I still recall being at a Parent-Student dinner when I was working as a school counselor in California 30 years ago. I worked with some great students and one in particular who I was anxious to brag on to his parents. As I greeted his father, I began to speak of the tremendous strides his…
DetailsIf you have more than one child, you have probably at some point felt “ganged up on” by the kids. Knowing the power inequity they experience, because you are the parent and they are not, they often find strength in numbers. It is to be expected. However, what you didn’t count on was being ganged…
DetailsIn a recent interview a number of therapists were asked about recommended strategies for overcoming conflict. This is such an important topic as unresolved conflict can severely erode the foundation of a relationship to the point that it begins to topple. I want to adapt a few of their responses today to apply toward the…
DetailsHave you ever noticed how opposites seem to attract each other? An extrovert marries an introvert; a spontaneous person connects with a scheduled planner; or a “neat freak” is drawn to someone who leaves things scattered everywhere. While to some this may seem strange, many have experienced this. You see, we are often drawn to…
DetailsIn a study released last year by the American Sociological Association, it was discovered that Americans with siblings are more likely to stay married than those who were only children. The Ohio State University researchers found that each sibling a person has, up to seven, decreases their risk of divorce by 2%. Now at first…
Details“Only one?” you might ask. Well, no – there is not just one thing that will lead to greater security, but this is one that I want to focus on today – and it’s relatively easy. “Affection.” No, I am not talking about sex. While that certainly has the power to be bonding, sex is…
DetailsI have recently come across some old cassette tapes of music that I have loved from years gone by. I have been converting these into CDs so that I can still enjoy these classic bands in my car. I am amazed at how powerful these old tapes can be in transporting me back in time…
DetailsMy kids would say that I am showing my age here when I talk about “old tapes.” Those could be referring to cassettes, VHS, Beta, 8 Track, and so on – if you’re old enough to remember those. For those of you who are younger – just replace the word “tape” with MP3, flash drive,…
DetailsI remember years ago hearing a comedy routine in which Bill Cosby talked about a child rolling his eyes at his parent. The parent’s response was something along the lines of “Don’t you roll those eyes at me – I’ll roll those eyes right out of your head.” All of us who have been parents…
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