Blog
Blending Families: Making it Work
Children often have difficulties when it comes to adjusting to life with a blended family. Children grow up thinking and believing that their family dynamic will never change, and they are, understandably, very attached to the family they know. Children expect their lives to always follow the same rules and routines they’ve grown up with. It’s no surprise that changing your family into a blended family can be extremely upsetting and emotional for your kids. They may be hesitant to accept new family members, may be reluctant to change, and may develop emotional or behavioral issues while they try to cope with these life changes. The transition will be...
Read MoreStrengthening Family Bonds through Quality Time
Spending quality time with your children is one of the most important things you can do for them. This means more than just a quick talk in the car on the way to soccer practice or school, and more than a hug and kiss goodnight. Studies show that children whose parents spend regular quality time with them, develop higher levels of self-esteem, as well as good communication and social skills. Spending regular quality time also helps to increase children’s positive behaviors, while simultaneously minimizing negative behaviors. The Child Development Institute emphasizes that spending quality family time together helps children feel valued and...
Read MoreConflict Resolution for Couples
When we’re young, we dream about what our future relationships will look like: a fairy tale romance, a perfect life with a soul-mate who understands us, sympathizes with us, never argues, and loves us unconditionally. However, when we grow up, we have to face a different reality—that no relationship is all rainbows and butterflies all the time. Relationships require hard work, and all couples fight and disagree. But disagreements don’t mean that a relationship is doomed. In fact, conflict is an opportunity for a relationship to grow stronger, as long as both partners are willing to work on their communication and conflict resolution skills. Why is there...
Read MoreHow to Support your Child’s Transition to Adulthood
It’s a parent’s job to teach their children, encourage their children, and prepare their children for everything the world might throw at them when they become adults. But what happens when adulthood finally arrives? Some parents find it difficult to let their children go into the world as young adults, and some parents find that their children aren’t as prepared as they had hoped. Start preparing your child early Adolescence ends and young adulthood begins in the “early to mid-twenties when a young person becomes psychologically, socially and economically independent,” states Carl E Pickhardt Ph.D. in a Psychology Today article. So it’s best to start...
Read MoreExplaining & Exploring Self-Esteem
As we approach the New Year, we reflect on the year that has passed. What major life events happened this year? Was the year filled with joy and confidence, or was it filled with the sadness and uncertainty? Did low self-esteem or a sense of inadequacy prevent you from living life to the fullest? What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is how we view ourselves, value ourselves, love ourselves and judge ourselves. Our self-esteem may be high or low depending on how we feel about ourselves. Will you apply for that new job? Will you ask that person out on a date? Will you plan to go to the beach instead of staying home? Will you attend that co-workers birthday party?...
Read MoreStruggling with Addiction During the Holiday
The holidays are meant to be a joyous time where family, friends and coworkers come together to exchange gifts, celebrate, feast, and party. But these festivities can be problematic for the millions of Americans who struggle with addiction. For them, it might even be the worst time of the year. During the holidays people struggling with addiction are more likely to relapse, overdose, or commit suicide. Why are the holidays so hard for people struggling with addiction, and what can people do to help themselves during this high stress season? First, it’s helpful to understand what an addiction is. Bev Mueller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)...
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