Relationships
How to Know If You’re an Enmeshed Parent
What exactly is an enmeshed parent? There is a connection and, yet, a slight but decisive distinction between a helicopter parent, a narcissistic parent, and an enmeshed parent.A helicopter parent employs an excessively responsible parenting style that leads to overprotecting, overcontrolling, and over-perfecting their child. A narcissistic parent is so possessive that their child basically…
Read MoreCodependent Relationship: Free Yourself from the One-Sided Pattern
Ask yourself: Do I lose interest in my own life when I’m in love with someone? Am I often staying in relationships that don’t work at the cost of my own emotional, mental, and physical health in order to keep others loving me? Do I feel responsible for other people—their feelings, actions, choices, wants, needs,…
Read MoreIs Alcohol a Problem? 8 Signs of Addiction to Watch Out For
Alcohol is part of everyday life for many people. It is readily available in many places and on many occasions. Its consumption, though, can be a deceptive snare. Even people with seemingly healthy and happy lives can fall into this trap. At times, they may find it hard to draw the line between how much…
Read More5 Reasons Why Gratitude Can Change Your Life
Do you see your life as a glass half empty or half full? All too often we tend to be ungrateful for the things we have. That is, until something happens in our lives and suddenly everything is gone – money, friends, hope. It’s in those moments when our eyes get opened. Then, we finally…
Read MoreThese Five Signs Say It’s Time for Marriage Therapy
Any car owner knows that throughout the years their vehicle will need maintenance. When a car doesn’t run as smoothly as before – having little sputters here and there – it’s time for a tune-up. Just like vehicles, relationships can show wear and tear over the years. In fact, every marriage has its ups and…
Read MoreAre You Codependent? 9 Symptoms to Watch Out For
“The possibility of losing her fills me with dread. I can’t imagine my life without her being here.” “I don’t know what I would do without him. My world would fall apart. I’d be lost.” Do those sentiments sound familiar? Have you ever had fears of being alone? Do you yearn so deeply for the…
Read MoreRelationship Magic: The Benefits of Validating Your Partner
“I bought her chocolates, flowers, and even diamonds. But nothing seemed to bring us closer together.” Maybe that’s because those tangible things are not necessarily the best way to build a strong connection with your partner. Not that it hurts to get gifts, enjoy a special dinner, or go on a romantic trip together. But…
Read MoreSocial Intelligence: Help Your Child Develop and Use Social Skills
One day, your 2nd grader comes home from school and declares that they will not be going back. All the kids in their class are just mean – they don’t want to share – and their best friend is now the most bossiest person on earth! You take a deep breath. Of course, you know…
Read MoreTeen Independence Vs. Family Connection: How to Have the Best of Both
Between the years of 1775 and 1783, North American colonies of Great Britain fought a war against their original homeland to gain independence from the King and Parliament. Some parents feel that a similar event is being acted out when their children strive for teen independence. It almost feels like the two goals are mutually…
Read More5 Ways to Create Honesty and Trust with Your Teen
As your children grow and develop into teens, they don’t always want comfort in the ways you’ve traditionally provided it. When you try to discern what they’re thinking, feeling, and doing, you wind up with more questions than answers. Because teenagers have entered a stage of development that eventually enables them to become independent adults,…
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