13. “I Want Daddy, Not You”: Parental Preference is The Quiet Heartbreak (and Hidden Gift) No One Warns You About

15. Your Child's Stress Hormones Don't Lie: Inside Gottman Therapy with Trish Purnell-Webb

What if the best indicator of how much conflict is in your relationship was your child's stress hormones? In this episode, I sit down with Trish Purnell-Webb, clinical psychologist, certified Gottman therapist and trainer, and the first person in Australia to hold both those credentials. With over 15,000 hours of couples therapy behind her, Trish has seen what makes relationships thrive and what quietly dismantles them, especially after kids enter the picture. We unpack: - Why 66% of couples hit serious relationship trouble in the six years after their first baby. -The "magic six hours" a week that keep couples connected (and why 24 minutes isn't enough). -The four behaviours that predict relationship breakdown, and why anger isn't one of them. -How children actually benefit from seeing well-managed conflict and repair. - Why differences in parenting styles trigger such intense conflict and what to align on. - The 20:1 ratio that separates thriving couples from struggling ones . - Practical first steps to rebuild connection if you're feeling more like co-managers than partners. Whether you're newly partnered, deep in the parenting trenches, or wondering if your relationship can be salvaged, this conversation is full of research-backed, genuinely doable insights.

14. The Family Vibe: What Your Kids Learn from How You Love your Partner

Every day, your children are front-row audience members to the show you don’t even know you’re performing: the one where love, frustration, laughter, and repair all play out in real time. In this episode, I unpack what your kids are really seeing when you and your partner communicate, disagree, or reconnect after a hard moment. We spend so much time thinking about what our kids eat, how much screen time they have, and whether we’re using the right parenting strategies, but we rarely pause to ask: What are they absorbing from the atmosphere between us? In this episode, we explore how the emotional tone of your home, like the way you and your partner speak, the assumptions you make about one another, the way you make each other feel, handle stress, and repair after conflict, quietly becomes your child’s internal language of love, safety, and self-worth. You’ll learn how your relationship dynamic shapes your child’s blueprint for their future, and what it means to “clean the emotional air” at home. This is not about perfection. It’s about small, intentional moments that create a family vibe your children will carry for life.

13. “I Want Daddy, Not You”: Parental Preference is The Quiet Heartbreak (and Hidden Gift) No One Warns You About

Sometimes love feels uneven. One parent becomes the safe place, the favorite, the fun one, and the other becomes the background noise. It hurts. And even though we know it’s not personal, it still feels deeply personal. This episode dives into what happens inside us when our child prefers the other parent, the jealousy we don’t want to name, the guilt we try to hide, and the quiet self-doubt that can sneak into our every interaction. We’ll talk about where these emotions come from, how they connect to our own childhood experiences, and how to transform that envy into something healing - something that strengthens our bond with our child rather than eroding it and repeating the same patterns from our own childhoods. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why not me?” , this episode will meet you exactly where you are and help guide you on exactly what to do to repair it.

12. What Play Teaches Kids: A Dad’s Perspective You Need to Hear

My husband, the father of our two daughters and a returning guest on the podcast, is back to share his unique perspective on play and the crucial impact these playful interactions with dads have on their children’s lives. We dive into what it really means to be present on the floor, let the child lead, and embrace play, even when it doesn’t come naturally. From building confidence and emotional resilience to shaping social skills and future relationships, father-child play leaves a lifelong impact that many parents don’t fully realise. Whether you love playing with your kids or feel unsure where to start, this episode reveals how a parent's presence, attention, and willingness to engage in play can transform the way children grow and connect and create a bond that is uniquely strengthened by a father’s role. A dad’s perspective like this can change the way you connect with your child forever.

11. When Your Child Hits: The Step Most Parents Miss That Changes Everything

If your child hits, you’ve probably tried everything: calm reminders, firm limits, gentle talks, maybe even consequences. But nothing seems to work. In this episode, I talk about the hidden piece that makes all the difference. It’s not about saying the right thing or having perfect patience, it’s about knowing what the moment actually needs. We’ll unpack why hitting happens, what most parents accidentally miss in their response, and the shift that helps your child feel safe enough to do better next time. This one small change won’t just stop the hittin- it will transform how your child learns, connects, and feels understood.