For many parents, understanding a bit about their teenager’s brain development can be helpful in navigating the sometimes difficult adolescent years. But first, what exactly are the adolescent years? What does the term “adolescence” even mean? Researchers and scientists have had a pretty difficult time coming to a consensus definition. … Read More
Back to School!
Transitioning from summertime to a new school year can be a stressful time for both kids and parents. Children and teens must adjust to a new schedule, new teachers, friendship changes, new work expectations, and maybe even a new school! Parents must help them navigate all of those changes while … Read More
Parenting: Creating a Happy Home – Part 3
This blog series is continuing to explore concepts that will help parents to build a home that adult children want to come home to. In the previous two parts of this series, we explored structure vs. spontaneity and listening vs. lecturing. Both of these concepts are fundamental to building a … Read More
Setting Boundaries in the Teen years
Parenting is a tough job! Each phase of kids growing up comes with its own set of new joys and new struggles. The teen years can be particularly trying, as teens test out different identities, explore newfound privileges and independence, and parents try to adjust to their child getting older … Read More
Parenting: Creating a Happy Home – Part 1
I recently read a blog about building a home that children want to come back to. Parents walk a tight rope when it comes to parenting. Some parents hover over their children in order to protect them from perceived harsh realties of this world. Other parents believe that it is … Read More
What about the kids? Children and divorce.
If you have children and are either thinking about, going through, or have been through a divorce, you probably wonder about how your divorce may impact your children. Many people debate whether or not they should stay in a rocky relationship solely for the sake of the children. There are … Read More
Stepfamilies and Discipline
One common source of conflict for stepfamilies is dealing with parenting tasks. Step-couples often find themselves polarized when it comes to discipline. Each perceiving the other is either too strict or too permissive. Guidance is provided to help the couple parent as a team.
Back to School: Dealing with the Anxieties of a New School Year
Is your child anxious about heading back to school? Here are a few ideas for helping them deal with those anxieties in a healthy way.
The Importance of Creating Holiday Traditions with Your Stepfamily
The holidays can be time when feelings of loss, differing expectations, and parental loyalty binds can all become heightened. However, the holidays can also be used to create traditions that promote cohesion and strength within a stepfamily.
How to Connect with Your Stepchild
Although building a new relationship with someone you care about can be an exciting and rewarding time, a step-parent’s experience can also feel painful and confusing.