As a young person, those nights leading up to turning thirteen and becoming a teenager can be exhausting. For years, he was a kid, your child. Your new teen now wants to know if he is supposed to automatically look or feel different, and your teen will wonder if he will enter the cool set of teens in the neighborhood—the … Read More
Why The 4-1-1 Books Matter
In a recent interview I was asked why I’m writing the 4-1-1 books. Although I did answer the question with “to help those that may not be able to completely help themselves,” I’ve taken time since then to reflect on this question. The 4-1-1 on Life Skills is a book about the basic life skills needed by adults of all … Read More
Abuse isn’t Discipline – There is a Difference
After reading this article at http://www.nbc-2.com/story/23764243/three-charged-in-barbaric-case-of-child-abuse#.Umkoovl1woo, I was both saddened and outraged. There are ways to discipline a child without physically abusing them. There are many questions that also come up when you read something like this. Such as: 1) Why was a child left in the care of someone who had already been charged with abuse in the … Read More
Step Family Life and Societal Myths
Myths are beliefs. It is these beliefs which strongly influence the way people in step families adjust to their new family and react to one another. Those in blended families think their family is abnormal or strange because it is “in-step” instead of their “real” family. Statistics show about half of all Americans are currently involved in a type of … Read More
Taking on the Role of Step Parent
Man and woman relationships alone are difficult. When you add his kids, her kids, his ex, her ex and the in-laws, most people cannot handle the pressure. Step-families require more effort and understanding because of more people involved, and this often includes young ones who didn’t ask to be put into the situation to begin with.Long ago, the term “stepmother” … Read More
Dating after Divorce – Fake it ‘Til You Make It!
latest article in LA Family. http://www.lafamily.com/marriage-and-divorce/dating-after-divorce-fake-it-til-you-make-it
Step Parent Q & A
The question came from Judy in Iowa: Q: I’m about to become a step mother to three children, but I don’t have any children of my own. What advice can you give me to help me with this transition? A: Judy – first of all, congratulations on your impending blended family. Many people cannot handle the thought of this type … Read More
Ask the Author
I’ve added a new category to my blog where readers can ask the author questions on Life Skills; Step parenting, or Surviving Teenagers. You can post questions here or email them to info@openpagespublishing.com and they will be answered here for all to see. So, how can I help you today?
What Do You Believe?
I recently took my grandson to see the movie ‘Rise of the Guardians.’ I enjoyed watching him as he cheered for the “good guys.” It is so important that we allow our children to “believe” in something. Most of all, we hope they will believe in us. Are we harming our children by allowing them to believe in Santa, the … Read More
What is “Universal” to You?
This week while on an interview with mylivingradio.com, which is an International Radio, I realized during the breaks that the music, no matter in what language, can be universal. They say love is universal. Which now has me wondering – what else is “universal” that we all can understand – no matter what language? I believe Art, in many different … Read More