author of Reinventing Supermom, to unpack why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout in motherhood.  This powerful conversation explores the emotional transition from maiden to motherhood, the hidden costs of achievement-driven parenting, and how a parent's nervous system shapes a child's sense of safety and attachment. Kate explains why children "borrow" our nervous systems, how secure attachment is built, and why placing our emotional well-being on our child's behavior can be harmful—though often unintentional. You'll learn practical, neuroscience-backed tools for emotional regulation, including Kate's 3 Cs framework (Curiosity, Compassion, Choice), which helps parents stay grounded during tantrums, emotional outbursts, and moments of overwhelm from toddlerhood through the teenage years. This episode also addresses cultural and generational beliefs about emotions, why feelings are not the problem, and how repairing ruptures in the parent-child relationship actually strengthens connection. Whether you're a new mom, a high-achieving parent, or navigating emotional challenges with older children, this episode offers compassionate insight, actionable strategies, and reassurance that you don't have to lose yourself to be a loving, secure parent. In this episode, we discuss: Why high-achieving women struggle more with postpartum anxiety The emotional cost of the "supermom" identity Secure attachment and the concept of a safe emotional container How parental anxiety impacts infant and child nervous systems Why children's emotions are not misbehavior The 3 Cs for regulating yourself during tantrums and conflict Supporting emotional regulation from toddlerhood through adolescence Letting go of perfection while strengthening connection Resources & Recommendations Kate Kripke, LCSW – Perinatal Mental Health Therapist Book: Reinventing Supermom: Support, Encouragement, and Strategies for Mothers Who Feel Lost – Kate Kripke Kate's Instagram: @katekripke Kate's Podcast Postpartum Support International (PSI) 

Family life can feel overwhelming, meltdowns, tension in your relationship, emotional distance, and the constant question, “Am I failing at this?” But thriving homes are possible, even when things feel hard. Hosted by Dr. Taniesha Burke, research psychologist, parenting coach, and mother of three boys, Family Dialogues Podcast tackles the real, unspoken challenges of parenting, marriage, intimacy after kids, shared responsibility, and raising confident, capable children. Each episode brings: Evidence-based family and child development insights Conversations with leading psychologists and family experts Practical tools you can use in everyday life Support for couples, new parents, and caregivers navigating stress or advocating for children with special needs Because happy, connected families don’t happen by accident. They happen through understanding, teamwork, and intentional dialogue. The future is the family. Subscribe now and start your family’s new chapter.