The Dr. Psych Mom Show with clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Rodman Whiten

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe Men are less likely to ask for divorces than women, so what can drive them to it?  These four things, which, coincidentally, are the exact things men look for in partners post-divorce! Please subscribe and you have access to all my other episodes that you can't hear for free!  Thanks for listening everyone. Related links: When Women Consider Physical Touch To Be A Less Real or Important Love Language 10 Non PC Things I Have Learned About Relationships From Couples Work Are There Divorces That Don’t Need To Happen?

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe In this episode, I discuss the various reasons that women can be ambivalent about making more money.  If this speaks to you, think deeply about which of these reasons are holding you back and what your life could look like if you were able to recognize and resolve these issues!  Please subscribe to paid episodes to get bonus content and write in with ideas of what I should next discuss! Links: 6 Reasons Women Are Scared Of Making Money “Men Don’t Like High Achieving/Earning Women” Is Not True

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe A reader wrote in: "Hi there, I loved your recent article about how to show kids that sex is a positive thing, there were some great practical tips there. However I have a question about how you can introduce this when you have re-partnered? My kids haven’t been used to seeing me be romantic with anyone in a long time, and even though my partner and I have been together for 2 years they can get really uncomfortable with it, particularly my tween daughter. My partner has a great relationship with my kids and we are careful not to make them feel uncomfortable but I do think it’s important for them to see us being affectionate, and physically showing our love for each other (within reason)."  I address this question, as well as discuss the epidemic of overparenting and this reader's likely inability to put her own needs first in all walks of life, and likely origins of this. Incidentally, this episode isn't just for those who are repartnered! At the end I talk about when you are trying to reintegrate physical affection with your spouse after years of putting it on the back burner. Thanks for listening!  Follow me on Facebook and rate me on Spotify and Apple! Links: Having A Healthy Sex Life With Your Spouse Is Good For Your Kids, Here’s Why Stop Letting Your Kid Treat You Like Garbage People Pleasing Daughters Of Covertly Narcissistic Moms

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe A reader asked: "I used to feel guilty when I would conjure up different scenarios in my head and do mental role playing during sex with my husband. However after reading your articles about women's sex drives in monogamous relationships, I’ve felt somewhat relieved. However, in terms of getting yourself off, is nothing really off the table? I have trouble accepting that idea, especially when it’s fantasizing about other people. I’ve never tried that as I think it’s crossing the line, and I’d hate to know if my husband was thinking of another woman. My main question is: can you really be connecting with your partner during sex if you are are focusing on something or someone else?" I address this in my classic gentle and subtle style (ha). PS I don't really even know who my UPS guy is, ironically.  Links: 8 Myths About Women's Orgasms What Men Think About Sex Versus Reality

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe A reader of DrPsychMom.com wrote in with a story about how she attracts these "friends" that end up using her for childcare or whatever else.  I explore how her family of origin issues likely set her up for these difficult situations, how to assert boundaries early on, and a reframe for what is really the kindest and most ethical approach in these types of situations.  If you're an adult child of a dysfunctional family, this should be required listening to inform your approach for both friendship and dating! Links: 12 Things People Who Grew Up In Dysfunctional Families Don't Understand Adult Child's Guide To What's Normal Notes on a Scandal (this is also a movie)

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe A listener wrote, "Do you have any advice on what else I can do to reconcile my difficult past with my mother? I really don't think I'll ever be able to talk to her about it because she always shuts me down when I try. I have tried many times over the years. She will interrupt and change the subject, or literally just walk out of the room as if I'm not even talking. I don't want to feel this way around her for the rest of her life because I believe that she also was a good mother in many ways and I know that she loves me and her grandchildren. I try to do more enjoyable things with her, but it still ends up hurting that she just doesn't seem to want to really know me or understand me." I help this listener understand what may be the issue with her mother, and help her reframe her expectations and get to a place where she can move forward in a healthier way.  Required listening for all people who have difficult and frustrating relationships with parents! Links: When You Are An Emotional Orphan Adult Children Of Emotionally Immature Parents Children of The Self Absorbed

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe People don't admit when they don't like their kids because it feels so shameful, but you are not alone if you feel this way.  If you want to learn concrete ways to deal with it, listen to this episode and read the below links.  You are NOT a bad parent if you don't like your child. There is a difference between thoughts/feelings and behavior, and as long as you treat your child well, you are still a good parent no matter what you feel. However, when you feel this way, treating your child well can be a struggle. These nonjudgmental and practical tips can help you proactively change your approach and, over time, even how you feel about your child. Links: 10 Ways To Deal When You Don’t Like Your Child That Much I Don't Like My 5 Year Old I Don't Love My Kids (note the update and her diagnosis) We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe In this episode of The Dr Psych Mom Show, I give you a rough overview of the many aspects of recovering from affairs.  The betrayed partner and the betraying partner have different needs during the repair and recovery process, and I go through many things you may not have been aware of that are important to consider, including the role of therapy, surveillance, the timeline of recovery, and why people cheat. Please subscribe to my podcast and follow me on Facebook!  Links:  The State Of Affairs Recovering From Infidelity

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe Many people find it awkward or scary to discuss their secret desires with their partner.  In this episode, I talk about why people feel this way, how to get past it, and even give you a role play for how to bring it up!  (Not the fun kind of role play, just a therapy kind.) Thanks for listening and please subscribe! Links: Why Couples Don't Share Love And Care Fantasies and How To Change That When You Feel Shy Or Awkward In Bed With Your Husband Why Men Like Oral Sex

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/drpsychmomshow/subscribe A subscriber asked me a great question about why some women in particular that she knows find it very hard to meet men to be in a serious relationship with, even though they want to get married and have kids.  I discuss two main reasons that people find it difficult to find partners that they are attracted to, and discuss one major reason that people may not be as into you as you want. Links: Pursuer-Distancer Relationships 52 Emails To Transform Your Marriage (my book, it helps a lot with vulnerability which is a main focus of this episode!) Why Do All My Dating Relationships Fizzle Out After A Couple Of Dates? Vulnerability Is Another Word For Confidence, And Women Love It (FYI men do too)