Teen Depression and School Avoidance: What Helps Teen depression has increased since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Many teens show signs of emotional shutdown, expressing painful beliefs such as, “Everything I do goes wrong” or “I’m a loser.” These are the kinds of statements heard every day by parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Teen depression is […]
Why children lie is complicated! Our culture is filled with exaggeration, half-truths, and outright fiction. Oh! And conspiracy theories. Movies, television, advertising, and even our leaders tend to twist reality. So, it’s no surprise that children sometimes follow these influential role models. But how can parents respond in a way that supports honesty rather than […]
Parenting Teens: Love, Faith, and Letting Go: When Faith, Family, and Boundaries Collide Let’s call her, Jane. Jane came into my office looking tired, frustrated and worried. “It’s about my kids,” she said. Tanya, her teenage daughter, was strong-willed and often critical. Her son, Noah, seemed to be losing confidence. He even said he might […]
How many seniors does it take to change a light bulb? None—because seniors don’t want to change anything!” While this old joke brings a chuckle, it also reveals a common truth—change is difficult. The fear of downsizing can affect the older person and those who support them. But the reality is, older people have been […]
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, […]
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.
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 […]
Acting-Up Teenager by Bayard and Bayard has guided parents in dealing with their acting-up teenager or adult child.
Your biological parents cannot be switched. Your past cannot be changed. However, your perspective can change. Consider how you might forgive your parents.
One of the most effective ways to strengthen personal resilient is to explore your childhood wounds.
Mother Love Like many mothers, I have had breakfast served in bed by broad smiling children. Yes, on Mothers Day. Some years, I probably did not deserve the honor! Curious? Read on! The Beginning of Mother’s Day Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia began the campaign that brought about the official observance of Mother’s Day. Her mother […]