Summer is inching infinitely closer - Memorial Day Barbeques is the unofficial start to many children’s favorite seasons! And, if you’re a parent like me, I’m sure you’ve noticed a slight extra itchiness, excitement, and the promise of adventure on your kids’ faces. Of course, all of the change is enticing, and the thrill of it, in theory, is ALL good. And there are MANY wonderful things about summer - outdoor picnics, extra long days, beautiful sunsets, lazy evenings, family trips, camps, and so much more.  ...
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It’s been another busy week. Between work, errands, cooking, cleaning, and shuttling kids between school and activities, you’ve barely had a moment to breathe, much less connect with your family. Now it's Sunday, and although you’d love a lazy day to yourself, the image of your kids sitting around the house glued to their devices all day fills you with guilt. You google “fun family activities,” and the next thing you know, you’re corralling everyone into the car, despite their protests. Once you reach your destination, you gush about the wonders before you, hoping your enthusiasm catches. When it doesn’t, you grow frustrated and may try to “convince and cajole.” Eventually, others complain, and you cut your activity short. You drive home in silence and then scatter to your corners. At this point, you’re feeling too defeated to worry about screen time ...
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In her song “Drinkin’ Problem,” Lori McKenna describes the effects of a “drinking problem” in excruciating detail: I can't hardly get out of bed, I can't hardly clear my head Of last night's spinning, smokey memories I call in sick to work, I tell ‘em my whole body hurts Yeah, I think this drinkin' just might be the death of me. Towards the end of the song, we realize that the singer is not a drinker; instead, these ill effects are due to her partner’s drinking: I swear that every bottle you bring home Leaves me feeling that much more alone… No, I never touch the stuff, but, honey, I'll tell you what You can't count all the ways it touches me  As McKenna’s song graphically illustrates,  the tragedy and disruption accompanying compulsive or destructive behaviors or the use of substances can devastate individuals, families, and loved ones. People with ...
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Childhood trauma can result from acute or prolonged emotionally or physically threatening experiences, including abuse or neglect, accidents, illness, familial conflict, loss, or discrimination.  Traumatized children may feel overwhelmed, helpless, or shocked and have difficulty processing their experiences. Signs of trauma include prolonged anger, sadness, or fear; numbness; nightmares or flashbacks; irritability; and frequent upset.  Through treatment, children can carry traumatic memories less painfully. Any good therapy for trauma starts with a "trauma-informed therapist.” Trauma-informed practice principles include: recognizing trauma and can bear witness to it; creating a safe space with structure and predictability; collaborating with children and their families; drawing on their clients’ strength and resilience; and being sensitive to issues of culture, ethnicity, gender, and identity.   ...
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As you welcome the new year, you may have resolved to accomplish a specific goal or improve or change a behavior. Unfortunately, many of us find that despite our best intentions, we often have little success in attaining or maintaining our set goals. The pattern is familiar - we ring in the new year with renewed motivation and determination for a fresh start, only to find ourselves feeling discouraged and guilty a few months down the road because we fell short of attaining our goals. While it’s natural to be self-critical, research has shown that self-judgment negatively correlates with goal motivation and goal progress, thus removing us farther from our resolutions. In contrast, studies show that people with high self-compassion are more motivated to correct their errors and are more likely to confront their weaknesses and make positive changes.  ...
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