A practice for staying with what’s real; and still choosing to move forward It’s tempting, re-opening my business after maternity leave, to paint a rosy picture—one of perfect harmony and bliss in my little new family life. And that would be a lie. It would be an attempt to sell myself to you so that you trust me as a relationship coach, rather than share what feels real, honest, and deeply human about my current experience. Since becoming a mother, alongside the never-ending love that keeps...

Before I became a mother, I didn’t imagine myself as a perfect parent. I knew my humanity would come with me. But I did have hopes about the kind of parent I might be. I hoped I would find gentleness easy. I hoped I would have the spaciousness to offer choice, to move slowly, to stay present. I imagined myself holding him whenever he needed me, avoiding screens for as long as possible, responding with softness even in the messy moments. I wasn’t naïve about imperfection — I just didn’t...

Mediation is often seen as something couples only turn to in deep conflict—on the edge of separation or already past the point of no...