Parenting isn’t an easy task but parenting a strong willed child can be very challenging. It may seem to be a battle getting your children to do what you have asked, no matter how simple the request. Strong willed children are independent and stubborn, they want to do what they want and when they want to. The good news is that there is hope. The book “Parenting the Strong-Willed Child” gives...
Parenting is hard work. It is easy to get caught up in all the negativity that surrounds raising a child; are you doing it all right? Their behavior, their nutrition, milestones, learning, growth charts, etc are all things that get scrutinized by others and yourself. However, have you ever found yourself wondering what constitutes being a positive parent? Being a positive parent is all about shifting perspective and focus on...
When couples present to therapy with a challenge they are working through, one question I often ask is “what have you already tried to work on this?” Often, they list the tools and strategies they’ve tried that have been unsuccessful. Their ideas and attempts are good and are many of the same interventions I would have explored with them. Despite good tools and a desire for change, the growth is...
When you and your partner decide to start a family, it can be one of the most exciting times in your relationship. How will you will tell your family? Have you pictured how you would announce in on social media? You’ve likely wondered how your life will change. You may have names picked out or dream of having a baby boy or girl. how your life will change, if it...
Assertiveness can sometimes have a negative connotation, but what does assertiveness really mean? It means being able to express what we want and need, as well as setting positions and boundaries. It implies speaking up for yourself in a respectful and effective way that facilitates the other person to listen to you. It also includes being able to listen to the other person’s request. This is an important skill to...
Cell phone use is part of everyone’s life, every day. The use of cell phones can improve your relationships or negatively impact your family life. Have you noticed your cell phone use doing both? Cell Phone Use and Your Family Life Cell phones can help your family life by adding to your connection with others, making it easy to plan activities as a group, keep in touch quickly and facilitate...
There is a saying that the role of parents and guardians is to “Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.” Understanding that children and teens can and will face mental health problems, we have a responsibility to help prepare them to meet and manage these struggles. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, 8% of youth have an anxiety disorder. Additionally, suicide is the...
Communicating with children can be challenging. If you’re a parent, you have probably experienced some challenges in how you communicate with your kids. According to a study about parent and children communication, kids tend to develop healthier coping mechanism when their parents are supportive. This is especially true during emotionally challenging periods. However, those little ones, have a special ability to push your buttons, become stubborn and give you a...
A beautiful new home, a new opportunity across the country, a bigger apartment, or starting out on your own for the first time can all be exciting adventures. However, moving can be one of the toughest times in any couple’s life. The strain on a marriage during the moving process ranks high on the list of reasons people split up. Financial stress, personal transitions, lack of communication and uncertainty in...
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