All Posts By

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Let Your Wife Be Your Wife. Let Your Mom Be Your Mom.

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family 24 Comments

Getting married is wonderful, but newlywed life can be a tricky business, especially when it comes to unpacking the expectations husbands and wives have for one another from day one. Often, husbands and wives don’t really know what they’ve signed up for. When expectations collide with reality, things can get messy. Today, we’ll talk about one of the most common comparisons, and the unrealistic expectations that come with it: husbands comparing their wives to their mothers. One of the most inflammatory things a husband can say to his wife is, “That’s not how Mom did it.” Let’s look into some…

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When Debt Controls Your Marriage

By Careers, Communication, Conflict, Self Reflection No Comments

My Wife and I Don’t Know How to Tell Ourselves ‘No’ and Are in $20,000 Debt. What Do We Do Now? When you and your spouse have dug yourselves into a lot of debt, it can make you feel pretty hopeless. Interestingly, that oppressive feeling can cause you to spin into even more bad choices, continuing the pattern that got you into debt in the first place. It’s a common, but dangerous, belief to think, “If I can’t get out of this debt, why try?” But that’s not the solution. And the good news is, you’re not alone! In today’s…

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Dealing with a Spouse’s Depression

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection 41 Comments

Imagine that your spouse has had a sudden personality change. Maybe he is usually an upbeat person who loves to interact with people, and suddenly he is acting cynical and avoiding people (including you). Or perhaps your normally energetic wife is becoming increasingly lethargic and sad, spending more and more time in the bed or on the couch. One thing’s for sure: they’re acting completely out of character, and you can’t seem to get through to them. At first, you feel angry. They’re saying things they normally wouldn’t say–things that disturb or upset you–and you can’t seem to help brighten…

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Tips for Building Your Spouse Up

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection One Comment

How can I increase my spouse’s self-esteem? At some point in our lives, we all deal with issues regarding our self-esteem. Couples can be a great source of strength for one another when it comes to boosting a sense of self-respect in both individuals. You are the #1 person in the world who can help your spouse become happier and more confident. In today’s video, we’ll share some ways you can start working to help your spouse build a healthy sense of self-esteem. Since you’re married to your spouse, and you share a home and life together, you’re in the…

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He’s Not The Man I Married

By Communication, Conflict, Self Reflection, Time 17 Comments

It’s said that there is one constant in life, and that’s change. Every day is a new day, and with each passing month and year your life will look different from the last. Some change is bad, but likely most of it can be viewed as good. It’s all about perspective and what you choose to highlight and build into. Think about yourself one year ago from this time–then five, maybe even ten. Think about your spouse the same way. Likely, if you have been married for any length of time, you’re not the same person you were back then….

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How to Overcome Loneliness in Marriage

By Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection, Time 4 Comments

Why do I sometimes feel lonely in my marriage? So you’re a newlywed, married to your soul mate. Life is looking perfect–and then you feel something you weren’t expecting to feel again. Ever. You feel lonely. How did this happen? While you and your spouse were engaged, you dreamed of all the ways you would fulfill each other’s every need. You promised each other (and yourselves) that you’d never feel lonely again. This loneliness has you in a panic; how could this happen? We often see couples, especially newlyweds, who are struggling with feeling lonely in their marriages. This may…

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5 Valentine’s Day Must Do’s for Your Spouse

By Communication, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection, Time 8 Comments

Valentine’s Day is almost here! No other day of the year focuses so closely on love, so this is your perfect chance to show your spouse how much they mean to you. If your marriage is strong, these ideas will strengthen your bond. If you’re struggling, they’re great ideas to spark the positive changes you’re craving in your relationship. Today we’re sharing 5 things you must do for your spouse on Valentine’s Day this year. They’re designed with flexibility and creativity in mind, so take them and make them your own! The possibilities are endless. Write a love letter. Hand-writing…

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Mom Guilt: Remembering the Value of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

By Careers, Communication, Conflict, In-laws & Family, Self Reflection, Time 3 Comments

I feel embarrassed to be a stay-at-home-mom. How can I put more value into that? Mom guilt: it’s a dreaded concept, and an unfortunate reality for most mothers. No matter what choices they’ve made regarding raising children and investing in their careers, women feel guilty. There seems to be no right answer, and there is definitely no perfect choice. In today’s video, Leslie tackles the mom guilt monster and discusses ways for mothers to start feeling more secure in their decisions. You’re feeling immense pressure because you’re the only mom your kids have, and you’re trying to be fully present…

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The Power of Community

By Communication, Self Reflection, Time 3 Comments

We were designed by God to love and be loved, know and be known, serve and be served. These are some of the greatest gifts we can ever give and receive. Simply put, we are created to live in community with one another. It is in this context that we are propelled to flourish in our relationships and every other area of our lives. Building a strong, supportive community is arguably never more important than when navigating our marriages. It’s not only a matter of surrounding ourselves with people, but choosing the right people. Here are three ways you can…

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A Career We Can Be Proud Of?: When Your Spouse Isn’t Reaching His Potential

By Careers, Communication, Conflict, Time No Comments

How can I convince my husband to go back to school and make the most out of his life? Let’s say you’re a few years into marriage, and perhaps your husband’s career prospects aren’t looking very rosy. Maybe your income isn’t comfortable, or his professional status isn’t what you believe it should be. It’s important that you pause to consider your motivations behind these feelings. First, remember that you married your husband for his qualities, and that those qualities may now lend themselves to his current career situation. His vocation may be fulfilling for him, whether or not the idea…

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