Reflection vs Resolution: A New Approach
For some, making resolutions can seem overwhelming and create anxiety due to fear of failure. Often, we set lofty and unrealistic goals just to keep up with everyone else. But here’s a secret: those of us who make these lofty goals and then fail to achieve them are definitely keeping up with the majority. I recommend we get off this wild ride. But how?Read More
Guilt During the Holidays
While the holidays may mean quality time for many people, for others, family time may be something that fills them with dread and anxiety. Often when someone makes the choice to not attend these events, they receive a guilt trip or push back from family members, causing additional distress. So, how does one navigate this tricky situation?Read More
The Season of Giving
This holiday season is often called the “season of giving” where we focus on sharing physical gifts, our time, and the spirit of care and compassion. While the act of giving is exciting for many people, and actually boasts physical and mental benefits, it can also be a huge source of stress. How do we get into the mindset of giving without letting stress take over?Read More
Coping With Holiday Stress
For many in today’s fast-paced world, the holidays are not story-book perfect. Long distances, poor health, and finances keep some families and loved ones apart. For others, the holidays are filled with financial pressures and multiple stressors. While many negative emotions can be felt leading up to and during the holiday season, there is equal opportunity and promise for positive emotions, too. Here are a few positive thoughts to help make the holidays better.Read More
At Home Tips for Seasonal Depression
For those suffering from seasonal depression, or ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD), the oncoming of fall and winter can negatively impact their lives more than just the inconveniences of cold weather, snow, and icy conditions. Here are some at-home solutions you can try.Read More
A Grateful Mindset
Gratitude can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and make us more resilient. It also fosters our relationships, even difficult ones. It floods your heart with warmth, changes the way you think, and allows you to let go of tensions. Focusing on gratitude will shift your perspective on life, and with practice, becomes a gratitude mindset.Read More
What Teens Need: Parenting Both the Inner Child and the Emerging Young Adult in Your Teenager
Am I doing anything right? This question could easily be muttered by my teenagers or by me. Daily. Hourly. Parenting teenagers is no easy feat, especially parenting teens with traumatic backgrounds. Learning to parent your teenager's inner child while they emerge as a young adult can help you navigate this difficult stage.Read More
Helping Your Anxious Child
Anxiety can be the most overwhelming feeling as it causes us to imagine the different things that could happen if what we fear comes true. In parenting, your job with an anxious child is to help them through the experience and not avoid it.Read More
Staying Healthy When You’re Stretched Thin
Let’s talk about self-care for foster parents, shall we? It’s a hot topic that is beautiful and necessary in theory and often feels impossible in practice. When each day is unpredictable, especially as many of our children deal with night terrors and other nighttime disturbances, how do we find the time and mental, physical, and emotional space to take care of ourselves?Read More
Domestic Violence: Impact on Families, Children, and Communities
The month of October recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness. The one thing that is always true is domestic violence spans across family systems and impacts not only the survivor and their families but for communities, too. No matter the definition, domestic violence is much more than two words.Read More