Divorce is tough on kids, but parents who are divorcing get a real shock, too. While you might not think about this while you’re dealing with property settlements and child support, you need to realize that co-parenting with a divorced parent isn’t the same as co-parenting with a mate with whom you’re still involved. The […]
If you want to kill your relationship, never resolve conflicts. When you argue, make sure you repeat your points over and over and never listen to his. When he’s talking, be thinking about what you have to say next. Get mad when he yells, and make sure you don’t hear what he’s trying to say. […]
The womb was comfortable for your child, but he had to leave it eventually. He had to be born, to separate himself from you and to be his own person. He had to grow up. As a parent, you’ve put big effort into taking care of him. You spent a fortune on his athletic shoes […]
Understanding life is only less difficult than understanding yourself and the people who are important to you. Always ask why–Why you’ve taken a specific action or why your friend said a certain thing. Why is an important question to develop understanding. Make sure, though, that you’re really questioning, not accusing. This is important when you’re […]
It takes two people to make a relationship work, but only one to walk away. This might not seem fair when your heart and your life are on the line, but she doesn’t have to stay. Sometimes people leave, even when you’re trying your hardest. You may turn yourself inside out to keep her happy, […]
There are two parts of parenting–the role of nurturing and educating your young children and the love you have for them. One role will last as long as you draw breath, but the other has a shelf life. When your child is little, your job is to shelter and protect, as well as, love her. […]
When you were a kid, you developed coping skills. You were small and poorly-equipped for dealing with many of life’s challenges and you did the best you could. Whether you hid and avoided risky, conflicted situations or met them swinging and got into a bunch of fights, you did your best to survive. Even if […]
I hate to break it to you, but disagreements don’t just go away. You might stop arguing about something, but that doesn’t mean the conflict evaporates. Couples sometimes want to believe whatever they’re fighting about will just drift away, but this doesn’t really happen. You have a point; he has a point. You both have […]
This also comes under the heading of explaining. You might want to tell your significant other why you’ve done something (or not done something), but be careful. When you explain yourself, you can sound defensive. When you’re in the middle of an argument, you naturally want your partner to understand what you’re saying. Too often, […]
Parents frequently call for counseling when they’re tearing their hair out, furious and frustrated. Their child is flunking, fighting or giving them attitude and they want the kid fixed. They want back the young, loving child they once had who gave them sticky-faced hugs and mispronounced their words. That kid was afraid of the dark […]