BLOG
- Attachment Issues
- Coronavirus
- Couples Therapy
- Extramarital Affairs
- Family Life and Parenting
- How to Fight Fair
- Inlaws and Extended Families
- Intercultural Relationships
- Marriage and Mental Health
- Married Life & Intimate Relationships
- Neurodiverse Couples
- Separation & Divorce
- Signs of Trouble
- Social Media and Relationships
- What Happy Couples Know
Coping with the Death of an Estranged Parent…
Losing a parent, or anticipating losing one, is a significant life event that can evoke a wide array of emotions, memories, and practical considerations.
When that parent is estranged, the grieving process becomes a complex wave of emotions, often with some logistical challenges thrown in…
A Shift in American Family Values is Fueling Estrangement…
The evolution of American family dynamics reflects a profound shift in societal values, contributing to the emergence of familial estrangement as a prevalent issue.
Let’s briefly discuss some of the social science research and insights from thought leaders in the field.
Having a second child ruined my life….
Contrary to societal expectations of blissful expansion, some parents grapple with feelings of overwhelm, stress, and a perceived decline in their overall quality of life.
I’ll explore the nuanced challenges of having a second child as illuminated by contemporary social science research…
The Rise of the Two-Household Child…
I’m delighted to see the rights of dads becoming enforced in family courts.
While the rise of joint custody arrangements in the United States represents progress for dads’ rights, there are several potential challenges and drawbacks associated with this shift, particularly from the perspective of kids…
Joint custody means interpersonal skills are more vital than ever…
Narcissistic Mothers and Their Daughters
Narcissistic mothers and their daughters are often considered one of the most heartbreaking and agonizing bonds in human experience.
When a mother exhibits narcissistic traits, this dynamic can become fraught with complexity and emotional turbulence.
Digging deeper into Parental Estrangement…
Research indicates that certain parental behaviors and communication styles can contribute to the likelihood of estrangement.
For example, authoritarian or controlling parenting styles characterized by rigid rules and lack of emotional validation may strain parent-child relationships and increase the risk of estrangement
Is estrangement always the parent’s fault?
Is parent-child estrangement always the parents' fault?
I’ll stick my toe into this histrionic hot tub by examining perspectives from estrangement thought leaders and synthesizing findings from social science research…
What is Filial Responsibility with an estranged parent?
Filial responsibility refers to the legal and ethical obligation of adult children to provide financial and emotional support to their aging or incapacitated parents.
This responsibility can vary significantly depending on cultural norms, legal statutes, and individual family dynamics.
Why is this becoming a thing?
The persistent power of childhood personality traits…
A child’s aggressive, or humble nature just might be more revelatory how they will tend to express the future adult version of themselves
Many human personality traits can be traced in a direct, behavioral through-line from childhood to maturity, according to recent research.
Why are women perceived as the most difficult family members to deal with?
Why were mothers, sisters, and wives considered to be the most difficult to deal with in a huge study of over 12,000 relationships?
Why books matter…
Breaking research estimates that a student who spends 10 hours reading a book will have improved their reading comprehension up to 8X more than if they used a digital device, such as a laptop, or a smartphone.
Books matter…
2 Books I recommend if your mother is an asshole…
"Children of the Self-Absorbed" by Nina W. Brown and "Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers" by Karyl McBride, Ph.D., are two impactful books that delve into the intricate dynamics of families damaged by narcissism….
They specifically focus on the heart-breaking experiences of children raised by self-absorbed or narcissistic parents.