Tips for Moms
Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step Two
Last week in Step #1 we covered the importance of setting healthy boundaries & limits in conjunction with natural consequences. Many times, parents can avoid trouble with their adolescent son by starting there. When that doesn’t work, move to Step #2: Step #2=Seek Counseling Many boys don’t know how to deal with the pain that comes…
Read MoreAdolescent Son In Trouble? Step One
I’ve blogged about “signs your adolescent son could be in trouble.” Over the next few weeks I’ll dig into the steps and stages of escalation with a goal of you, the parent, nipping it in the bud! Step #1=Boundaries & Limits This is the first step that must be implemented in your adolescent son’s life. His…
Read MoreDomestic Violence and Abuse
Every year in October there is a focus on domestic violence. I listen to stories of survival, most of the time women with children, and their horrific experiences. I wonder why we only hear about these stories in October? Frightened Little Boy I grew up in the “South City,” if you’re from St. Louis you know exactly…
Read MoreParenting Advice-On Divorce
Are you divorced or going through a divorce? If children are involved be careful not to put them in the middle. I’m certain you’ve heard that before! Based on my experience the kids wind up in the middle most every time. It’s a sad place for them to be. PAS Parent alienation syndrome, or PAS is…
Read More“Shame”-A Bad Five Letter Word
Your adolescent son shouldn’t feel shame. Sadly he most likely does. How does this happen and why would he feel shame? In a recent interview I was asked this question “why are boys in trouble?” One of many reasons is they carry shame. The interviewer was shocked and went on to ask, “How can a young boy feel shame about something…
Read MoreHomework Versus Video Games
Do you get excuses from your son on why his homework and/or his chores didn’t get done? I have some suggestions that may help. “Just a Minute!” My guess is you hear “I will, just a minute” a lot! Based on my experience with the boys I see, homework and chores are not his priority, video games…
Read MoreParenting Boys? The 5 Signs of Trouble
Don’t ignore the warning signs, you may think your son is just going through a phase, but that’s not always the case. Your son could be in trouble. It may be typical angst; here’s the difference. Over the past 20 years I have helped countless troubled teens make the transition from boyhood to adult life with my program, The Quest Project. The Warning Signs Boys are…
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 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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