We know what breaking up means for adults. In fact, most of us are all too familiar with the critical thoughts that tell individuals who have just split up that they are failures, that they will never meet anyone or that they are unwanted or alone. But what effect does a break-up or divorce have… Read more »
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The age when children begin to take their first steps toward independence happens to be the same age when they are just taking their first steps. With toddlers, this new combination of strong curiosity and shaky coordination can keep a parent literally on their toes. Whether eating off the floor or reaching for something hot,… Read more »
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Having a child who is hurting or depressed is one of the toughest struggles a parent can face. Overlooking our kids’ mood swings or listening to the advice “It’s just a phase” are never the right reactions to warning signs of depression. Instead, we must learn how to recognize these signs and understand how to… Read more »
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Having a child can be blissful, but it can also be stressful. A new parent’s life is bound to change completely, as one shifts to new lifelong priorities and daily tasks. For new dads this can mean a new set of priorities and concerns. While many of these emotions are natural, they can become quite… Read more »
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As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard For many of us, becoming a parent is our… Read more »
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>Suddenly, through birthing a daughter, a woman finds herself face to face not only with an infant, a little girl, a woman-to-be, but also with her own unresolved conflicts from the past and her hopes and dreams for the future…. As though experiencing an earthquake, mothers of daughters may find their lives shifted, their deep… Read more »
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In the ideal family, the basic respect that is extended to adults is also extended to children. Each child is viewed as a unique person in his/her own right; separate from other children, adults, parents and family members. There is an interest in this new individual who is at the beginning of life, and is… Read more »
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One of the things I know for sure as a parent is that I’m constantly being challenged to look at myself—my reactions, my intentions, my foibles and my regrets. Barely a day goes by that I don’t reflect on some aspect of my interactions with my daughter. Many times I feel pleased about our relationship,… Read more »
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For the holidays I gave a Nerf gun to my 8-year -old nephew. He was delighted. It was his first Nerf gun. He took great joy in taking aim at the window, door or any place where he was allowed to shoot. It was the first time I saw genuine spontaneous pleasure cross his otherwise… Read more »
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I was in Trader Joe’s the other day. Next line over was a boy and his mom. Suddenly, wails billowed from his little three-year-old body. He was holding his mouth, pointing to the shopping cart. The nasty steel contraption that is so fun to hang on, had somehow come alive and pinched his lip. His… Read more »
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