In this episode of the Impact Marriage Podcast, Allan & Nicole Blain discuss the importance of keeping a marriage alive while raising children. They emphasize that a thriving marriage requires intention and effort, especially when parenting can often take precedence. The conversation covers practical tips for maintaining connection, such as prioritizing time together, deepening conversations, showing affection, and surprising each other with little gestures. They also stress the importance of unity in parenting and lowering pressure to maintain priorities in the marriage.

Who are Allan & Nicole Blain?

We’re Allan and Nicole Blain — college sweethearts, now married 33 years, parents of six amazing grown kids, and co-leaders of a thriving, purpose-driven business and ministry. We met as student-athletes (she played volleyball and I played baseball), just 5 days after Nicole's 19th birthday. We were married one year later, five days after she turned 20, on September 12, 1992.

Connect with us:

• Email: allan@allanblain.com
• Website https://AllanAndNicole.com
• Instagram @ImpactMarriagePodcast
• YouTube @ImpactMarriagePodcast
• TikTok @ImpactMarriagePodcast
• Order Allan's book "Life's Hard Succeed Anyway”

Takeaways:

• Keeping your marriage alive requires intention, not just time.
• Children are a blessing but can take over your relationship if not managed.
• A strong marriage is the best gift you can give your children.
• Invite God into your marriage for a stronger connection.
• Quality time doesn't need to be lengthy, just intentional.
• Conversations should go beyond logistics to deepen connection.
• Affection is crucial, even in chaotic times.
• Little surprises can have a big impact on your spouse.
• Unity in parenting is essential for a healthy family dynamic.
• Lowering pressure can help maintain priorities in your marriage.

Sound bites:

• "Your marriage has to come first."
• "Children are a welcome part of the family."
• "Invite God into your daily marriage."
• "Your spouse is not your enemy."
• "It won't always look perfect."
• "Your kids won't remember a perfect house."

Chapters:

• 00:00 Keeping the Marriage Alive Amidst Parenting
• 07:06 Practical Tips for a Thriving Marriage
• 11:15 The Importance of Quality Time
• 12:41 Deepening Conversations Beyond Logistics
• 17:00 Affection in the Midst of Chaos
• 20:48 Surprising Each Other with Little Gestures
• 25:00 Unity in Parenting
• 26:27 Lowering Pressure and Maintaining Priorities

Keywords:

• marriage, parenting, relationship advice, communication, intimacy, family dynamics, marriage tips, quality time, affection, unity