Are You Competing with a Baby?

Mindfully Masculine: Personal Growth and Mental Health for Men

Is your relationship struggling after the arrival of a baby? Do you feel like you've been pushed aside by your partner’s new role as a mother? In this episode, Charles and Dan break down the challenges men face when children enter a romantic relationship—whether you're a new dad, dating a single mom, or just trying to understand how priorities shift in family dynamics.
Drawing insights from The Man’s Guide to Women by Dr. John Gottman, the hosts explore:
✔️ Why it’s normal to feel neglected when a baby arrives
✔️ How a man's role in parenting impacts child development
✔️ The dangers of competing with children for attention
✔️ Why active listening and emotional support are crucial
✔️ Practical strategies to keep romance alive in fatherhood
💡 Whether you're a dad, a stepdad, or dating someone with kids, this episode will help you navigate the shift from partner to parent while maintaining a fulfilling relationship.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
🔹 Understand Biological Shifts: When kids enter the picture, a mother’s priorities naturally change. Recognizing this can prevent resentment.
🔹 Avoid Toxic Competition: Acting out for attention—whether through withdrawal or passive-aggressive behavior—only harms relationships.
🔹 Step Up, Don’t Step Back: Being emotionally and physically present as a father figure leads to better outcomes for kids.
🔹 Keep the Romance Alive: Thoughtful planning and intentional effort can help your partner transition between mom-mode and relationship-mode.
🔹 Communicate Like a Pro: Before venting frustrations to your partner, talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or mentor to refine your thoughts.
Resources Mentioned
📖 The Man’s Guide to Women by Dr. John Gottman
🎥 12 Angry Men (1957) – A surprising lesson on fatherhood
👥 Therapy & Men’s Groups – The importance of external support
Join the Conversation
📩 Have you faced similar struggles in your relationship? Share your thoughts with us at [your podcast email or social media].
🔗 Follow Mindfully Masculine for more episodes on personal growth, relationships, and modern masculinity.
⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review—it helps us reach more men on the path to mindful masculinity!

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Разделы

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Feeling Displaced in Your Relationship (00:04:03)

3. The Myth of Fixing Relationships with Kids (00:05:33)

4. The Reality of Fatherhood (00:07:51)

5. Emotional Availability as a Father (00:10:58)

6. Managing Feelings of Neglect (00:13:18)

7. Seeing Your Partner as More Than a Mom (00:15:00)

8. Helping Your Partner Shift Between Roles (00:17:11)

9. How to Communicate & Listen Actively (00:25:44)

10. The Importance of External Support (00:27:20)

11. Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks (00:29:05)