Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step Three

Last week in Step #2 I gave some examples of when to seek counseling if you suspect your adolescent son is in trouble.  You have tried setting boundaries & limits with him from Step #1, and you’ve enlisted the help of a licensed professional counselor; it didn’t work either.  Now it’s time for Step #3. Step…

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Walking Tall-A Personal Journey

The Journey of a Thousand Miles Please allow me to share my excitement and experience.  I just walked for my PhD!  An accomplishment that I’ve been working toward my entire life.  Obstacles were abundant, but when you set a goal you just keep going until you achieve it.  I did it and it feels amazing!  I am officially…

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An Unexpected Blessing

I admit I like to share a good story!  This is one that warmed my heart. For most of us going to the grocery store is a necessity  We’re out of milk or need something for dinner!  In other words, we don’t do it for fun!  This week I witnessed something truly awesome while standing…

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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…

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Raising 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. …

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“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…

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Is 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…

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Parenting 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…

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Raising Sons? Signs He’s Becoming A Man

From a Boy To a Man How will you know when your adolescent son begins to transition into a man?  It won’t happen overnight, and there will be times when you wish it would! Signs of Change: Your Son’s Becoming a Man At approximately 11-13 yrs. of age “on average” a boy produces a greater amount of testosterone.  The production…

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Parenting Sons: 5 Things You Need To Know About Peer Pressure

  Peer Pressure and Healthy Male Mentor As your adolescent boy grows and matures it is increasingly important that he has a strong relationship with dad; if dad is healthy and safe.  If that is not the case, a healthy male mentor (grandpa, uncle, stepdad, coach).   You hear me say this often, I have dads tell me they’re doing…

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