TPP 509: Martina Nova on What Couples Get Wrong About Parenting Alignment

Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page Parenting, where she offers a practical framework for helping couples move out of blame and into more honest, connected conversations about parenting. In our conversation, Martina and I explore what gets in the way of alignment, from our own histories and fears to the added layers of neurodivergent parenting, navigating differences around discipline, digital habits, and decision-making, and what it takes to stay connected as our kids grow into adulthood. Martina shares thoughtful questions and practical strategies to help couples better understand each other’s perspectives and build a more intentional, collaborative approach to parenting.   About Martina Nova Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia and the founder of NovaCare Therapy. She specializes in working with individuals, parents and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, people-pleasing, and early attachment patterns. Martina helps couples move out of blame and into more honest conversations about parenting, emotional needs, and relationship dynamics. In addition to her clinical work, Martina is an author and educator who creates practical tools to help couples communicate more openly about the realities of family life. Her work highlights how many parenting conflicts are less about discipline strategies and more about the histories, fears, and values each partner brings into parenting. Martina regularly shares mental health education through media, speaking, and social platforms, helping parents feel less alone in the complexities of modern parenting. Things you'll learn from this episode  How intentional communication and aligning values create a stronger foundation for parenting and partnership Why using therapy-informed questions helps parents unpack their upbringing, beliefs, and evolving identities How practical tools like weekly check-ins and family-wide conversations foster connection and collaboration Why recognizing and supporting neurodivergence in both parents and children is essential for healthy dynamics How navigating outside pressures, social media, and autonomy supports long-term trust with kids Why maintaining the parent-child relationship into adulthood requires ongoing reflection, flexibility, and shared tools Resources mentioned  Martina Nova’s website, Novacare Therapy Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, and Resilient Kids by Martina Nova Novacare Therapy Resources Page Martina Nova on Instagram The Gottman Institute Dr. Ross Greene on Using CPS with Very Young Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Ken Ginsburg on Lighthouse Parenting — Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices