Are you carrying the mental and emotional load of parenting solo—even though you have a partner? You're not imagining it. You're not alone. And it doesn't have to stay this way. In this episode of the Happy Families podcast, Justin and Kylie dive into one of the most common (and quietly painful) challenges parents face: feeling like you're parenting alone in a relationship.

With warmth, realism, and practical insight, we share four powerful—but gentle—ways to invite your partner back into the parenting picture. Whether you’re feeling unheard, unsupported, or just out of sync, these small steps can lead to big transformation.

KEY POINTS:
Appreciation Inventory: What we focus on grows. Before you confront, notice. Daily acknowledgements of your partner’s efforts—even small ones—can shift the dynamic.
Collaborative Conversations: Use the three E’s of effective discipline (Explore, Explain, Empower) not just with kids, but with each other. Invite, don’t assign.
Gradual Invitations: Don’t expect an overnight fix. Start small, with one area of natural interest, and build from there. Success breeds success.
Role Modelling Matters: We become like the people we surround ourselves with. Seeing engaged parenting modeled—especially by other dads—can have a powerful ripple effect.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“People move towards positive energy. People really love appreciation. They tend to be repelled by criticism.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Three E’s of Effective Discipline
Family Meetings
The Heliotropic Effect
Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
1. Spend a week noticing and commenting on what your partner is doing.
2. Replace “we need to talk” with curiosity: What are you noticing about bedtime?
3. Choose one small area where your partner is already engaged—and invite them to go deeper.
4. Encourage connections with friends who model engaged parenting.

Are you carrying the mental and emotional load of parenting solo&mdash;even though you have a partner? You're not imagining it. You're not alone. And it doesn't have to stay this way. In this episode of the Happy Families podcast, Justin and Kylie dive into one of the most common (and quietly painful) challenges parents face: feeling like you're parenting alone in a relationship.
With warmth, realism, and practical insight, we share four powerful&mdash;but gentle&mdash;ways to invite your partner back into the parenting picture. Whether you&rsquo;re feeling unheard, unsupported, or just out of sync, these small steps can lead to big transformation.
KEY POINTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Appreciation Inventory: What we focus on grows. Before you confront, notice. Daily acknowledgements of your partner&rsquo;s efforts&mdash;even small ones&mdash;can shift the dynamic.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Collaborative Conversations: Use the three E&rsquo;s of effective discipline (Explore, Explain, Empower) not just with kids, but with each other. Invite, don&rsquo;t assign.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Gradual Invitations: Don&rsquo;t expect an overnight fix. Start small, with one area of natural interest, and build from there. Success breeds success.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Role Modelling Matters: We become like the people we surround ourselves with. Seeing engaged parenting modeled&mdash;especially by other dads&mdash;can have a powerful ripple effect.</li>
</ol>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;People move towards positive energy. People really love appreciation. They tend to be repelled by criticism.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Three E&rsquo;s of Effective Discipline</li>
<li aria-level="1">Family Meetings</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Heliotropic Effect</li>
<li aria-level="1">Happy Families resources at<a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au"> happyfamilies.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS: 1. Spend a week noticing and commenting on what your partner&nbsp;is doing. 2. Replace &ldquo;we need to talk&rdquo; with curiosity: What are you noticing about bedtime? 3. Choose one small area where your partner is already engaged&mdash;and invite them to go deeper. 4. Encourage connections with friends who model engaged parenting.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1279 - Parenting Alone in a Marriage: How to Gently Reconnect and Rebuild

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2084f1b8-b99b-4830-b3b1-b30000d2110f/transcript