You heard this would happen. Your little snuggler, your helper, your “mini-me” has become a teen. Attempting to engage with them now may elicit a series of grunts and groans, or seemingly thoughtless one-word answers. Try these techniques to help you reconnect with your teen and keep the lines of communication open.
If you or someone you know experiences painful memories this time of year, check out some of our blogs below to read different perspectives on relationships, learn ways to move past those difficult times, and learn how to continue to give and accept love from others.
Often the fun activities in life get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. When this happens, I encourage caregivers to take a few minutes to complete the following activity adapted from the “Together Facing the Challenge” curriculum.
Getting your teen to open up and participate in a genuine conversation can be difficult. So, how do you foster a genuine conversation based on truth, mutual respect, and understanding?
My family isn't good at talking about hard things. Anytime something sensitive comes up there is tension and they just gloss over it pretending everything is fine. I have something important to talk to them about, but I don't know how to bring it up. How do I start the conversation?
I have been having problems with my toddler. He cries a lot and seems to be inconsolable. He is 2 and a half years old and is still not talking and he struggles to walk. He doesn’t engage very well when we play. When I take him to the doctor, she tells me to just give it time and doesn’t offer any other advice. Is this normal?
With so many things competing for our attention these days, it is more important than ever to be intentional about nurturing your child’s wellbeing. Wellbeing consists of healthy physical, mental, cognitive, and social-emotional health and there are many ways to support it.
My husband has been seeing a therapist for a while. And now he wants me to attend his session with him. I’m scared to go because I know they’ve been talking about me and our relationship. It feels like I’ll be ganged up on since it’s his therapist. She will probably take his side on everything. Should I even go?
As a parent or caregiver, you anticipate and meet your child’s physical needs, such as hunger or tiredness, and are attuned to their mental and emotional needs. You can guess when your child feels sad, angry, anxious, or depressed. You can help identify why they are feeling this way. But how do you know when your child’s feelings won’t pass, and what meaningful actions can you take to help?
I am a 33-year female struggling with my relationships with my two older sisters. To do this day my sisters continue to make up lies about me and spread them around to the family and/or on social media. How do I deal with my sisters going forward and should I have called the police after the physical event in the car?
My wife complains about how she looks - her hair, her weight, her nose - all the time and I'm not sure how to respond. I think she's beautiful! And I tell her this, but it doesn't seem to sink in. I worry all this negative talk is harmful. And I'm tired of hearing it. I love her - what can I do to reassure her?