Just because something is a cliché doesn’t mean it’s not also true. Every day, we are bombarded with more evidence that our tech has taken over our lives. Getting outside is no longer a given. As we read such updates (on our phones, of course), how often do we ponder the role modern technology plays …Read the rest…

Trust is hard to earn yet so easy to lose. In the case of infidelity, trust can be shattered in a heartbeat. This situation has doomed many a relationship. Conversely, it is most definitely not an automatic death knell. Tears will be shed. Angry words will be yelled. Ultimatums, threats, and doubts will run rampant. …Read the rest…

During childhood, we each experience countless events. These can range from mundane to extreme. The events that fall into an extreme category can play a major role in how we live our lives. When such events are negative or traumatic, they are known as adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. Every child has ups and downs. …Read the rest…

Each generation is capable of heaping too many expectations upon the youth. However, it’s probably safe to say that the current way young people find themselves striving for perfection is exhausting. Across a broad spectrum of avenues and platforms, perfectionism is being, well…perfected? And the outcomes are widespread and far from positive. Perfection is a …Read the rest…

A teen using social media is often an anxious teen. This is not social media bashing, it’s a research-based reality. And it’s not slowing down. Your teen’s attention is being hijacked and the results are not even close to positive. The good news? You can help turn this trend around. How Your Teen’s Attention is Being …Read the rest…

The initial response to infidelity is often some blend of shock, anger, shame, guilt, and resentment. At some point, however, a concrete decision is made. Will the couple break-up or stay together? For those who choose to try again, it can be a long, bumpy road back to intimacy. In fact, there are more than …Read the rest…

Parenting styles may vary widely over the years — and from culture to culture. The variations are far too numerous to detail but some common threads exist. One of the most important and enduring foundations involves connections. Healthy parenting involves discovering how to connect with your kids and how to maintain a secure and strong …Read the rest…

Plenty of teens will stress over an exam or worry about a first date. Anxiety is much more than that. It is a diagnosable mental condition that can negatively shape a teen’s life. If an over-achieving teen feels pushed or coerced into achieving at all costs, the anxiety quotient increases. There are many factors involved …Read the rest…

Parenting mistakes happen. Parenting with forethought simply means planning ahead. It’s an essential part of finding equilibrium when anxiety affects your parenting. It can often feel like you have to be ten steps ahead of whatever your child is thinking or doing at all times. But as with most other areas of parenting (or life …Read the rest…

Upon first glance, eating should be one of life’s simple pleasures. Once you’ve scratched the surface, it seems you’ll uncover an endless list of pitfalls. From calories to ingredients, from quantity to quality, there’s plenty to ponder. But what does it mean when eating becomes compulsive eating…and what can we do about it? What is …Read the rest…

In most cases, the word “ace” gives off a positive — even powerful — energy. But when it’s the acronym for adverse childhood experiences, ACE becomes ugly and sad. The acronym evokes trauma, violence, abuse, and the long-term negative impact they can impose on a young person’s life. ACE victims need a wide and ongoing …Read the rest…

Children don’t have to be socially anxious to be considered shy. There are endless factors that can contribute to a child’s interaction comfort zone. We don’t have to force them to “change,” per se, but habitual shyness can dramatically lessen a kid’s emotional and social growth. Striking a balance when addressing a shy child’s need …Read the rest…

Body image issues can affect almost anyone. No matter your size, shape, gender, or age, no one is immune to a negative body image of themselves. We live in a society where the standard of perfection keeps getting higher and more unrealistic. But, it’s not always fair to just blame one or two things for …Read the rest…