“I wish I had known that my children’s behavior was a language—that their actions and words were telling me something about what they were feeling or thinking. I wish I’d remembered that they did not get up in the morning plotting to do things to frustrate me. I wish I’d known that meltdowns and explosions … More What I Wish I had Known Before I had Kids (That I Know Now)…
1 | Build a sense of empowerment, not a victim mentality No matter how difficult things feel, they can do something to help themselves or their situation. 2 | Parent with a sense of values, but not with a sense of guilt All parents can feel guilt over mistakes we have made, but guilt … More 13 Things that Families Can Do to Raise Mentally Strong Kids
Recently I was teaching my son to drive. After two hours behind the wheel, I think he had a moment. He said that he’s so used to being in the back seat that it seems so easy. But when he got behind the wheel, he realized how it can feels so FAST! I’m not sure … More Are You a Backseat Driver in Your Own Life?
Adolescent addiction and the parental distress syndrome ___ They walk into my office. They are quiet, but not because they are nervous about the therapy. They tell a familiar story: abuse, anxious days and sleep-deprived nights, drug deals, street crimes, chronic and unending stress, and never knowing if their loved ones will live to face … More Is Your Teenagers’ Substance Use Killing You?
I won’t lie, this post is just for fun. But it contains 8 very powerful words that can keep any conversation going. It works with teenagers and children, and most husbands. All that you have to do is just click on the photo above. I write articles about wellness, leadership, parenting and personal growth. My … More Parenting and the Only 8 Words That You Really Need
Being a Great Parent Might Become Your Downfall ___ There are days when I don’t feel like I am a very good parent. Days where my kids would rather pay attention to their iPods than listen to me. My jokes are not funny anymore. I’m crabby, and come to think of it, I’m flabby. I’ve … More The Shadow Side of Parenting
How do you cope with sibling rivalry? ___ Parents, it drives you nuts. It gets under your skin. It creeps up on you, snakelike, and slaps you in the face. You will fight about it. You will threaten and you will want to turn yourself inside and out because you can’t stand it. What is … More 10 Sanity Strategies for Sibling Rivalry
Coping with each stage of parenting is easy if you keep things simple ___ Parenting is like recovery. One decision will change the course of your life. Some things you will have control over, but many things will demand acceptance, forgiveness, and good coping skills. The really fun thing about parenting is that when you … More The 7 Stages of Parenting
If you have a teenager, if you are a teenager, or if know a teenager, you need to read this Declaration of Teenage Independence. ___ My wife and I have been having a discussion for months. Our teenage son bargains, begs for, and sometimes demands more independence. I believe that freedom needs to be earned, but … More The Imperfect Parent’s Guide to Teenage Freedom
The other day I gave my wife the look. At 7:30 on a Thursday morning, I was finished. We love him, but our teenage son is driving us mad. ____ Words are inadequate to describe the experience of living with a teenager. Parents, you are not alone: You feel confusion mixed with love and you begin … More Teenage Insanity Syndrome Affects Teens and Adults
Getting High on Recovery 