Dylan Dreyer, beloved meteorologist and Today show co-host, recently opened up about the realities of marriage and parenting, offering some unexpected advice on how to make a marriage last, even in the midst of the challenges that come with raising three small children.

Dreyer, who shares her life with her husband, Brian Fichera, and their three sons, Calvin (5), Oliver (2), and Rusty (14 months), has always been candid about the pressures and joys of family life. Despite their demanding careers and busy family schedule, Dylan and Brian have managed to keep their marriage strong and their bond unwavering.

Finding Love in the Little Things

Dreyer credits much of their lasting connection to the simple joys they share together. Among the various activities they enjoy as a couple, one stands out: golf. It’s not just a hobby for Dylan and Brian—it’s their special time together away from the chaos of parenting.

“Golf is the thing we do together,” Dreyer shared with TODAY.com. “We have a couple of drinks, we laugh. We remember why we fell in love.” While it may seem like an unlikely choice for a couple balancing the chaos of raising young children, it’s the space they’ve carved out for themselves, a way to reconnect with each other amidst the whirlwind of family life.

Despite the growing responsibilities of parenthood, Dreyer says that their golfing dates have remained a cherished ritual. “Then we go home, and it’s right back to family,” she adds, underscoring the balance they’ve found between their individual hobbies and their roles as parents.

Navigating Parenthood: The Hardest Year

Dreyer and Fichera’s third son, Rusty, was born just over a year ago, and Dylan admits that the first year of parenting him was “the hardest year of our lives.” Having a newborn while raising two other young children added layers of complexity to their already busy lives. But like many parents, Dylan says that the toughest times eventually give way to easier ones.

“When we brought Rusty home from the hospital, Brian was like, ‘OK. Let’s just accept the fact that this is going to be the hardest year of our lives,’” she recalls. “Now we’re through that first year and Rusty is getting easier. You know, he’s less of that needy baby in the middle of the night.”

Dreyer’s candidness about the struggles of adjusting to life with a newborn highlights the realities of parenthood that many families face. It’s not all sunshine and roses, and there are times when the exhaustion of raising multiple children can feel overwhelming. But through it all, the Dreyer-Fichera family has remained strong, finding strength in each other and the love they share.

Balancing Parenthood and Marriage: The Importance of Communication

Dylan and Brian’s relationship has remained unshaken, and much of that strength, according to Dylan, stems from the way they communicate with one another. As a family, they’ve learned the importance of addressing conflicts head-on rather than letting them fester.

“My family can hold a grudge,” Dreyer admits. “If something is bothering us, we’re like, ‘I’ll talk to you later,’ and then we never address why we were upset in the first place. Brian won’t even let me be mad for 10 minutes. He’s like, ‘Please just talk to me about you’re upset so we can go back to having fun.’”

This straightforward approach to resolving conflicts may seem simple, but it has played a crucial role in their lasting relationship. The Dreyer-Fichera marriage hasn’t been free from challenges, but their ability to communicate openly and quickly resolve tensions has allowed them to grow even stronger together.

The Power of Texting: Staying Connected Amid Busy Schedules

Dylan and Brian both have demanding jobs, which often means that they don’t see each other as much as they would like. But that doesn’t mean they don’t stay connected. Dreyer has previously shared that their busy schedules have forced them to become more creative in how they communicate, especially through texting.

“Our schedules mean we don’t see each other much, but we text all the time,” Dylan reveals. “Sometimes it’s even easier to have an important or deep conversation via text because we get all our thoughts out without being interrupted.”

Rather than seeing texting as impersonal, Dreyer and Fichera have embraced it as an effective way to maintain an ongoing dialogue. “We don’t find it impersonal. In fact, just the opposite,” Dylan explains. “We know each other well enough to understand each other’s tone, so a lot gets accomplished through texting!”

For the Dreyer-Fichera family, texting has become a lifeline—an easy and accessible way to stay connected throughout the day. It may seem trivial to some, but for them, it’s a tool that helps maintain the foundation of their relationship, even when physical time together is limited.

The Importance of Date Nights and Alone Time

Despite being devoted parents, Dylan and Brian recognize the importance of keeping their relationship a priority. Their shared hobby of golf is just one example of how they make time for each other, but it also speaks to the larger theme of prioritizing their bond amidst the responsibilities of family life.

In a world where family and work commitments often take precedence over personal connections, the Dreyer-Fichera couple serves as a reminder of the importance of carving out time for your partner, even if it’s as simple as a regular date night or a shared activity.

Dylan’s openness about her marriage and parenting has resonated with many, offering a refreshing and honest perspective on the challenges and rewards of raising children while maintaining a strong, loving relationship with your spouse. Her advice—whether it’s learning to communicate better, prioritizing quality time together, or finding humor in the chaos—reminds us all that love and family require effort, but the rewards are more than worth it.

A Lasting Marriage: A Work in Progress

Dylan Dreyer and Brian Fichera’s relationship, like any marriage, is a work in progress. The couple has had their ups and downs, but through it all, they’ve found ways to support each other and maintain a healthy and loving connection. For them, the key has been communication, mutual respect, and making time for each other, even in the busiest of times.

Their story serves as a reminder that a lasting marriage doesn’t come without challenges—but with the right mindset, effort, and love, it’s possible to navigate those challenges and come out stronger on the other side.