You can choose your friends but not your family....so the saying goes. For some of us, family is fun and a joy to be around. For others, not so much. In either case, relationship dynamics with our parents and extended families can create pressure and stress on our marriage or relationship. Listen to today's show to learn how to deal with family challenges and not let them negatively affect your relationship. In this episode we discuss relationship advice topics that include: How to care for an aging parent in a productive way that does not negatively impact your relationship Compromising with both your partner and your parents in regards to each person's needs Communicating with other family members in productive and meaningful ways. For example, balancing the work between siblings who care for an aging parent Feeding your relationship when dealing with an aging or needy parent And much more! Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, has been a Professional Geriatric Care Manager and a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist for over 30 years. She is the Founder of Eldercare Services, a comprehensive Care Management, Counseling and Home Care Company and ran the very first Alzheimer's Dementia Care program in the San Fransico East Bay area for 6 years. Linda is a past President of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers now called the Aging Life Care Association. Full show notes and episode links at: http://idopodcast.com/180 Sign up for our 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge here: 14 Day Happy Couples Challenge Join our 5 Day Couples Appreciation Challenge here: idopodcast.com/appreciation Do you want to hear more on this topic? Continue the conversation on our Facebook Group here: Love Tribe Sponsors Spark My Relationship Course: Get access to our special offer for I Do Podcast listeners only by visiting: SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock Babbel: The #1 selling language learning app in the world. Try Babbel for free by visiting Babbel.com or downloading the app.   Hourglass Cosmetics: Get free shipping with your purchase of a full-sized Caution Mascara! Experience unparalleled, next-generation performance by visiting HourglassCosmetics.com/IDO, and use promo code IDO at checkout.    If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! - Chase & Sarah