Parenting Tips
The Adolescent Boy “Cookbook”
During an interview recently I made a comment that I’ve replayed in my head! “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a recipe to follow for every situation you’ll face with your adolescent son?” Just Add Water When I was in my twenties my mom gave me a cookbook “The Encyclopedia of Creative Cooking.” I…
Read MoreParenting Tip: Kids Feelings and How to Manage
Kids feelings: Mad, sad, glad, and afraid-I often refer to these as The Big Four! Processing feelings is healthy, I recommend it highly. Here’s why: Kids Feelings: Mad Happens Let’s start here, this is the feeling that scares everyone. I’m always amazed at the number of people that think being mad and/or angry is always…
Read MoreRaising Sons: Giving Boys What They Need
I was honored when Aisha Sultan, home and family editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently wrote an article about my journey, and how it led to my life’s work. Raising Sons: In Case You Missed It The article is titled “Giving boys what they need when fathers are absent” and appropriately published on Fathers Day. …
Read More“If-” An Inspiration
I’ve shared this poem by Rudyard Kipling, originally published in 1910 with you before. It’s not only one of my favorites; it is worthy of sharing again as I believe “If-” says it all! “If-“ If you…
Read MoreA Special Message For Fathers
Are you a healthy, responsible example for your adolescent son? Message for Fathers: You Are a Gift What a special opportunity a dad has in the life of his son. I am reminded of the important role dad plays in the healthy development of their sons every day. Sure I have research and data that can prove it, but…
Read MoreParenting Tip: Is Your Son Grieving?
Is Your Son Grieving a Loss? There are many definitions of grief, the one I like best is by The Grief Recovery Institute: “Grief is the normal and natural emotional reaction to loss or change of any kind. Of itself, grief is neither a pathological condition nor a personality disorder. Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by…
Read MoreIs My Son Smoking Pot or Drinking? What to Do Next
Are you afraid your son is smoking pot, drinking or worse? My Son Would Never Do That I hope you’re not deceiving yourself; drugs and alcohol are readily available EVERYWHERE! He can escape his feelings by “numbing out” and find refuge by drinking or smoking pot. And worse let’s not forget the huge opioid epidemic that’s sweeping the…
Read MoreParenting Tips: For Graduation & Beyond
Graduation is a major milestone for your son. Celebrate his accomplishment! Congratulations-He Made It! This is a very exciting time! I congratulate you if you are honoring a graduate in your home. It’s a time to honor the achievement and begin to plan the next steps if you haven’t already done so. If your son plans to attend college…
Read MoreRaising Sons: Could He Have PTSD?
Raising Sons & PTSD Did you know that PTSD is not exclusive to our military servicemen? We hear about “post- traumatic stress disorder” (PTSD) most often as a result of some of the horrific sights our young men witnessed while serving in the military. What Is PTSD Many times, a parent misses the signs…
Read MoreParenting Boys: The Importance of Activity
Parenting Boys and the Importance of Sports Activity You’ve heard it said many times “boys are physical and visual!” That statement is not only true, it’s proven. This inspired me to write about parenting boys and sports activity. Sports enables adolescent boys to get mentoring from a coach and a “release” of stored/pent-up energy with their peers. Keep Your Son…
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