Suicide is permanent, there is no rewind button; it is both raw and devastating. Every single day there is another boy, girl, man or woman who makes the decision to end their life. Whether impulsive or thought out over years, the finality and loss is just as great. The mindset at that moment is that…
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The thought of beginning a new school year, the start at a new college or job may be exciting for many. There’s the thought of new experiences and opportunity and forging new friendships. For those who suffer from social anxiety, these milestones can evoke stress and angst that can feel as though their walls are…
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Sex. Let’s talk about sex! Do I have your attention? There are certain topics between young people and parents that can sometimes be uncomfortable. The kind of squirm in your seat and avoid eye contact sort of stuff. I would venture to say that sex is the numero uno topic that wins on both sides for…
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From the time we can walk there are blaring messages of being DRUG FREE and signing contracts to JUST SAY NO before you even know what a contract is. We are in a war when it comes to addiction. We want our kids to remain drug free. The reality is that in recent years, part…
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Peer pressure. It’s a word that can conjure up visions of commercials in the mid-80s of kids with little baggies of weed and Nancy Regan toting around the infamous ‘Just Say No’ button. No matter how lame or cliche it may sound, the reality it our kids face it on a daily basis. Teens are…
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Raising kids can be the most intense roller coaster ride of your life. It’s a, “please hold onto the bar” kind of experience. There are ups and downs for sure. Just like anything, there are certain ‘tips’ that can make the experience a little less jarring and the outcome (hopefully) more pleasant. One of these…
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We text, send selfies and face time our kids. Social media can be a lot of fun as well as convenient, but we need to define what is and is not appropriate when it comes to posting online. As parents there is great value in defining what is and what is not appropriate for what to…
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Fear. Every one of us has some form of fear in one way or another. There is a healthy type of fear that can protect us from harm’s way. On the other hand, it can place barriers and obstacles in the way of progress and growth. I believe there are too many who allow the…
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Communication is a core part of life. It always has been and always will be. In order for our kids to transition to healthy adults effective communication is critical. In the past five years there has been a noticeable regression in communication skills among teens. Serious back peddling going on. What is one of the…
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Trauma is a scary uncomfortable word. No one wants to wrap their head around the thought of someone they care about being traumatized. Why talk about it? Why not just push it to the way side? The truth is, as humans we may want to block out harmful experiences with the hope it will just…
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