Marriage after kids can feel like survival mode. Once out of the immediate chaos, it can settle into a state of function. Between diapers, school runs, shuttling to sports practices, your work, and endless to-do lists at home, it's easy to put your relationship on the back burner. But here's the truth: your kids don't just thrive on how well you care for them—they thrive on how connected YOU are as a couple.
In this episode of the Empowered Couples Podcast, Jocelyn & Aaron ("The Freemans") share practical, real-life ways to stay emotionally and physically connected after kids. You'll learn how to move beyond just "functioning" as roommates and bring back fulfillment, intimacy, and spark in your marriage before it's too late.
If you've ever felt the distance growing, this conversation will give you hope and concrete steps you can implement today.
From this episode you'll walk away with:
Don't just survive marriage after kids—reignite the connection that makes everything else in family life easier. Not only is this for your own satisfaction, but critical for what you then model to your kids.
Want to reignite the spark and feel truly connected again? Join the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge—a proven path to bring back emotional closeness, intimacy, and joy in your marriage. Enrollment only opens a few times per year, so don't miss this round: https://mycoupleschallenge.com/best 👈
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Episode Topics Timestamp:
00:08 – Why putting your relationship on the back burner hurts your kids too
00:09:50 – The emotional wall couples feel after building the "dream life"
00:10:38 – Why dissatisfaction peaks around the 10-year mark (and how to avoid it)
00:13:37 – Connection is what makes parenting and life easier
00:14:00 – Step 1: Daily emotional check-ins (not just logistics)
00:19:18 – Step 2: Non-sexual touch & physical affection
00:23:59 – Why kids need to SEE your love, not just receive it
00:25:02 – Special edition: The Best of Us 30-Day Challenge
00:28:11 – Step 3: Make family dinners intentional & device-free
00:32:57 – Step 4: Weekly marriage nights (beyond TV time)
00:34:44 – Step 5: Yearly getaways & bucket list adventures together
00:37:24 – The danger of drifting apart slowly
00:39:34 – Kids notice everything—why your marriage is their model
00:41:26 – Final encouragement & invitation to reignite your spark