10 Ways to Find Quality Time When Your Family is Crazy Busy

Quality Time with Family

If your family is anything like mine, it is a challenge to spend quality time together. Life is busy, sometimes hectic. School is in full swing, sports schedules are intense, work is demanding, kids always need something and family life can be a whirlwind. Quality time is an important ingredient for a healthy family. It is also an opportunity that can be missed, because time slips away when … [Read more...]

Do You Wonder Why Your Son Shuts Down Emotionally?

Depressed Young Boy

Does it ever seem like your son has a huge "do not enter" sign on his life? Does he block you out when you know he needs you the most? This can be so frustrating and challenging for parents of boys. It is also a somewhat complicated issue with many possible causes - family dynamics, temperament, social and emotional development, insecurity and fear to name a few. As a child and teen … [Read more...]

What To Do When Your Son Calls You Names

Family at war

There are some things you would never want people know about. Your husband having an affair. Filing bankruptcy. Maybe, an angry son who is verbally abusive. Unfortunately, there are some painful realities in family life and no shortage of challenges. What do you do if your son calls you names? Maybe horrible names. Here are a few of my ideas for you to consider. Let him know that … [Read more...]

How to Talk So Your Teenage Son Will Listen

Happy Teenage Boy

"My son won't talk to me. He just shuts down. All I get are one word answers." I hear this all the time. You know that your son is struggling, but you just can't get him to tell you what is going on. Often your best attempts to draw him out only seem to create more resistance and possibly even anger. I have found that teen boys can be a tough safe to crack, but they will talk if you know how … [Read more...]