A major issue in families is the maltreatment of adolescent children (children ages 12-17). When teens are exposed to physical, psychological or sexual abuse as well as neglect, it places them at serious risk for many destructive behaviors in the future due to the disruption of the normal course of their development. One study I recently [...]
Read more →According to the Wall Street Journal, for the first time since the United States began tracking marriage, more U.S. citizens of prime marrying age have stayed single rather than opt to get married. Only a little over half (52%) are choosing marriage. The article goes on to say that as marriage rates have fallen, the [...]
Read more →Not everyone will have a holly, jolly Christmas this year. In fact, for many people, this season will generate more tension than peace. Overspending will dig financial holes that will take months to fill up again. And mourning the loss of loved ones will add to the mix of emotions. Try to bring balance into [...]
Read more →Some of the biggest contributors to stress include marriage, divorce, separation, imprisonment, death of a close family member or friend, personal injury or illness, dismissal from work or a crisis involving one of your children. Stress is not always bad, in fact, it can sometimes be good for you. How it is dealt with over [...]
Read more →Life is not fair! Pain, hurt, and frustration are a natural part of existence on the planet. It’s our attitude that determines how these circumstances impact our lives. So often we have little or no control over our circumstances and can’t change them. Focusing on what we can change by having a positive attitude and [...]
Read more →In a very real sense, marriage and its intensity can bring up long-standing behavioral patterns learned in childhood. It can happen when someone hurts, feels emotionally exposed, tired or stressed. It seems like out of nowhere these patterns emerge and can sometimes be scary or negative when they surface. Someone typically calm and kind is [...]
Read more →It just makes sense that a healthy diet and regular exercise plan will help to improve not only your physical body but also your mind. You just feel better overall! If you and your spouse practice these healthy habits together, it will benefit your relationship immensely. You will be sharing an interest and improving your [...]
Read more →She pulls out of the driveway in the SUV heading out to do the weekly grocery shopping for the family. Her husband stands in front of the picture window watching her drive down the road. The smile fades from his face. He’s already got his cell phone in his hand as he’s talking to a [...]
Read more →It’s difficult to really define good, healthy marital communication, let alone practice it regularly. It is a skill that we can acquire over time through practice and experience. The quality of your interactions as a couple comes from the types and the way in which information is shared. The ability as a couple to talk [...]
Read more →