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It was one good day in October 2004. I had been living in the UK for quite a few years; I had been married and divorced and, as life has it, after the storm comes the calm… after having arrived at the conclusion that I was better off without a man in my life… he arrived.
He didn’t look like ... Views: 2149
Midlife stress - dealing with the loss of a loved one
This article looks at different ways of coping with the midlife stress associated with losing a loved one. It recounts the dramatic story of a French family faced with this issue, based on the film Summer Hours. There are lessons we can ... Views: 1297
I have to say, this recession thing is taking me back to my youth. Growing up in the 70's, the era of inflation, oil embargo's and doing without was central to my foundation. We grew up in a middle class family, struggling to make ends meet. With both parents working, my brother and I grew up as ... Views: 921
Money may make the world go ‘round, but issues concerning money can put a real damper on a relationship if not handled well. Whether you have a lot or a little, there’s bound to be some disagreement, somewhere along the way, as to how your income is best to be spent or saved.
If you are ... Views: 1293
It's long been assumed that motherhood brings meaning to our lives. We guide, love, nurture and support our offspring and sometimes feel appreciated in return -- all elements that can fuel our connectedness and satisfaction in the world. It's easy to find meaningful moments as a mom, but it's ... Views: 747
All these years later, I still think about what kind of mother I used to
be. It took me three years to become a real one after the birth of my
daughter. Motherhood is much harder than most will tell you or admit
to. I couldn’t understand why people said that it was so worth it. I was
32, ... Views: 1337
As we approach Mother’s Day, I am drawn to reflect on the beliefs and feelings that surface as I ponder my experiences of being mothered and on how those experiences directly and indirectly affected my own mothering and continue to influence my grand-mothering. Each night during my childhood, ... Views: 1309
Most women can conceive without too much difficulty but if you want to increase your chances of getting and staying pregnant there are some things you can do. Changes to your diet and behavior are a central part of reaching this goal.
Vitamins and Fertility
Vitamin C is one of the most ... Views: 773
... Or, how going green can help you lose weight, relieve stress, save your marriage, make new friends and just have more fun
"After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say, 'I want to see the manager.'" ~William S. Burroughs
This year marked the 40th anniversary of ... Views: 1441
The most important part of discipline is the one most people struggle with- staying calm and speaking without emotion.
Misbehaviour rarely occurs at a time when we are relaxing on the sofa or enjoying an activity with our children. It usually occurs while we are busy or occupied with ... Views: 1198
I believe it to be impossible for a parent to not want the best for their child. This to me is not something that we can resist. We can accomplish many things in the very short that we spend in the world. But, no matter if you where the poorest man in the world living on the street, or if you ... Views: 754
A little preparation can turn any road trip into a fun family adventure.
Here are some suggestions and creative ideas to help families enjoy one another’s company while traveling on the road.
FOR TODDLERS: Prepare ziplock bags of items to be given out every 25, 50 or 75 miles. In each bag put ... Views: 1675
1. Tell your children the truth, with simple explanations. Tell them where the other parent is.
2. Don’t bring up grievances or speaking derogatorily about the other parent to or in front of your children.
3. Don't discuss financial, legal or other disputes with your children.
4. Don’t ... Views: 1425
No parent I know, including myself, learns to parent in one fell swoop. Parenting is a process. We learn new things with every new challenge that presents itself. Each child and each situation builds new parenting skills and each challenge, no matter how difficult or trying, offers new ... Views: 1451
If you think backtalk is something you have to endure as a parent or have to control with strict limits and consequences, you are mistaken. If you follow 5 simple steps in the proper order you will dramatically reduce backtalk and become closer with your child than you ever ... Views: 2413
Political Differences in A Family
Dear Dr. Diana,
The dreaded political season is here. I put it that way because my husband and I get along well for the most part until politics are involved. It’s amazing that two people with such different opinions get on as well as we do. But things ... Views: 1815
Most often at the onset of the spring and summer months with winter being behind, people generally are geared-up to get in the creative mode. The beginning of a new season in some way incites creativity and motivation for change. Included with the desire to change may arise enhancing our lives; ... Views: 1977
Have you ever had one of those weekends where you were just having too much fun? You attended three 8-year-old birthday parties, went to dinner with friends, cheered the Dodgers at a game and hosted a brunch with the extended family – only to wake up Monday morning thrilled at the thought of ... Views: 1150
Nanny personality assessments can help parents learn more and choose better
Selecting a caregiver for our children is a difficult task and the risks in making a wrong choice are frightening. Most articles on this topic advise parents to interview the nannies, check their references and ... Views: 1125
When Siblings Face An Elderly Parent’s Illness by Linda Lipshutz, M.S., LCSW
Susan G. writes: “ I thought that I had buried the hatchet with my sister, but yesterday the resentment I used to feel came rushing back. My elderly mother broke her hip eight months ago, and has been in and out of ... Views: 3632
I recently viewed a program that discussed the topic of the dangers of hidden germs. What I learned horrified and disgusted me but in no way surprised me. I have always suspected that the public is at best lax when it comes to hygienic principals, but this dosent mean that with a few quick tips ... Views: 756
Letter to my children, just before the start of their college year
A father reflects upon his first 50 years in a letter to his college age children about how to wisely choose their friends. It started as private, family email. But the children realized the potential of this Life Lessons ... Views: 2254
Early waking for a little one under the age of two is common and parents find it the most difficult sleep issue to resolve.
Here are six suggestions to improve things quickly.
1 - Decide on the time you’re happy to get up and start the day as a family. 6am isn’t much fun but that is a ... Views: 4529
“Ah-choo!” Springtime allergies begin to surface as the temperature becomes not just warm, but hot. We walk around for a period of time with itchy throats, red eyes, skin irritations and various other symptoms.
In our relationships with others, we also may find that there are certain ... Views: 2901
“My son wants to live with his Dad; what do I do?”
Suddenly the joint custody arrangement you shared with your ex-husband no longer meets your
child’s needs – at least in his mind – and he has made the decision that he’d like to live with his
father full time.
While to your son this may seem ... Views: 1288
The “difficult ex” - I think every divorced couple goes through at least a stage of complaining about this. I hear it in nearly every couple I work with, and I had my share of this pain too. It seemed to me for years that my husband’s ex-wife looked right through me as if I didn’t exist, and ... Views: 2329
Having trouble getting on with your in-laws? You are not alone! The impossibility of living in any kind of peace with your partner's family has been a source of woe forever. But knowing that everyone has trouble with their in-laws is not much help in dealing with your in-laws.
If your ... Views: 1410
Family discord during the holidays is extremely common. It is a familiar theme we see in movies such as Home for the Holidays, The Family Stone and Four Christmases. However, the holidays may be the best time to start on a new path to “affording” the life you wish to lead.
Frequently, the ... Views: 1801
Welcome to summer! Okay, so it’s hot. We all know that. Make yourself some lemonade and USE the heat to your romantic advantage. Get creative – what did you enjoy, way-back-when, when you had more unstructured time available to you? So you need a jump start on this one? Well, here are ... Views: 1052
Most parents of children under the age of three realize quickly that the best way to handle a tantrum is by ignoring it. They find out that the number of tantrums and their length or intensity will decrease once they learn to walk away. However, after a child turns three and those temper ... Views: 1121
Hey Mom! Have you ever looked at all those bottles of water at the supermarket that are competing for your hard earned dollar and wondered how they got there? It wasn't that long ago that we all drank tapwater without a second thought. What's changed?
Well, when it comes to the safety of ... Views: 2032
It is considered that million of teens in the United States are being affected every year by teen parenting. This matter includes as well boys and girls. Other statistics show that there are actually about 500,000 babies born to teens each year. Although this rate has steadily declined, this ... Views: 2172
Part of my personal development regime is to read for at least 15 minutes per day and to meditate for an equal length of time. If that sounds like a discipline in any way – believe me it is! Can I just highlight that this is an intention and I’ve been practicing for years to get it to become a ... Views: 944
Have you ever talked sweetly to your child trying to explain that what they are doing is not very nice? What about the opposite? Have you ever yelled at your child out of frustration and hoped that by seeing you so angry your child would naturally want to stop their naughty behaviour? Or, how ... Views: 1225
Dear Dr. Weiss-Wisdom,
I’m living with my boyfriend who has two kids under eleven years old. What do I do if I don’t like his kids? They are lazy and watch a lot of T.V.-even during the daytime. They don’t pick up after themselves or have any chores. I feel like I’m the maid! When I talk ... Views: 2122
There are many types of baby strollers in the market and these are designed to cater to different styles and functions.
It's important to know the difference between these strollers so that you can figure out the best product for you. A few factors to consider while shopping for baby ... Views: 1155
Years ago I read a book called Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss with the desire to better understand my mother, whose own mother passed when she was just under 4 yrs. old.
It did indeed shed some light of understanding for me. Additionally, it helped me gain insight into some of the ... Views: 1329
For many women, the mother-daughter connection is life's most complex relationship. So it comes as no surprise that many of us struggle with the relationship that we share with our mothers and many of us struggle with the relationships that we share with our daughters. As a mediator and as a ... Views: 5214
One day while taking a visit to the grocery store, I heard a customer in front of me say, “????? (phonetic- yo may yo yo? Pinyin- you mei you you?)” As I waited in line, I watched as the cashier understood this complex logic of using the same words of pronunciation to form a question and also ... Views: 2253
The following is not an article but some preliminary thoughts on what may be expanded into one later on:
I’ve been experiencing a lot of counter-transference lately with my clients over “the other parent”, especially when the other parent is the mother. You may be wondering who I’m referring ... Views: 1351
Is your child struggling in school? Does your child stall when it comes time to do homework? Does your child's teacher often comment that your child is capable, but is just not working to his or her potential? Or, does your child do alright in school, but seems a bit bored or lacks enthusiasm ... Views: 1025
Secret to your Grandchild’s Success!
I was a young child of the early 70’s. Reflecting on my own grandparents and the use of technology, the first thought that comes to mind is pop-pop shaking “magic” powder into the fireplace to create colored sparks. Pretty cool.
Back then, connecting with ... Views: 1163
Teaching our kids certain skills and personal habits just isn’t good enough. We need to lead by example and live the skills and traits we teach.
Not only when it is convenient, but all the time.
Here is a list of what I believe to be the seven most important characteristics and skills we ... Views: 1704
It is very important that a husband and wife harbor respect and sacred vision towards each other. Thus there shall ensue, soul advancement, social progress, happiness and peace. Those taking a vow of celibacy and those who remain unmarried must harbor a pure pious viewpoint towards all males and ... Views: 1117
On September 15, 2005 David and I went to see the Rolling Stones at Madison Square Garden. It was our way of celebrating our 50th birthdays, which came three weeks apart. David had been my best friend in high school. We only see each other once a year now. He is on the road 300 days a year ... Views: 1543
Family vacations may have been wonderful when your kiddos were still little and you were in charge. You were definitely the parent, roles were defined and everyone knew their place. Then, lo and behold, those youngsters grew up!
This changes many things in your life but it's the natural order ... Views: 1688
Traveling is regarded as a soul stirring experience for most of us. We all love to travel to the most exotic locations around the world. The very name of travel, a single prospect of a proposed travel is enough of raising storms in your hearts. However when it comes to the proposition of taking ... Views: 842
Tyler begins to cry, raising his hands to cover his eyes. Eleven-year old boys hate to cry, and Tyler is especially fearful of it. It embarrasses him and makes him feel weak, even within the safe environment of my counseling room. His mother knows this, and with watery eyes herself reaches out ... Views: 1607
“You want to quit what!?” I said to my ten year old son who sat quietly quivering as he delivered the news that he didn’t want to continue karate lessons. “You have to be kidding me,” I shouted back, along with some other choice words that I regretted at the time but have conveniently forgotten. ... Views: 721
Here's a question to ask yourself: Is a family that is constantly out and about, going here and there, attending music classes and swimming lessons, etc. better than one who stays home most evenings, and doesn't have their children in a bunch of different classes? Thought provoking, isn't ... Views: 1152