Author Archives: phyllis
Stress Awareness Month and the Boston Tragedy
Since 1992, April has been Stress Awareness month, but this year we didn’t need a reminder. On 4/15/13 there was plenty of fear and anxiety after the Boston marathon bombing, with three innocent lives cut short that day and 264 injured, several in critical condition. It was Patriots Day in Boston, a day filled with history, tradition and rituals. The violent attack, in the midst of celebration, rekindled vulnerable feelings for all of us. With 24/7 media coverage and five days of chaos and terror, it seemed like the whole … Continue reading
Healing Family Wounds
Tuesday’s blog post focused on how divorce and parenting style can cause a breach in your relationship with your adult children. As a marriage and family therapist, I know there are all kinds of reasons why parents and adult children become distant. The experts used to think that negative behavior was due to bad parenting. But decent parents can raise difficult kids. Some may have a demanding temperament from birth, are harder to parent or are less responsive to influence. It’s been said that you’re only as happy as your least … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, aging parents, extended family, intimate partner, parenting kids, sandwich generation, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged " adult children, family counseling, family reunions, family wounds, healing, negative behavior, parents, relationships, siblings, sisters
Leave a comment
Rifts With Grown Kids
When our adult children leave home, we expect them to be independent and manage on their own. But a falling out or family crisis can destroy this new equilibrium. Estrangement has been called a silent epidemic and parents, humiliated and hurt, are too embarrassed to talk about it. Divorce can be a major factor in these painful situations. It’s common for children to believe that one parent is responsible and to align with the other whom they perceive as wronged. Since there’s already animosity between their parents, they may … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, intimate partner, parenting kids, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged " adult children, divorce, estrangement, family, family crisis, grown kids, parents, rifts
Leave a comment
Passover or Easter and First-time Grandparents – Part Two
As we’re in the midst of Passover and Easter is about to begin, this week family is at the forefront. As a first-time grandparent you must be easing into your new role. So see if these practical ideas help: Respect your children. A lot has changed since your parenting days. There are new theories and techniques. Don’t assume that, just because you did it in a certain way, it’s the best. When you hold back, you’ll notice how capable your kids are and how lovingly they care for your grandchildren. Notice how … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, aging parents, extended family, parenting kids, sandwich generation, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged balance, challenges, children, Easter, family, grandchildren, Grandparents, Passover, roles
Leave a comment
