Summer can be a lovely season for kids, but for children of divorce or separation, it can also bring a lot of stress. The routine changes, the custody schedule shifts, and there is often more time to think, notice, and feel. For kids who already move between two homes, that extra space can make everything … Read more
If you generally avoid conflict — but something about the phrase “conflict avoidant” doesn’t quite fit — that’s worth paying attention to. If you’re someone who shuts down during relational friction, can’t bring yourself to say anything, finds your mind going blank, and then needs a few days just to feel like yourself again — … Read more
By the time summer is in full swing, many moms hit a quiet realization. This is a lot. Not in a dramatic, everything-is-falling-apart way. More in the steady, cumulative sense that the days are full, the decisions are constant, and the mental load doesn’t seem to let up. Even with structure in place and expectations … Read more
Summer can be a joyful time. The pool is open, the days are long, and the sunshine makes it easier to spend time outside and soak up the season. But summer can also bring a quiet kind of discomfort. It can shine a light on what feels missing. I often hear a version of this … Read more
Once you’ve taken time to look at your expectations for summer and let go of what no longer fits, the next step often becomes clear: you need some kind of structure. Not the rigid, back-to-school kind, but something that brings just enough predictability to make the summer days feel manageable again. Because here’s the reality … Read more
When your oldest graduates and prepares to leave for college, every corner of the house seems to hold emotion. You’re packing boxes, attending celebrations, and adjusting your mind to a new kind of family life. But for your other children, this transition carries a quieter weight. You might notice your younger kids acting differently as … Read more
If you’ve been following along in this series, you already understand how Gottman’s Four Horsemen—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—show up in adult relationships and how damaging they can be over time. But there’s an important piece many couples overlook: these patterns didn’t appear out of nowhere. In most cases, the way you handle conflict today … Read more
When your teenager leaves for college, it’s more than just them turning a page—it’s a new chapter for you, too. After years of guiding, reminding, and helping your child navigate life at home, it can feel strange to suddenly step back. Many parents experience a mix of pride, excitement, sadness, and anxiety during this transition. … Read more
Discovering that your parent has been taken advantage of—especially in a romance scam—can feel like a punch to the gut. You might feel angry, helpless, embarrassed, or even betrayed. And if your parent doesn’t see the scam for what it is, the frustration can compound into a painful emotional storm. Unfortunately, scams targeting older adults … Read more
Starting college is more than just a move to a new campus—it’s a move toward a new version of yourself. For the first time, you’re making your own choices every day: when to study, what to eat, how to spend your weekends, and who to spend them with. That sense of independence can feel both … Read more