advice
It takes a village to raise a family; advice and tips to make the most of yours.
The Other Golden Rule
Small, but mighty she smiles, ready for this bold new step. Dwarfed by the towering urban jungle and tall legs of grown figures leading their young into the depths of this brave new world, the tiny kindergarten child peeks up into the eyes of her mother. The unwavering trust lays bare, reflected in the woman’s own cautious glance. Every guardian, in this moment, chooses their make or break words and actions.
By Bree Beadman5 years ago in Families
Dear Dr. Donna - Dilemma: How to Help a Loved One in an Abusive Relationship
Dear Dr. Donna, My daughter is in an abusive relationship. Her husband is very controlling and there have been times when he has gotten physically violent with her. Periodically when it gets to be too much for her she will leave (we go “rescue” her) but she always goes back. I know this is not a unique story — a lot of women do this, but I don’t understand why. We want to help her, but it is hard for us to get her set up in her new life only to see her go back. We always help just in case this is the time she will finally go through with it, but we are emotionally exhausted and it is a financial strain as well. We don’t want to NOT help her, but we also aren’t sure our “help” is actually helping. Is there something else we can try? How can we be supportive to her in a way that is actually beneficial? And are there times when we should just stay out of it?
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)5 years ago in Families
Finding Love in a Found Family
Family was always a difficult topic for me growing up. I grew up in the south, and there was always this staunch traditionalist mindset about family; you love them, you support them no matter what, and you stick together, and nothing is more important than your blood relatives. I always loved the idea of it, to have people who love you endlessly and stay at your side through thick and thin.
By MacKenzie Duncan5 years ago in Families
Philadelphia Freedom
City Day There are city rules that say you keep walking. You do not engage. I learned at early age street smarts. I started taking trains by myself before I was a teenager. I knew not to stop; I knew not to talk to strangers. I knew which bridge not to go under. If someone is begging, they very well may be running a con. If someone asks you the time, they may be trying to steal your watch. You can't help the poor with money-- they'll likely put it in their arm. Carry a cross-body purse or, better yet, a backpack. Hair in ponytails can be problematic- consider braids or twists. Musicians playing on the street are running a scam because they're not good enough to get hired. If you see someone ranting to themselves, they are likely very dangerous. When someone says, "Excuse me, can I ask you a question?" Pretend you can not hear it. Whatever they say will be some nonsense. Keep walking. Men who stop to compliment you want one thing-- and they'll steal it if you let them. They do not deserve your time or attention.
By Regina McMenamin5 years ago in Families
A Critique on the Standard Family Construct
When you think of a traditional Western family, what do you think about? Mother, Father, children and maybe a few house pets, right? Indeed, a majority of Western families look like this and a huge portion of the population experienced this kind of customary upbringing in their childhood. All fine and dandy, so was I. But, in reality, there are many types of functionable and solid family structures that can set up a healthy and beneficial environment to all its members. This has to do with gender identity and how we want to live our lives without any detriment from the outside. Let's take a closer look, shall we?
By Kevin Tennert5 years ago in Families
My Mum Maria
My Mum aka The Boss! (written by Mike Friganiotis) My Mum, Maria, loved me dearly. Why? I was the first born, so I guess I had privileges. And being the first born son in a Greek family, I was even more special. In our family, when dinner was served by Mum, Dad received his meal first. But when I turned 21, I was first in line!
By Michael Friganiotis5 years ago in Families
More Than One Mom
I’m one of those lucky people who had several mom figures. Probably not unlike many small town, middle-American kids whose family mostly remained in the same rural area. I had mom, of course, and she was great, but she had to work to make ends meet. I was lucky to have others to step up when she couldn’t be there. I had a wonderful aunt who I stayed with for a few weeks each summer. I have great memories of being at her house. I also had an older sister--older by nine years, and I thought she was a real pain until I grew up and realized how much she actually did for me. There were a number of best friends’ moms--the ones who would answer questions about those embarrassing young woman curiosities--too embarrassing to ask my own mom, and finally, there was my grandma. Perhaps the most amazingly kind and loving woman I’ve ever known. She’s gone now, but the impact she had on my life will never ever be forgotten. If I had to describe her with only one word I’d use wise, but so much would be left out with only that word. She truly did always know exactly what to say.
By J. G. Gourley5 years ago in Families
The Unexpected Gift
When I was born, my parents got way more than they expected. It was the mid-70s, before sonograms were widely used. They had little idea of what was to come. I was born with a birth defect, Spina Bifida. The defect would affect my ability to walk for the rest of my life, but when I arrived, my mom and dad did not know how serious my disability was. The doctors told them I would never walk and most likely have a severe intellectual disability. They placed me on a ventilator, and the doctor advised my parents to “pull the plug”. My mother would not accept that. This is the first of many times, in my life, she would not accept the status quo.
By MATTHEW FLICK5 years ago in Families
How To Affair-Proof Your Marriage
Marriage is a beautiful thing! It is a gift given to mankind to enrich the lives of those joined together in this intimate bond. We look at the movies that tell us of fairytales and living happily ever after. Many of us try to measure our marriages by what we see in movies and books. What’s the problem with that? It’s not real life.
By Scott Coleson5 years ago in Families
3 signs that a home is getting better and better
01 Encouraging words for your child Children who grow up with scolding and scolding are either cautious or grumpy. Children who grow up with encouragement and appreciation are humble and courteous to others and earnest and progressive in their studies.
By Derek.Hooverkl5 years ago in Families
