Family Relationships

Parenting is a wonderful and joyful journey...and then your kids became teenagers.  Now it is like living with a creature from the planet Mars.  Teens have their own language, charisma, and attitude that seems to transform overnight.  You see your child changing, so you decide to change, too - becoming less of a parent and more of a friend.  After all, it is your child's friends who are now number one, right?  So, in order to stay connected with your child, you must succumb to being your teen's friend.  By doing so, they can manipulate your power as a parent.  Teens may or may not do this consciously, but it happens every day.  For instance, if your teen wants to stay out later than curfew, they will want you to be their friend and say it is okay.  Do you feel worried about letting them stay out too late or are just afraid to let them know for fear that you will not be a "cool" parent any more?

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It is no secret that being a stepparent is much different than being a parent. It is also true that being a remarried parent is different from being a parent in your first marriage. Starting a stepfamily is filled with the joys of a new beginning and the fear of the unknown, being unsure of how everyone will get along in this new environment. There is no doubt that you want your stepfamily to be a happy and healthy one for everyone. However, you may be feeling that the natural forces of human relationships have aligned against you.

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The process of going through a divorce is complex, and something children do not fully understand. It causes turmoil in the family from the time of separation all the way through the divorce process. There is a lot of pain for both parents and children. There really is no easy way to get through a divorce, but there are things you can do to help your child cope with the emotional crisis that comes as a result of divorce

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Who is responsible for teaching kids character education? Many parents have come to rely on schools to teach this to their children, and while it is good to get reinforcement from teachers and other adult figures in their life, kids need to hear it from their parents and see examples of good character in their parents on a daily basis.

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