Episode 3042: Shalane and Chris
Shalane and Chris’ situation was unique for the show because not only were they having problems as partners; they were having problems as parents. The way they related and treated their three boys were very different. Shalane’s approach was very laid back and Chris was very strict; she was the good cop and he was the bad cop.
What I needed to do was get these two parenting together and fast. One of the challenges that I gave them that you didn’t see on the show was to write their own parenting book. Each page had a title like “Discipline,” “Table Manners,” “Bedtimes,” “Homework,” and “Chores”. Chris and Shalane spent the week filling in each page, deciding on common goals and rules that they both agreed on. The parenting book gave them a clear idea of what they both expected from the kids and from each other. With Shalane and Chris finally on the same page, the children were better behaved and Chris and Shalane became stronger parents and stronger partners.