What if you had horizontal butt cheeks?
When our boys were younger, I used a glass jar with pink construction paper hearts cut out in it; each heart had instructions of what to say to another person at the table as a way to express love. Last night, I decided to bring it back. Games like this encourage vulnerable expression, build emotional […]
4 Toxic, Conversation Killers and Their Antidotes
“I didn’t do it!” It happens in a split second without any conscious thought as part of your brain’s natural defense system, like being thrown a hot potato and finding the fastest way to get rid of it before it burns you. Defensiveness is one of four documented toxic communication styles; coping strategies triggered by […]
3 Reasons Teens Lie and the Secret Behind Them
Did you ever lie to your parents? I did. LOTS! Whether your teen is lying to you or not, you may never know. However, understanding WHY teens lie and what you can do about it will decrease the odds of it happening and the possible fallout. My parents were very strict. They loved my sister […]
Motivating your teen in virtual learning
What’s worse? The more effort you make to motivate them the less they and now they’re at risk of failing a class or even the whole year. What happened to your teen who was engaged in school, responsible for their work and attendance? It’s exhausting! Your teen isn’t lazy and didn’t become apathetic overnight. Motivation […]
I’m drowning in emotions. What’s wrong with me?
Alex is now having mild anxiety attacks and doesn’t know what to. When I spoke with Alex (name changed for privacy), she was struggling with managing what feels like a daily tidal wave of emotions that’s manifesting into anxiety. The kind where Alex feels safer being alone in her room trying to cope with it […]
‘I don’t need your help’
How often do you do this with your teen? You see them doing something that logically you know they could get hurt, emotionally, physically, whatever. You go to reach out to them with help, and they don’t want it. In that moment, you feel hurt and rejected, and maybe you internalize it, or maybe you […]
‘I know you better than you know yourself’
STOP! You will never know what your child is thinking or feeling because you’re not them. I know you love your teen and you want the very best for them. And it’s really hard to watch them struggle. Here’s the thing. When you constantly tell them that you know them better than they know themselves, […]
2020 – The Gift in Sandpaper
I hope you and your family enjoyed Christmas together, making the most of our current situation. Thankfully we’ve just passed the shortest day in the longest year in history, so we’re on our way to brighter days. Read to the end and I’ll share my secret for putting Christmas gifts away! But first, here’s a […]
Traditions Are What You Make Them
It’s the turkey factor. Christmas isn’t Christmas without turkey dinner, right? Truth be told I’ve never made a turkey dinner and using an oven for that many dishes that all need to be ready at the same time boggles my brain. It’s not even my favourite meal. You want a Thai coconut curry veggie dish, […]
Supporting Your Teen Through Mental Health Challenges
For heaven’s sake, toughen up. If your teen had been with you when you were young, they’d never survive! Bullying and name calling were leadership skills (on and off the school grounds) and no one was coming running if you felt offended or triggered. You survived so much worse…minus social media and a global pandemic. […]