Mum Mind Unpacked 20. Why We Fight After Kids — Conflict, Silent Treatment & Attachment Styles (with Dr. Stuart Naughten)
Be honest… has becoming parents changed your relationship more than you ever expected? Do you and your partner fight differently now? Avoid conflict? Go quiet? Or feel like you’re speaking totally different languages?
Do you ever wonder what your kids are absorbing when they see (or feel) tension between you?
You’re definitely not alone.
In this episode, Bree and Gia open up about the messy, vulnerable side of relationships after kids. They share their own relationship struggles, attachment patterns, parenting styles — and yes, their fighting styles too.
They’re joined once again by Dr. Stuart Naughten, relationship psychologist, who is back by popular demand after a previous appearance on the podcast.
Dr. Stuart helps unpack what’s actually going on beneath the surface for couples once kids enter the picture. Together, they explore conflict, silent treatment, attachment styles, emotional safety, and how two good people can keep missing each other — without either being “the bad one”.
There are plenty of laughs, so many honest moments, and lots of reassurance that differences don’t mean your relationship is broken. This episode offers hope, insight, and practical ways to understand each other better — even when things feel hard.
🎧 What You’ll Hear
How becoming parents can fundamentally shift relationship dynamics
Whether fighting in front of kids is damaging — and what actually matters
The silent treatment: why it happens and what it’s really about
A simple breakdown of attachment styles and how they show up in relationships
How different parenting styles can create tension between partners
Why conflict isn’t the problem — disconnection is
Practical ways couples can repair, reconnect, and move forward with more compassion
Reassurance for couples who feel “too different” and wonder if it can still work
🗓 New Episodes on Wednesdays
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🔗 Connect With Us
📸 Instagram: @mummindunpacked
📧 Email: mummindunpacked@gmail.com
🔗 Connect With Dr Stuart Naughten
🌐 Website: https://www.drstuartnaughtenpsychology.com/
⚠️ A Gentle Reminder
Mum Mind Unpacked exists to inform, support and connect — but it’s not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
If you’re struggling, please reach out to:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): 1300 726 306
🙏 Thanks for Listening
If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or your partner — especially if you’re navigating the messy middle of relationships after kids.And if you loved it, we’d be so grateful for a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review.
Until next time — motherhood is hard, relationships are complex, and you’re not failing. We see you. 💛
🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsor — Bronte Co
🌐 Check out Bronte Co’s full range at https://www.bronteco.com/
📸 Follow Bronte on Instagram @bronte_co
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