It’s sad, but the only way we learn is to get the consequences of our choices. Some of these, though, are big and scary. You certainly don’t want your children getting the natural consequences of running out into the street. Much of parenting is blocking the big consequences until the kid can learn to safe-guard […]
With relationships failing and adults later dating and re-mating, children frequently become an issue. Parenting has both it’s challenges and blessings, but what do you do when parenting problems spill into your relationship? S.A. writes “…we’re very happy with the exception of my boyfriend not liking my daughter. It wasn’t this way in the beginning, […]
Parents understandably worry about their teens and pre-teens rushing into adult choices. You know the risks, the dangers waiting. You’ve been their age and you’d probably do a few things differently yourself. One reader writes asking for advice about “…what to do with my daughter. She’s 16 years old and I’ve caught her on more […]
Your kids may actually want you to get a divorce, particularly if you and your mate are fighting a lot or if your fights are ugly. Don’t think your children don’t know when the two of you are arguing. They may be plugged into their MP3 players and texting on their cell phones while playing […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Going for the job you want, but are afraid you won’t get. Sticking by your word and following-through on difficult, but educational consequences for your kid. Actually asking for—and listening to—your mate’s feedback on what you do that makes him/her crazy. Standing up for what you believe, even when it’s unpopular and may lose you […]
I know they screw up. I know you love them and you don’t want them mess up their lives. You’ve been down a few roads and you know a thing or two, but that doesn’t mean you need to be monitoring your adult children. You don’t get to tell them how to live their lives—or […]