In a perfect world, parents would have started the difficult conversations regarding appropriate and inappropriate sexual behavior with their child before reaching double digits. As youth approach the middle school years, hormonal changes combined with technology can lead to not only curiosity but behavior that can lead to a youth being in trouble with the … Continued
A parent has many decisions to make when caring for their children. Oftentimes, decisions start with having conversations with your child. Many of those talks center around the table sharing each other’s day while eating dinner. Dinnertime conversation can lead to the start of uncomfortable topics. The most uncomfortable conversation for most parents is talking … Continued
In many ways, this past year has tested the patience of even the most positive person. On a monthly basis, one obstacle after another seems to have been placed in front of every individual. All of these challenges has led each of us to a unique shared experience. Young adults and adolescents have had a … Continued
Parents and their children look forward to many milestones – the first day of kindergarten; turning 13 and becoming a teenager; passing your driver’s test and getting your license at age 16; and turning 18 – the age the law states you are an adult. “There are many important changes that occur once that legal … Continued
The month of June brings many thoughts and ideas to mind – the year is nearly half over; school is out; warm weather and sunshine are here. However, June also signifies Pride Month, where a community of individuals are still fighting for acceptance. What is Pride month? The history behind this month and its importance? … Continued
The holiday season just ended with fewer social gatherings and parties and increased isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead some people to seek comfort in having an adult beverage. But if you are pregnant or perhaps are not even aware you are pregnant, one glass of wine today, could lead to a whole … Continued
Relieving holiday stress During a normal year, parents start to feel tension and stress surrounding the holiday season. Presents need to be purchased, activities planned, Christmas cards sent and holiday gatherings need to be organized. And this year, families are dealing with added anxiety – should we get together with family due to the pandemic? … Continued
As a parent, after a long day at work, the kid’s homework is complete and they are in bed, you sit down to watch television. Grabbing your child’s phone, you do a check of text messages, apps and their internet browser. You are caught off guard when you see a sexually explicit image sent from … Continued
In an ideal world, a teenager will grow up living with their biological parents, is happy, self-regulated and living a care-free, stress-free lifestyle. But, as everyone knows, the world is not ideal. What pushes a child from being care-free and happy to self-harming and contemplating completing suicide? For parents, legal guardians and caregivers, there are … Continued
Many factors determine a teenager’s path to adulthood. Their own family choices will help chart the course. By law, at the age of 18, adolescents are considered adults and many parents entrust their children at this age to pay for all of life’s necessities by living in their own apartment, buying clothes, holding down a … Continued