Essential Tips on Surviving Step-Parenting and Blended Families Nothing cuts to the core of a step-parent’s heart than hearing “you’re not my parent!” Parenting is hard, but when you become a step-parent it’s a whole new level of parenting. You may agree to help raise someone else’s child, or your new spouse may agree to raise your child, but in … Read More
Think Before You Speak
Think about the last time someone gave you a compliment. How did that make you feel? Most likely, you were slow to accept the compliment because many of us are wired to deny anything really good about ourselves and others have learned to soak up the goodness that comes their way. Which one are you? We have a choice. I … Read More
No, Really…How are You?
5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing Research suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Don’t you want to feel and be more positive and be able to get the most out of life? Learn new skills. Research shows that learning new skills can improve your mental wellbeing. It can boost self-confidence and raise … Read More
Back to Basics
After the last post on “A Year Later” I realized that in order for us to get back to whatever “normal” is, this will require us to get back to basics. How can we grow our community without the basics? What do I mean by “basics”? Be kind to one another. Show respect for each other. Serve others and not … Read More
Teens and Substance Abuse
Substance use among teens ranges from experimentation to dependence. The consequences range from none to minor to life threatening, depending on the substance and frequency of use. Even minor use raises the risk of significant harm, including overdose, motor vehicle accidents, and consequences of sexual contact, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Parental attitudes and the examples parents set … Read More
Having “The Sex Talk” with Your Teen
Communicate As parents, we can make a difference when we talk with our kids. In fact, teens often name their parents as the biggest influence in their decisions about sex. Teens who report having conversations with their parents about sex are more likely to delay sexual activity, have fewer partners, and use condoms and other contraceptives when they do have sex. … Read More
Step Parents as Role-Models
In The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting I explain what type of role you play in a step child’s life. It is only natural that you want your step children to love you, respect you and obey you. The only thing you may be certain of is you feel out-of-place and uncertain of what your role in this new family unit … Read More
Do You Fight Fair?
Do You Fight Fair? 7 Ways to Recognize and Respect Your Partner’s Actions and Boundaries Being in a romantic relationship has many wonderful moments, and can be very fulfilling. It is not always easy though, and sometimes requires a great deal of work. It can be difficult to learn to read your partner’s signals, spoken and unspoken. Learning to recognize … Read More
Tips for Successful Co-Parenting
Tips for Successful Co-Parenting Parenting is a joy, and something we do simply because we love our children. In a perfect world, it would also be easy. Unfortunately, things can get complicated – especially when we are co-parenting our children with an ex we don’ get along with. There are, however, many tips you can put to use that will … Read More
5 Tips for a Happy Mother’s Day for Single Moms
Make the Day Special – Even if You Have to Plan It Yourself Regardless of your marital status, motherhood is hard. From the second your newborn inhales his first breath of air, the journey of motherhood begins. When you look into your babies eyes for the first time, you know that there isn’t anything you wouldn’t do for them. Although … Read More