Adolescent Son In Trouble? Final Step

Over the past 3 weeks I’ve laid out the steps to take if you suspect trouble with your adolescent son.  Unfortunately, when the first three steps (boundaries & limits, counseling and intensive outpatient) have failed it’s time to move to the final step.  The Final Step=Intensive Inpatient If you’ve reached this step with your adolescent son it’s…

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Domestic 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…

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Parenting 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…

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“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…

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Homework 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…

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The Quest Project-For Men

I facilitated my first The Quest Project® back in 2000.  I never imagined back then that today I’d be facilitating that same program (modified for adults) to a group of men. I have discovered The Quest Project is as meaningful to men as it is to the adolescent boys.  As an example, imagine a group of six men…

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Parenting Teens? Heroin Spares No One

The stories are disturbing; teens addicted to and dying from heroin.   It’s happening right under our nose, in our own backyard, rich and poor communities.  It is pervasive, from schools to homes to the streets and parks. The numbers are staggering.  But they don’t show the complete picture. “My Son Wouldn’t Do Drugs” That’s the most common response…

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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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Raising Sons? Discipline vs Punishment

Discipline or Punishment? What’s the difference you ask!  There’s a big difference between discipline and punishment.  Punishment. So your son has broken the rules; he’s been caught drinking or smoking, maybe a bad report card?  You have to do “something,” he’ll have to be punished. The way to stop a child from misbehaving is to cause some…

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