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: 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…

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Parenting 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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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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Parenting Tip: How to Resolve Conflict

Parenting & Conflict Conflict is a part of life.  I know people who thoroughly enjoy conflict and others who avoid it at all costs.  One of the cornerstones I cover with adolescent boys and their parents is “conflict resolution.”  By utilizing my process the family is able to communicate more effectively and peacefully. You-You-You One of…

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Raising Sons: Integrity, Instilling as a Core Value

With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.   Zig Ziglar   I came across this quote recently.  I couldn’t get the word “integrity” off of my mind, I ultimately came across this Forbes’ article.  It’s a…

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Parenting Boys: What You Need To Know

  Are you parenting boys? Is dad active in his life?  Do you worry he could be in trouble? Parenting Boys:  Boys Without Fathers One of the most common issues our boys face is growing up without their father.   According to estimates, one in three boys currently lives in a home without a father…

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Raising Sons: “Priceless” Co-Parenting Tip

If you are raising sons and co-parenting with your ex, chances are communication is strained at best. Here is a parenting tip I think could be valuable and helpful. For the best results both parents need to be on same page in both homes-creating a team; more importantly the kids need to know mom and dad…

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Raising Sons: Parenting Basics-Safety First

Raising Sons: Parenting Basics As this year draws to a close and I reflect back on the many young men, families and professionals I have met both locally and online, I felt this is a good topic to discuss again. Far too often in my practice I meet families that are in the “cycle of…

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