Dates, Mates and Babies with the Vallottons

In today’s episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies with the Vallottons, hosts Jason and Lauren Vallotton sit down with renowned psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar to explore the profound challenges and rewards of parenting. Erica, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), brings years of expertise in child development and the psychological aspects of motherhood and fatherhood. She has authored two insightful books:Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years MattersChicken Little: The Sky Isn’t FallingIn this conversation, Erica highlights the crucial role emotional attachment plays in a child's development, particularly during the first three years. She discusses the importance of both mothers and fathers being present and emotionally available, as well as how societal pressures and guilt impact the way mothers show up for their families.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The key ingredients for building a healthy attachment with your child, particularly in the first three years.Insights from Erica’s book Being There on the lasting impact of maternal presence during a child's formative years.Why father involvement is just as crucial as mothers in raising emotionally resilient children.How to address societal pressures, guilt, and the overwhelming demands placed on mothers today.The importance of staying engaged with your children throughout adolescence, even when they seem to need you less.About Erica Komisar:Erica Komisar is a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalyst with extensive experience working in child development and parenting. She has authored two influential books, Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters and Chicken Little: The Sky Isn’t Falling. Her work emphasizes the emotional and psychological needs of children, focusing on the vital role parents play in shaping their children's emotional well-being. Erica's expertise has made her a sought-after speaker and resource for parents looking to navigate the challenges of raising children in today’s world.Where to Find Erica Komisar:She’s on Instagram. @ericakomisar To learn more about Erica's work and upcoming events, visit her official website.PatreonIf you've enjoyed this podcast, would you consider financially supporting the show? Every donation, big and small, helps the Vallottons continue to prioritize making this content for you. Click this link to support! Thank you!For information on the Marriage Intensive and other resources, go to jasonandlaurenvallotton.com !Connect with Lauren:InstagramFacebookConnect with Jason:Jay’s InstagramJay’s FacebookBraveCo Instagramwww.braveco.org

What if the greatest battle you’re fighting isn’t with your spouse, your kids, or the world—but with yourself? On this episode, the Vallottons dive into the messiest parts of who we are—the stuff we shove aside but desperately need to face if we want to grow in life, faith, and relationships.Jason and Lauren explore the significance of identifying your inner conflicts, the impact of your past experiences, and the role of seeking support in overcoming these hidden struggles. • Discussing personal experiences of battling inner conflicts • Understanding the significance of self-criticism and shame • Exploring the concept of the trauma tree and its visualizations • Identifying signs of an inner battle and unhealthy habits • The necessity of reaching out for help and building self-awareness • Sharing strategies for addressing and conquering internal struggles PatreonIf you've enjoyed this podcast, would you consider financially supporting the show? Every donation, big and small, helps the Vallottons continue to prioritize making this content for you. Click this link to support! Thank you!For information on the Marriage Intensive and other resources, go to jasonandlaurenvallotton.com !Connect with Lauren:InstagramFacebookConnect with Jason:Jay’s InstagramJay’s FacebookBraveCo Instagramwww.braveco.org

In this milestone 100th episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton sit down with Jason's parents, Kris and Kathy Vallotton, for a heartfelt conversation about the enduring meaning of Christmas. Known for their leadership and faith, Kris and Kathy reflect on the miraculous story of Christ’s birth and its profound blend of humanity and divinity. Together, they share insights on how to hold onto the true essence of Christmas amid the distractions of commercialization, encouraging listeners to reconnect with its true spiritual significance.Kris and Kathy also share a touching personal story about navigating financial hardships with creativity and faith. Recalling a time when scarcity gave way to an unexpected adventure, they draw parallels to the humble circumstances of Christ's birth. The conversation highlights how love and togetherness can transform challenges into cherished memories, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of family and faith.The episode takes a deeper turn as the Vallottons explore the supernatural aspects of the Christmas story and their relevance in everyday life. Reflecting on moments of divine provision, they illustrate how God's presence often surprises us in the ordinary and imperfect moments. Through these reflections, Kris, Kathy, Jason, and Lauren invite listeners to see the beauty in life’s messiness and embrace the redemptive power of the Christmas story in their own lives.Join Jason and Lauren Vallotton for this uplifting conversation with Kris and Kathy Vallotton, as they celebrate faith, family, and the transformative hope of the Christmas season. Merry Christmas to you, and we'll see you back here in the New Year!-----PatreonIf you've enjoyed this podcast, would you consider financially supporting the show? Every donation, big and small, helps the Vallottons continue to prioritize making this content for you. Click this link to support! Thank you!For information on the Marriage Intensive and other resources, go to jasonandlaurenvallotton.com !Connect with Lauren:InstagramFacebookConnect with Jason:Jay’s InstagramJay’s FacebookBraveCo Instagramwww.braveco.org

Imagine the weight of rebuilding a marriage amidst public scrutiny and personal failure. Laura and Carl Lentz know this journey all too well, and they graciously join the Vallottons to share their path of healing and redemption following Carl's affair in 2020. Through candid conversations, they explore the complexities of maintaining genuine relationships in the face of betrayal, and the powerful role community support can play in times of crisis. Their story is not just one of personal recovery, but also a testament to the resilience found in embracing vulnerability and committing to change.Beyond their personal trials, the Vallottons tackle the broader theme of balancing emotional health with spiritual growth. In a world where hyper-spirituality often masks deeper issues, the Lentzes open up about the necessity of addressing deep-seated pain and the deceptive self-lies that perpetuate addiction. Our conversation digs into the intricate dynamics of rebuilding trust after infidelity, underscoring the pivotal moments of honesty and the proactive steps needed to create a foundation for healing. Laura's experience in setting clear boundaries and expectations highlights the courage required to face the truth and the profound freedom it can bring.Through real-life examples, this conversation illustrates how openness can transform potentially humiliating situations into valuable teaching moments that build trust and resilience. his episode is infused with hope, reminding us all of the transformative impact of perseverance and the lasting benefits of living truthfully amidst life's challenges. This episode dives into the nuances of addressing hidden pain, repairing broken trust, and creating a new foundation for relationships—not by erasing the past but by learning from it.Whether you’ve faced challenges in your marriage, struggled with trust, or simply want to know that restoration is possible, this episode is for you. It’s an honest conversation that doesn’t shy away from the hard truths but offers hope, practical insights, and a reminder that no matter how deep the wound, healing is always possible.Connect with Carl and Laura Lentz: Carl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carllentz/Laura Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauralentz/PatreonIf you've enjoyed this podcast, would you consider financially supporting the show? Every donation, big and small, helps the Vallottons continue to prioritize making this content for you. Click this link to support! Thank you!For information on the Marriage Intensive and other resources, go to jasonandlaurenvallotton.com !Connect with Lauren:InstagramFacebookConnect with Jason:Jay’s InstagramJay’s FacebookBraveCo Instagramwww.braveco.org