Triangulated Communications (Part 1)
The word itself "triangulation" sounds so similar to the phrase strangulation. But when you put triangulated and communications together, both impede communication. Strangulation cuts off any flow of resources needed to exist, while triangulation filters what gets...
The Purpose of Family
What is the purpose of your family? When I ask parents or their children in a therapy session, I usually get blank stares or an off-the-cuff response like, "You know. what they teach in school or church." Most people haven't thought or talked about what their families...
The Power of Play
The Power of Play....hmmm. Yes, PLAY.. it has value for all. What does it mean to you? Do you look at play as a trivial thing or something you don't have time to do? Think back to your childhood. What are some of your fondest memories? That yearly camping trip....
The Power of Love and Logic Parenting
So, the Power of Love and Logic Parenting, let's explain. Returning to graduate school as a single mother, I was anxious to keep my children "balanced and happy," as I attended to my studies and worked a part-time job. I sat in the Love and Logic class, excited to...
The Effective Use of Timeout
As parents, we're always wondering how effective the use of timeout may be. The term "timeout" is often used as a solution to stop undesirable behaviors. As a young father, I have caught myself many times using timeouts only to realize that my Child does not see how...
Rules and Consequences
Parents need to give their teenagers clear and defined rules and consequences. It is important that there are known consequences for disobedience to set rules. When setting these consequences, the penalty your voice must be one that you are willing to enforce. If you...
Parent or Pleaser: Setting Boundaries
"People pleasers" are perfect examples of individuals who don't know where setting boundaries begins and where they leave off or end. They say "yes" to every request, even if they know they are double or triple scheduled. They are also almost always late. They promise...
Get Outside: Don’t be a Potato
Potatoes grow outside, at least the ones I like for my mashed potatoes. The potatoes I am talking about are the "couch potatoes." If we are not one ourselves, we probably know someone who is. Unfortunately, it's a growing trend in the United States. Several...
Do You Motivate Your Child with Love or Fear?
As parents, you motivate your child two ways, and it simply boils down to whether we motivate by fear or by love. It is critical to have open, two-way communication. Open communication enhances your relationship with your child. What motivates you? Is it more...
Medicine Wheel- Exercising Your Volition
The Native American people have used a tool to find balance in their lives by exercising their volition and finding the gifts from each medicine wheel's direction. The Medicine Wheel represents the four sacred mountains, four directions, four colors of man, and the...