Let’s get this out of the way. My parents were kids once too. So were yours. And they had parents. The reason we turn into our parents (for good and bad) is that we had to adapt our relational behaviors to meet our needs as children. Love, acceptance, affirmation, guidance, physical affection. We need it…. Read More »
Parenting
When is Your “Good” Good Enough?
I hope you’re doing well wherever you are. Life is full of things we can measure. Things like money, grades, scores, can be clearly seen as a result. Good? Bad? Pass? Fail? You don’t have to be a math nerd or a genius to appreciate the value of good old number based subject matters. But… Read More »
If achievements and behavior don’t define who we are, what does?
The past few years watching my kids grow has been interesting to say the least. Aside from the joy of being a parent, the struggles that come with it, and the endless self reflection on my “parenting abilities”, I’ve noticed something profound. When children are born and when they are young they don’t question… Read More »
How to stop being passive aggressive with your partner (say what you really want to say)
A couple that’s been coming to see me for couples counseling for a few weeks has an on-going problem. Like many couples with marital issues, Jenn and Kyle have communication issues. Their particular issue is that they don’t know how to express their anger with one another without being passive aggressive. They’re unable to effectively… Read More »
Why improving self esteem is hard
Most of us have some area of ourselves that we don’t feel very good about. People might tell us “you’re fine!” or “don’t worry about it!”. But it’s not that easy. Some of us don’t feel good about ourselves at all. It’s hard for some people to think they’re good at anything. A failure at… Read More »
10 common misconceptions about marriage
Marriage is an awesome place of commitment, growth, and everything else in between. There’s plenty of upside to it but it also comes with some myths and misconceptions. There can be a tremendous amount of pressure, and false obligations that surround our perception of marriage. Both coming from in the marriage from the spouses and… Read More »
Kids, work, and no time for a marriage. 5 tips to change it.
I didn’t feel old when I got married. I didn’t feel old when I turned 35. I didn’t feel old when my wife and I had our first daughter. In April we had our second daughter. Now I’m feeling it. The child coverage in the house has gone from “double team” to “man to man”…. Read More »
7 ways to become a better parent
1. Don’t take yourself so seriously. There are no perfect parents. However, you are the perfect parent for your child. Don’t focus on the ways you “aren’t”. Comparing yourself to other parents is only getting you out of the “now” and what is going on in front of you. Your kids need you here. Now. They don’t need you to focus on what… Read More »