The prevalence of anxiety and depression among young people has increased dramatically in recent decades. While the reasons behind this trend are complex, one key factor is the early and excessive use of technology. Spending extensive time on devices and social media may expose developing brains to content and comparisons that fuel anxious thoughts and […]
Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of life, whether it’s addressing a conflict with a loved one, discussing sensitive topics at work, or delivering constructive feedback. While these conversations may be challenging, they also offer an opportunity for growth, understanding, and resolution. Today’s post provides a step-by-step guide to help you navigate difficult conversations with […]
Relationships are a critical aspect of our lives, providing us with love, support, and a sense of belonging. Our need for healthy partnerships is so great that we can experience the desire for connection as an almost physical craving. Despite this deep-seated need, we can often behave in ways that undermine our most precious relationships. […]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being. While some with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms with self-help strategies, there may come a point where seeking professional help becomes necessary. Recognizing the signs that it’s time to seek help for ADHD is […]
In some relationships, one partner may exhibit controlling behavior that can have a detrimental impact on the dynamic and the well-being of both people involved. Understanding what causes a person to become overly controlling can help shed light on this unhealthy behavior and potentially facilitate paths towards change and growth. What Makes a Person Overly […]
Enabling behavior is a complex and often misunderstood issue that can have significant impacts on those involved. It occurs when someone unintentionally perpetuates or supports another person’s harmful or negative behavior. This often prevents them from taking responsibility and experiencing natural consequences. While we may recognize enabling behavior in ourselves or others, noticing the behavior […]
When it comes to supporting our loved ones, it’s natural to want to help them overcome challenges and lead better lives. However, there’s a fine line between providing support or assistance and enabling unhealthy behavior. Enabling occurs when we unintentionally perpetuate destructive patterns instead of promoting growth and change. Here’s how to spot and stop […]
Self-harm can be a difficult and sensitive topic, especially when it involves children. It’s essential to understand it, however, as self-harm in children may have serious consequences, and likely has equally serious underlying causes. If you spend time among young people, it’s important to understand the nature of self-harm in children, signs that it may […]
Self-harm is a potentially dangerous coping mechanism that involves intentional harm to oneself. It can take many forms, including cutting, burning, or scratching oneself, hitting or bruising oneself, or pulling out one’s hair. Self-harm can be a sign of deep emotional distress and should be taken seriously. If you spend time around young people, it […]
As parents and caregivers, it can be heartbreaking to witness self-destructive behaviors in children. These types of behaviors can manifest in various ways, such as self-harm, substance abuse, extreme risk-taking, or engaging in toxic relationships. Understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate strategies can help guide children towards healthier coping mechanisms and foster their overall […]
Codependent relationships can be complex and challenging to navigate. They can also be detrimental to our personal growth and development. If you believe you may be trapped in a cycle of unhealthy dependency, it’s important to do the work required to regain your sense of self and to heal a codependent relationship. Today, we share […]
As we discussed in 12 Signs of a Codependent Relationship, codependency is a complex and often misunderstood pattern of behavior in relationships where one person relies on another to fulfill their emotional needs and has difficulty functioning independently. Today, we will cover some of the most common causes of codependent relationships and other factors which […]
The fear of abandonment can grip our hearts and minds, leaving us feeling vulnerable and insecure in relationships. Whether stemming from past trauma or deep-rooted insecurities, overcoming fear of abandonment is possible with self-reflection, self-compassion, and intentional actions. Today, we cover 7 strategies to overcome fear of abandonment. 1. Understand the Root Causes of Fear […]
The fear of abandonment is a psychological phenomenon that can result in deep-seated emotional distress and relationship conflicts. Those who have experienced neglect in childhood or abandonment in past romantic relationships may develop a phobia about being left alone. Let’s discuss some signs of fear of abandonment and explore strategies for managing this challenging emotion. […]
Fear of abandonment is a complex emotional issue that can greatly impact relationships and overall well-being. This fear stems from deep-seated insecurities and past experiences. Any chance of resolving it requires us to understand its underlying causes. We will cover some of the common root causes of fear of abandonment and also potential strategies to […]
Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Although these wounds may remain hidden, they can manifest in various ways, affecting relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. A surprisingly large percentage of the population has experienced trauma of one kind or another. If you suspect that you or […]
Forty or fifty years ago, things were pretty clear. When you hit the age of 21, you were on your own. In some communities, the norm was even earlier – it was time to support yourself when you reached the age of 18. But over the last few decades, it has become increasingly common for […]
Starting school is an exciting milestone for both young children and their parents. We look forward to it with mixed feelings of emotion and excitement. Our kids are thrilled to be joining the big kids at the bus stop or taking the walk to school every morning. But adjusting to kindergarten also comes with its […]
Starting a new school year can be an exciting and challenging time for both students and parents. Students transitioning from elementary school to secondary education face a particular set of middle school challenges. New experiences during this phase, and a student’s ability to navigate them successfully can impact their academic and social performance and their […]
Starting a new school year can be both exciting and daunting. Easing out of the carefree days of summer is always challenging. During the teenage years, the transition to high school can be particularly tricky. Our kids may be struggling to exert their independence at a time when the new demands they face are especially […]
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact daily life. ADHD can impact both children and adults. Today, we will cover symptoms, how to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, as well as recommended […]
Being a mom to my children has been an incredible journey, adventure and privilege so far. Truth be told, I haven’t always been a great mom. In fact, I’ve messed up, quite a few times. But what that means is, I’ve learned a few lessons. Lessons I wish I’d discovered earlier in my life and […]
A people-pleaser wants everyone to be happy. Everyone. All at the same time. Sounds unrealistic, right? To those of us who have this affliction, it’s our natural (almost uncontrollable) tendency (compulsion?) to pursue this unattainable goal. This means we constantly try to figure out everything we can do to maximize the happiness of those around […]
For better or worse, the internet and digital devices have become an integral part of our lives. This goes for all people of all ages, including our kids. Even toddlers are often seen playing with their parents’ phones, while parents are driving, or otherwise distracted. It seems harmless, but while technology offers us many benefits, […]
Education is a critical foundation for not only professional achievement, but also for achieving happiness in life. There are many downstream benefits for encouraging a love of learning in your children, and in doing all you can to ensure they have positive experiences with learning. Fortunately, there are many ways to help your child to […]
We are all our own worst critic. It’s completely normal to be tough on ourselves through all stages of life. But when we become a parent, it can be particularly easy to get caught in a negative self-talk loop. This time of year, we’re especially busy, getting ready for a new school year and teachers, […]
Many of us want unconditional love. We equate unconditional love with being loved for who we are, with no strings attached. We also want to believe that we are capable of selfless and unconditional love of another person. But it’s not as easy as it sounds to love without conditions. And, at times, it’s not […]
We watch as others achieve the goal. We look at them, envious. In that long awaited empty nest, we imagine there are no more school functions or sports. No rushing out at the last minute to search for just the right homecoming dress. No college visits. We imagine plenty of “me-time”. Nights out at the […]
We all worry that we’re not doing right by our kids; we all feel uncomfortable when we compare ourselves to other parents. But if you are reading this, chances are, you’re doing just fine, and your parenting is better than you think. Hopefully this post will provide the reassurance you need and a well-deserved pat […]
