Merging two families into one can be a challenge, as kids can be hesitant about the new family dynamic. That said, it can be done successfully: so long as parents take it upon themselves to improve the bond between both “sides” and make the transition as easy as possible. First,…
Many of us struggle financially from time to time, as the cost of day to day living expenses continue to rise. As these bills continue to pile up, the stress of financial burden weighs heavy on the family, from the parents to the kids. Fortunately, your financial stress doesn’t have…
There are many different types of loss and a plethora of different reactions to loss; loss might mean a loved one’s death, divorce, or moving, while common reactions to loss include depressive or anxious feelings. The way we react to such a loss has much to do with two systems:…
Everybody can benefit from some time spent alone—most even desire some peace and quiet to themselves. Too much alone time, however, can result in feelings of loneliness and negatively impact our mental health, as a healthy and happy life demands we maintain loving interpersonal relationships: with friends, old and new;…
An abundance of research has shown that spending time in nature—even just 5 minutes—can yield amazing benefits, such as: stress reduction, mood improvement, increased concentration, and a boost in overall wellbeing. And you don’t have to go to any extremes to reap said benefits either, you can simply go for…
A few years ago, I watched a heartbreaking movie that left me in a fit of tears. Maybe you’ve heard of it—it’s called My Sister’s Keeper. This film follows a young girl named Anna as she seeks medical emancipation from her parents who expect her to donate organs upon request…
A small child has just been diagnosed with ADHD. Her heightened levels of energy and activity finally make sense, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to deal with. Her parents, though they received some comfort with this diagnosis, are more tired and torn than ever before—they just don’t know how…
Divorce is not simply the separation of two people—it instead involves other loved ones and members of the family… especially the children. They may be 5 years old, 15 years old, or 25 years old; regardless of their age, it can be a very hard and confusing time. This goes…
Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? As Clark Griswold can attest, family vacations can often be hectic and stressful rather than the relaxing or adventurous vacation you had in mind. Whether it’s the weather that ruins your plans, unexpected tantrums (your kids or yours)…
Communication, Hard Work and Connection I woke up this morning with an interesting thought about marriage and family relationships. So many people I know have healthy, loving relationships for years and years, but then something happens and suddenly their relationships take a nosedive. It is almost as if there is…
Over the course of the last year, something has become abundantly clear to me. My parents are getting old and they need my help. My mother and father are 78 and 79 respectively. Until recently, their age has been just a number. They have always been strong and healthy. They…
Counseling for Military Families: As a military family, you face certain stresses that many other families do not have to face. Families face the stress of deployments, marital issues pre-deployment, post-deployment, and during deployment. Being separated as a family is an understandable anxiety and stress that is placed on many…
