179: Protecting Your Marriage During The Transition To Parenthood

Podcast Guest: Sean Brotherson

May 4th, 2026

179 Sean

Listen to the Show:

In this Episode

Transitioning to parenthood can be one of the most joyful—and challenging—times in a couple’s life. In this episode, Dr. Sean Brotherson shares research-based insights and practical strategies to help couples stay connected, communicate effectively, and protect their marriage during this major life shift. Learn how to manage stress, divide responsibilities, maintain intimacy, and stay intentional as you grow your family and strengthen your relationship.

“The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.”

Chapters

00:00 Welcoming Sean Brotherson
01:44 Podcast introduction
03:54 Sean’s background and passion
06:56 Parenting changes everything
08:52 Marriage vs parenting priorities
10:25 Parenting demands surprise couples
12:34 Learning, intensity, and adjustment
16:45 Expectations vs reality
18:44 Supporting your partner matters most
20:15 Preserving couple connection time
22:17 Child security and marriage stability
23:26 Different parenting experiences
27:08 Sleep deprivation impact
28:32 Thriving vs struggling couples
32:00 Daily couple check-in habit
34:24 Setting boundaries with others
35:41 Division of responsibilities
41:02 Warning signs of disconnection
44:25 Non-sexual intimacy matters
46:54 Advice before becoming parents
50:41 Building a support system
53:43 Key to strong marriage
55:59 Takeaway message

Insights

Dave:
Stay patient, prepared, and positive. Keep perspective—this season is hard but temporary—and prioritize your relationship through it.
Liz:
Children thrive on stability and security, which comes from a strong marriage—so prioritizing the relationship benefits the whole family.
Sean Brotherson:
Parenthood is transformative—if couples are intentional, communicate, and prioritize their marriage, it can strengthen both their relationship and family life.

About Sean

Sean Brotherson, PhD, is a Professor and Extension Family Life Specialist with North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. He earned his BS and BA degrees in English and family science, and an MS in family science from Brigham Young University. He earned his PhD in human development and family studies at Oregon State University, and has worked at North Dakota State University since 1998. His work involves conducting family research and developing educational programs for children, couples, and families. He also is a Certified Family Life Educator.

He has conducted research and published articles on marriage, family policy, family life education, fathering, grief and bereavement, rural stress, and other family-related topics. He speaks frequently on healthy family living, writes regularly on family topics for public audiences, and develops educational materials to strengthen family relationships.

Sean and his wife, Kristen, have been married for 35 years and are the parents of eight children and three grandchildren. They enjoy spending time together, reading, travel, and church service, as well as cooking a lot of family meals.

Chelom's Resources:

Contact: https://www.ndsu.edu/hdfs/about_us/faculty_staff_1/sean_brotherson

NDSU Page: https://www.ndsu.edu/people/sean-brotherson

No-Till: https://www.notill.org/sean-brotherson

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sean-Brotherson

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