You wake up and your goal is to have a great day with your teen. You know they’ve been moody lately and you are determined not to let it ruin your day, but the truth is that your teen’s mood affects your mood. AND, vice versa. When you greet your teen in the morning and [...]
Are you happy with the relationship you have with your teen? Have you ever thought to do something about it, but figured it wouldn’t work? Have you figured nothing is going to change your teen’s behavior? Well, although you are not alone, you are also not going to get anywhere with this type of thinking. [...]
There will always be a family called the Joneses, Gonzaleses, Patels or Worniaks to catch up to. It is key to be mindful of how you react to these displays of materialism so that your teen can understand the importance of being grateful for what they have rather than what they don’t have. A cancer diagnosis isn’t [...]
BFF (Best friend forever in case you were wondering). When your teen is your best friend and confidante you inadvertently limit their support network, which should include you. Along with stress there is the added responsibility of your happiness. They start to make decisions about shielding you from upsetting events in their lives so they [...]
You can’t please everyone at least not at the same time. So, you might as well please yourself. You can certainly do this in a selfish way, but the message to your teen is that they are going to have to figure out what they want first sometimes. Only after your teen can decide what’s [...]
“Talk to me like I’m a 2-year old.” This is what Denzel Washington’s character says to Tom Hank’s character in the movie Philadelphia after the Tom Hanks character explains the discrimination he has been subject to because of his HIV diagnosis. This simplicity can be used with other complex subjects like, life. You can [...]
“You look like you need a hug.” This is what we say if someone looks a little verclempt, upset. This form of touch, so casual and yet when done with sincerity can be so comforting and reassuring. Your teen who has overgrown you, tried to outsmart you and can probably outrun you, still needs that [...]
