Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to be cool, calm, and collected all the time. You’re not a robot (thank goodness). It’s perfectly normal to feel annoyed, overwhelmed, jealous, insecure, or just plain exhausted sometimes. But how you respond to those feelings can either strengthen the relationship or strain it.

Parenting will always have its challenges. But when we learn to shift how we handle emotions, we create a home where both parents and kids feel respected, understood, and connected.

Emotions are powerful. They color our experiences, influence our actions, and can completely shape our day. But they’re also fluid—they don’t have to control us.