In this 10 minute video, I share some of the impacts that teaching the Gottman Bringing Baby Home program (which is the basis for the upcoming Still Us Valentine’s Retreat) has had on our family. Our family has experienced reduced friction, tension, and arguing through rituals of connection, such as:

Morning dances
A 2-person journal
Family meetings

In Gottman programs, partners create routines and rituals together through mutual agreement and respect rather than one partner deciding unilaterally. Regular family meetings serve as a container for discussing both needs and shared dreams.

In our own relationship, we have experienced the difference of adding a family member without the Gottman tools, and later WITH Gottman tools. When our first child was born, we lacked preparation and coping tools, and we really struggled. In contrast, when we adopted our “second child” (a rescue dog named Charlie), we still experienced some mood challenges, but we had established practices and check-in systems that helped us navigate the adjustment period more successfully.

Having a plan and structured communication practices before major life transitions like parenthood can help couples stay connected and weather challenges together. So join us at the upcoming Valentine’s Retreat! It will be live in person in Orangevale, CA.

(Video from a coaching call between somatics coach Stasia Savasuk and Lara Elfstrand, founder of Little Elf Family Services).