Parents who try to make their blended family like their first family may be headed for frustration and disappointment. It’s important to accept that things are different and focus on some fundamentals that can help make a happy blended family. A Strong Marriage Although it’s harder to work on your marriage in a blended family…
New School? New Grade? New Teacher? How Does Your Child Handle NEW?
What newness awaits your child this school year? For many children, the start of school is exciting and greatly anticipated. But for others, it means uncertainty and change as they head to a new school, a new city, or a new teacher. The thought of having new teachers, classrooms and friends can be a bit…
4 Areas of Independence Your Child Needs
How are you fostering independence in your child? As a parent, you may have a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you are needed. But as your kids get older, your need to be needed should fade and in fact, your child should need you less and less. Are you willing to give that up?…
“My Kids are Driving Me Crazy!”
With summer in full swing and the kids out of school, you may often find yourself thinking or even saying to someone, “my kids are driving me crazy!” If that’s you this summer, here are a few suggestions to ward off the craziness. Don’t give in to the idea that you have to keep your…
6 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Mental Health
There’s a lot of mental health chatter these days and for good reason. Consider these facts: 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and…
Talking to Your Child About Death
Talking to your child about death is a conversation no parent wants to have. But death is a subject that our kids must face in their lives, some sooner than others. For some, it’s the death of a parent or grandparent. For others, it’s the death of a famous person or the death of unknown…
5 Ways to Nurture Security In Your Kids
We all like to feel a sense of safety and security. Kids are no different. Children who feel secure are more likely to become independent and emotionally healthy as they grow up. When a child feels secure, they feel safe, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Children need to feel that it is okay…
The Myth of Quality Time
Quality time versus quantity time–which is most impactful when it comes to your children? Quantity time for parents and kids refers to the amount of time a parent is physically present with their child. But even in the quantity of that time, the parent may be only physically present and not emotionally present. Quality time is…
A Parent’s Mental Health: Are You Running on Fumes?
During this month when we focus on mental health awareness, let’s not forget about parents and their mental health. A parent’s mental health can range from burnout to depression to more severe mental health disorders. If you have any doubts or questions about the severity of your mental health, please seek help from a counselor…
How to Talk to Your Children About War
How do you talk to your children about war? When Russia invaded Ukraine a couple of months ago, news of the war was everywhere. Perhaps you or your kids have felt overwhelmed or uneasy at all the reports and very graphic pictures of the atrocities. How much should parents shield their kids from the realities…