January 8th, 2010 by admin
By Wednesday Martin, Ph.D.,
Author of Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel, and Act the Way We Do
The media is in love with the term “blended family.” From USA Today to Star magazine to the New York Times, from 20/20 to Oprah, there’s no escaping the articles about repartnering with children that don’t just label such families “blended,” but further suggest that “blending = success.” That is, not blended = failed stepfamily. Read the rest of this entry »
August 23rd, 2008 by admin
By Armin Brott
Dear Mr. Dad: Six months ago, my wife and I divorced because she was having an affair. After our divorce, she remarried and my 3-year old son has become attached to her new husband, who showers him with expensive presents. I know my son loves me, but it isn’t easy for me not to feel hurt by their relationship. I don’t want to harm my son’s relationship with his stepfather, so how can I deal with these feelings? Read the rest of this entry »
May 18th, 2008 by admin
Change Your Language, Change Your Relationship
How We Say Things Does Matter
By Sharon Rivkin
www.sharonrivkin.com
That old phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” is not really true. Words may not inflict visible bruises like sticks and stones, but they pack a punch nonetheless. They injure our insides, our feelings, and our self-esteem. External bruises are tangible proof that we’ve been hurt. Internal bruises from verbal attacks are harder to prove, harder to acknowledge, and harder to talk about. Read the rest of this entry »
July 2nd, 2007 by admin
Seven Motivators for Relaunching Your Career After Time at Home with Kids
by Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin
Authors of Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay at Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work
Although each woman may phrase her reasons for wanting to return to work slightly differently, we’ve identified seven major motivators for relaunching, with many women experiencing a combination of these. Read the rest of this entry »
June 30th, 2007 by admin
Younger Children’s Reaction to Death
by Charlotte M. Mathes, LCSW, Ph.D.
Author of And a Sword Shall Pierce Your Heart
Because children grieve differently from adults, they may appear not to be mourning at all. One adult client confessed her long held guilt that as a child, the day her sister died, she went to a neighbor’s to play. This woman has been mourning her sister’s death for thirty years. With help, she recalled how bad she felt about her sister’s death, even though she chose to play. Children often resume play even while hurting inside. They need more physical activity to release their strong emotions. Having a shorter attention span, they also require frequent respite from their grief and will often alternate short periods of mourning with pursuing other interests.
Children’s reactions to death are also influenced by their concept of its finality, an understanding that progresses as they pass through successive developmental stages. In the early years, supposing death reversible, children believe a brother or sister will return and are not likely to be devastated. They attribute the imagined return of life to the good effects of ambulances, hospitals, or doctors who will magically revive the deceased. Read the rest of this entry »
