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The Default Parent Trap: Quietly Hurting Your Relationship

The Default Parent Trap: Quietly Hurting Your Relationship

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In this episode of Dad Livin' Season 2, we break down why "How can I help?" is actually the most dangerous phrase in your marriage. It sounds helpful, but it traps you in the role of an assistant while forcing your partner to carry the entire mental load of the household.

We explore the "Default Parent Trap"—the invisible burden of remembering doctor appointments, shoe sizes, and school schedules that usually falls on one person. We also discuss why the 50/50 marriage is a myth and how aiming for a 60/40 split can save your relationship from resentment.
In this episode, we cover:

-The Assistant Trap: Why asking for instructions makes your partner feel like a project manager, not a spouse.

-The Invisible Mental Load: Understanding the exhaustion of "remembering everything" for the family.

-The 60/40 Rule: Why you should always try to give 60 percent, even when you are tired.

-The Marriage Ops Meeting: A simple 10-minute weekly habit to sync calendars and stop the fights before they start.

Stop renting space in your own house. Listen in to learn how to take ownership and become a true partner.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: The problem with being a "helper"
02:15 - What is the Default Parent Trap?
08:30 - The myth of the 50/50 marriage
14:45 - How to run a Marriage Ops Meeting
21:00 - Moving from renter to owner in your home
#DadLivin #DefaultParent #MentalLoad #MarriageAdvice #Fatherhood #DadLife #ParentingTips

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