marriage
Lara Elfstrand
My husband calls me the "marriage apocalypse ...

As the marriage apocalypse warrior (also known as the awesome, differentiating, behavior-changing ninja), I help couples to fight against behaviors that predict the end: (left to right) contempt, defensiveness, criticism, and stonewalling.

My husband calls me the "marriage apocalypse warrior." Find out why!
Lara Elfstrand
Nesting Parties - The Coolest New Trend in ...
Nesting Parties - The Coolest New Trend in Parenting Preparation
Lara Elfstrand
3 parenting skills that also make you better in ...

Three of the top skills of a value driven professional—a person who excels in their workplace—are: they know how to de escalate drama; they know how to accept feedback as a gift, and they know the right way to engage in conflict (according to Donald Miller in his book Business Made Simple). And you know what? Those are skills that I teach in my coaching and in my Gottman Bringing Baby Home classes. They're also skills that make for a great parent and that help us to have a more peaceful, nurturing postpartum period.

3 parenting skills that also make you better in your work
Lara Elfstrand
Interview with a pelvic floor physical ...
Interview with a pelvic floor physical therapist on having a baby during a pandemic
Lara Elfstrand
Top 5 Needs of New Parents
Top 5 Needs of New Parents

Goodbyes

Great goodbyes

The challenge this month is to share greetings and goodbyes that show our family members how important they are to us.  Our goal this week is to say goodbye with an "I love you. Have a great day! I will be thinking about you, and I am looking forward to being together again."  A few great goodbye resources:

  • The song "My Mama Comes Back" by Lou Gallo
  • The (kids) book "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, and the song "A Kiss In My Pocket" by David Kisor
  • The (parenting) book "I Love You Rituals" by Dr. Becky Bailey
  • Transition rituals

Resources:

Baby Registry

Sacramento Resources

Nationwide Resources

©Lara Elfstrand, MA ECSE, IF-ATMHP - Little Elf Family Services, P.O. Box 5098, Auburn, CA 95604