Occasions often arise in conversations when you might be tempted to share your knowledge or opinion in an effort to be helpful, and yet you hesitate, for fear of appearing to be a know-it-all or offending with your advice. Sometimes you…
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One fear of many parents is that their children might grow up feeling unequal to their siblings in the parents’ affections. One way some parents attempt to combat that fear is to treat their children equally in every way, not…
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Are you beginning to feel like life just isn’t that much fun anymore? You and your spouse used to pass the days in relative peace and harmony, but lately things are out of kilter and what were little molehills in…
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It is a common occurrence that a woman will meet a man, deem him “perfect,” and then completely lose interest in him after a period of time. When questioned about her change of heart, she will lament, “He was just…
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A high maintenance man is not difficult to recognize. He stands out head and shoulders above other men with his fastidious grooming habits and attention to detail. Initially, you cannot believe your good fortune at have caught the eye of…
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February 19, 2014 Communication
Giving advice is a delicate matter. Helpful as you might wish to be, sometimes your good intentions might be interpreted as interference, criticism or being judgmental. Giving advice successfully does not mean that the person you are advising will take…
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February 18, 2014 Communication
Some common, everyday phrases that just seem to slip off the tongue can be real conversation stoppers. Some things are better left unsaid. Making thoughtless comments, no matter how well-intentioned, might make you appear insensitive to the feelings of others….
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February 15, 2014 Communication
When friends overstay their welcome, the issue is often lack of communication. You and your friend might have different views about what constitutes a “short visit.” You may be thinking of an hour or two, not realizing the friend has…
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February 4, 2014 Marriage and Divorce
How does anyone know if he/she is ready for marriage? What seems the right time for one individual might not be appropriate for another. There are certain behaviors and signs that could be an indication of haste and the person…
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Managing a household with multiple children is both challenging and gratifying. The challenge is ensuring that everyone in the family feels a sense of belonging. The gratification comes from knowing that everyone in the family feels loved and nurtured. There…
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Good questions to ask children when we want more than an “automatic” reply are questions that will stimulate their interest, show our empathy or demonstrate our caring and concern for them. Using some imagination we can come up with questions…
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January 14, 2014 Marriage and Divorce
When those wedding vows, “For richer or poorer,” are exchanged, newlyweds seldom think they will fall into the poorer category. When two people are combining incomes, riches are sure to follow. Not necessarily, according to a report by CNN. Predictable…
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January 11, 2014 Marriage and Divorce
Healthy marriages thrive on romance. It is a sad fact, however, that often romance takes a back seat to the responsibilities inherent in raising a family. Dealing with the practicalities of providing for and nurturing active children and maintaining productive…
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January 7, 2014 Crisis Support
Life is not always kind. You might be blindsided by an untimely death of a loved one, a reversal of financial well-being, a debilitating medical issue or some other unfortunate life-changing event that leaves you depleted of the ability to…
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Women in general have a reputation for talking too much, but often there is much going on inside of a woman’s head that remains a secret. What women choose to keep to themselves is generally information and comments related to…
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Active listening is paying close attention to what another is saying, offering feedback to ensure you heard the speakers words correctly, acknowledging the speakers feelings and asking questions, when appropriate, to encourage further conversation. Poor listening habits, such as interrupting…
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December 23, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Forgiveness is a crucial component for a successful marriage. Everyone makes mistakes, and learning how to forgive your partner, and ask forgiveness for your own transgressions, will keep resentment and anger from eating away at the foundation of your marital…
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December 15, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Whenever someone is threatened or harmed in their home, domestic abuse has occurred. In order to file charges against the perpetrator of that abuse, evidence is needed; very specific types of evidence, for domestic abuse cases are difficult to prove…
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December 15, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Falling in love and committing to the vows of marriage does not always translate into “happily ever after.” When the honeymoon is over, and the marriage truly begins, the challenges and stresses involved in blending two separate lives can weaken…
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When children are small, one effective way to teach them about life is through stories. Whenever they reach a new stage of development there is a story available to help them identify and express their feelings and make a smooth…
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Handling criticism effectively is always a challenge, but when it comes from a relative, it is all the more wounding. It is human nature to place great importance on the approval and opinions of members of your own family. After…
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In a perfect world, everyone would be consistently kind and supportive, doing and saying exactly what you want them to, all the time. Alas – you do not live in a perfect world and the reality is that everyone does…
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Modern family life is enhanced on may levels by the numerous advances in technology. Despite all the advantages, however, there is a downside to being a “high tech” family. Sometimes the technical toys of our virtual world that are designed to bring…
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Some mothers and daughters seem to be on the same wave length, enjoying a close and loving relationship. Other daughters wish to have a close connection with their mother, but that element of congeniality seems to be missing. Those individuals might…
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If you yearn for a closer relationship with your father, but it seems like every time the two of you are together there is a lack of connection, chances are that your father might also be feeling the subtle estrangement….
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Managing a household with multiple children is both challenging and gratifying. The challenge is ensuring that everyone in the family feels a sense of belonging. The gratification comes from knowing that everyone in the family feels loved and nurtured. There…
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November 28, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Breakfast in bed is a standard way of showing appreciation on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Surprising a loved one with breakfast in bed, even when there is no special occasion to commemorate, is the ultimate pampering technique that says…
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Showing appreciation with a thank you is a display of good manners, and manners are not old-fashioned, nor have they gone out of style. When someone has invited you out on a date, presumably paid any expenses incurred, in an…
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November 16, 2013 Communication
Learning how to argue ethically is a valuable communication tool. Arguing is not pleasant, but it is sometimes unavoidable. Disagreeing with others can sometimes inadvertently escalate into an argument. Learning how to argue in an ethical way will help you…
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November 10, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
When a couple decides it is time to have a second child, they are entering a whole new phase of parenting. The arrival on the scene of a second baby impacts the family dynamic, finances, the marital relationship and the…
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