From I Do to We Do

Strategies for keeping your relationship alive and well amidst the chaos of family life From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years dispels the myth that you have to choose between being a great partner and being a great parent. With real-life experiences, client stories, and evidence-based practical strategies, this book teaches you how to take care of yourself, resolve conflicts, and maintain emotional intimacy with your partner. You'll also learn how to grow as an effective communicator and work to achieve shared goals while navigating the joys and challenges of raising children. In modeling a strong, healthy relationship with your partner, you are providing a secure, loving foundation for your kids. And that's one of the greatest gifts you can ever give them. This is the ultimate crossover book for parents looking to rekindle their relationship with their partner, balance the mental and physical demands of child-rearing, and commit to a more fulfilling, harmonious family life. This is a relationship book for parents, because your marriage matters too. With this book, you will: - Become a superstar parent and partner by bridging the gap between effective parenting practices and a healthy relationship - Discover real-life examples and case studies from an experienced therapist specializing in relationships and parenting (with plenty of humor along the way) - Get no-nonsense, practical strategies to improve communication and conflict resolution with your partner, rooted in proven therapeutic techniques - Develop your sense of self while embracing your role as a parent and partner This book is designed for parents with kids of all ages who are eager to learn how to improve their relationships with their partners-without sacrificing their relationships with their kids. From I Do to We Do is also a great read for parents-to-be, as they prepare to build a steadfast, loving foundation throughout life's future ups and downs.

Eli Weinstein, LCSW, is a licensed clinical therapist and international speaker whose mission is to make mental health, parenting, and relationships real, relatable, and empowering for families everywhere. Eli runs a thriving private practice serving clients worldwide, hosts The Dude Therapist podcast, and is the founder of ELIvation. His approachable, down-to-earth, no BS style has earned him appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show, features in Psychology Today, and guest spots on more than 250 podcasts.

Introduction: Love, Chaos, and Everything in Between ix Chapter 1 Two's a Company, Three's a Circus 1 Chapter 2 The Holy Trinity: The Foundation of It All 13 Chapter 3 Gray Area 37 Chapter 4 Oxygen Tank 53 Chapter 5 Chaos O'Clock: Where Sleep Dies and Survival Begins 69 Chapter 6 From Dudes to Dads: The Role of Fatherhood 79 Chapter 7 Mama Magic 93 Chapter 8 Pillow Talk 2.0 107 Chapter 9 Love and War 125 Chapter 10 Us vs. Them 163 Chapter 11 The Secret Life of Small Moments 173 Chapter 12 Rediscovering Us: More Than Just Date Night 185 Conclusion 199 Appendix 205 Acknowledgments 207 About the Author 213 Index 215