Many people have close relationships with their parents — in fact, some consider their mother or father their best friend. But that isn’t always the case. There’s a less fortunate narrative: Some people hate their parents. They don’t just lack that connection or disagree with their parents from time to…
As fall gives way to winter, the holiday season is in full swing, but holiday stress prevents many of us from fully enjoying our celebrations. While our budgets can fall under strain during this time of year, one of the leading causes of holiday stress is dysfunctional family dynamics. Surveys…
Every year on September 16, we celebrate National Working Parents Day. This year, our celebration is a little different, as the majority of working parents are either 1) adapting to working from home while their kids adapt to learning from home or 2) juggling the tricky (and stressful) balance that…
Click here to schedule online counseling at Thriveworks. Hi, my name is Shontel Cargill and I am a Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist at Thriveworks. So the question that was asked was, “What do you do when you are having family problems during a pandemic?” I think that this is a fantastic…
Family problems, like major changes in family dynamic, financial instability, and sibling bullying, can have a significant impact on children. These problems can negatively affect them in multiple facets, including at school, or more specifically, their school performance. Changes in family dynamic—say divorcing parents—can cause children to feel guilty, neglected,…
People typically perform acts of kindness for a loved one without giving it a second thought—but setting boundaries is important. Setting boundaries and doing things because you want to rather than feeling like you have to gives you the ability to make decisions for yourself. Spend more time focusing on…
Family feuds don’t just affect everyone directly involved; they have the ability to negatively affect the entire family. When a family dispute occurs, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions can go from a joyful occasion to an awkward, tension-filled time. Plan out the best course of action for you to take…
Any life transition can come with an unhealthy dose of stress. And when you feel overwhelmed, you might find that performing necessary tasks becomes nearly impossible. When you’re going through a major move, this kind of knee-jerk reaction is expected; unfortunately, it also comes when you need to be on…
Aging in place is choosing to continue living at home or with another relative as one passes through retirement age. This is a popular alternative option to living in a retirement home for various reasons, including comfortability and affordability. That said, in deciding whether or not you should age in…
It’s difficult for many people to admit they need help and then to actually seek out that help—it’s sometimes even more difficult for men. That said, it’s important that men (as well as women) ask for and seek professional mental health help when they need it, as counseling can help…
Autism comes with learning and social difficulties—often, these individuals have difficulty focusing and struggle to connect or interact meaningfully with others. While many are aware of the struggles that these individuals face, the obstacles that are presented to family members often go unnoticed or undiscussed. So, how are family members…
Children can be affected by their parents’ divorce in different capacities, depending on the nature of divorce as well as the parents’ relationship post-divorce. That said, there are often harmful effects on children of divorce, as well as struggles in coping and important lessons learned. Regardless of the cause for…