In episode 91 of The Couples Expert Podcast!  It’s the last show for 2016 and Stuart is discussing how to set realistic and meaningful relationship goals for the New Year. We all want to do better and be better and the New Year is the new beginning that many of us use as a jumping off point for furthering our goals. The Couples Experts would like to thank you for a great 2016. Take a listen while Stuart discusses some ideas for 2017. 

What you will learn in this episode: 

• Why we set goals instead of resolutions (12:20) 

• Goals are promises you make to yourself (15:00) 

• How to follow up and check in with your partner regularly  (16:18) 

• What you should include in your goal lists (21:15) 

• Some important suggestions for your growth as a couple.(32:00) 

• Share your lists and compare together  (33:50)

You can also subscribe to 3 Minutes With Stuart on the Couples Expert YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsqIoIdClWx1kGXXg0phnqg

Read the show notes online here

In this special holiday edition of the Couples Expert Podcast, Stuart talks about his interfaith family and gives us a look inside how interfaith couples navigate the unique challenges that come at the holidays.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Standing up for your traditions is important ([9:03])
• It is possible to blend two religious traditions into one celebration  ([10:40])
• Helping those less fortunate can lift your holiday spirits ([15:30])
• This is a great time to make amends and repair relationships  ([18:00])
• Interfaith families have a unique responsibility to educate their children in both faiths  ([20:25])
• The richness of partners and families sharing faith and tradition ,the Hanukkah story. ([21:40])
• Some important takeaways related to family traditions at the holidays ( [29:50])

Tune in and enjoy!

Click here for the complete show notes

The 89th episode of the Couples Expert Podcast is all about Baby Boomers and the Empty Nest. Join Stuart as he discusses all the changes that couples go through when sending their kids out on their own for the first time.

Stuart talks about how we raise our kids and prepare them to be on their own and the challenge of transitioning from full-time parenting to being a full-time couple. Couples need to spend some time preparing for this eventuality. Stuart gives you some tips on how to do that.

In this episode you will learn: 

• The Empty Nest transition can be an emotional time
• Roles change and we need to redefine who we are in relation to our adult children- Stuart discusses the emotions and challenges that accompany this transitional time.
• Planning for this time helps with the emotions and changes; a lot of couples forget about that.
• One of the most positive things about being an empty nester: We can focus on ourselves and our relationship with our partner.
• We can pursue our dreams and our “Bucket List” together- What are some of the things you want on the list?  This is the time for you and your partner to discuss your future plans and get together on what you want to do in the future. Do you want to travel, retire; sell the house? Whatever it is that you want to do, you have some decisions to make. Make your “bucket lists” now so you don’t miss out on what you’ve always wanted to do.

To view the complete show notes click here.

Episode 88 of The Couples Expert Podcast is a special podcast because it touches on something deeply personal for Stuart. He talks about raising a child with a chronic illness or special needs and how the love and support of the family are needed in order to accomplish this.

Stuart’s daughter was born with a disorder called Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF for short). Stuart and Sarah’s mom had incredible challenges in raising her. They had to adapt , learn and overcome so much in Sarah’s early childhood.

No parent would wish to have a sick baby, but when that happens, there is a shift in what’s important in a parent’s life. Stuart and Sarah’s mom were her staunchest advocates and there was more than one time that they had to step up to make sure that Sarah was getting the proper care. They learned to live in the moment and not to wish things were different. They also never blamed each other for Sarah’s problems. To accept that this was the hand their child was dealt and this is the life she was given. This gave them a sense of calm about things and no regrets about “what if’s”. Stuart discusses how you need to separate the child from the illness and teach them that their condition is just something they’ll have to deal with and get on with life. No sense in wishing it were otherwise.

Stuart discussed how celebrations of all the firsts in life  are exponentially more joyful because they are so meaningful because Sarah’s mom and Dad never thought they’d ever get to have those firsts with their child.

Click here to read the full shownotes