family, child, children, parent, preschooler, youth, kid, teen, adolescent, pre-teen, caregiver, mom, dad, mother, father, grandparent
This blog explores how overindulging children often results in adults who walk and talk with a sense of privilege. Growing up on a farm, the idea of my parents indulging us never crossed my and my siblings’ minds. This concept likely never crosses the minds of those who engage in egomaniac, self-admiring, diva, princess, or […]
“We have a plan!” I’ve heard that at many workplace meetings when the team assembled to prevent or solve a problem. To reduce your family stress and increase your family’s resilience begin to have regular Family Meetings. Too many families wait until there is a serious issue before coming together to discuss making changes. Most businesses, faith, volunteer, […]
Although being a single parent can be rewarding or a relief from an unfulfilling or unhappy relationship, it often has significant challenges. Challenges can include financial constraints as well as time management, needing to juggle work, parenting, and other responsibilities all at once. Social isolation can create feeling of cut-off from peers due to the lack […]
Delightfully, out of the mouths of babes comes the truth. We adults have workaholiced ourselves away from taking time to wonder at life nuances. We are socialized to worry about what the neighbours and our mother-in-law think, to look successful and to hide our feelings to the point that we have forgotten the essence of a normally absurd life. There is much we can learn by connecting to babies and children. They remind us of our own childlike essence – the kid in us.
Disagreements abound in relationships from politics to parenting. In Parent Effectiveness Training, Thomas Gordon states “Parents don’t have to put up a “United Front.” Let me offer some perspective and possible options.
Parenthood is a profound journey, marked by a multitude of emotions and challenges. It’s a path where love, responsibility, and self-discovery frequently converge. In a recent discussion with a client, the intricacies of being a parent were highlighted and we decided this role extends well beyond nurturing and care. This mother’s inner struggle with guilt […]
In 1972 our dear sixteen-year-old daughter, Kelly, ran away from home and joined Satan’s Choice biker gang. Kelly was not only a youth at risk, she also acted out on many bizarre and life-threatening behaviors. She acquired forty convictions, many physical wounds, and three children fathered by drug dealers. We now know Kelly lives with Fetal […]
Children learn to bully! We contribute to others being bullied when we model disrespect, judgement, unmanaged anger, name calling and acts of aggression.
Mental Health Tips for Kids evolved out of a video series called Ask Patricia about Mental Health. Indeed, all of us, no matter our age, are vulnerable to mental health challenges.
Relationship cut-offs are painful. They can trigger feelings of hurt, helplessness, hopelessness, and rejection. But here is help to repair a relationship.
Acting-Up Teenager by Bayard and Bayard has guided parents in dealing with their acting-up teenager or adult child.
This is my mother tribute! When Mary Cook McLaughlin, my mother died, I lost a parent who not only loved me but inspired me with her resilience.