Communication
Parents and Adult Children: Change the Dynamic, Deepen the Bond
As children grow into adults, the dynamics of the parent-child relationship evolve. Navigating this transition can be challenging for both parents and adult children, especially as expectations, responsibilities, and life stages shift. However, improving this relationship is possible with open communication, empathy, and respect. Here are some practical tips to help strengthen the bond between…
Read MoreBoundary Setting – How Do I Say No and Mean It?
Saying “no” can sometimes be challenging and evoke feelings of guilt or discomfort. However, setting boundaries and learning to say “no” when necessary is essential for your well-being and personal growth and to have healthy relationships. In her book, Dare to Lead, Brene Brown lists boundary setting as one of the key elements for building…
Read MoreEffective Communication – Responding to Criticism
Whether talking to your spouse, boss, a friend, or the clerk in the check-out line, conversations can become difficult and sometimes that difficulty is because of your actions. Sometimes we have to hear critical feedback from others. Responding to criticism can be difficult but it’s an opportunity to learn and grow, especially if you approach…
Read MorePride?
June is the month in which the LGBTQ+ communities come together in pride to celebrate the advances of the movement. It also brings awareness to the obstacles that remain to achieve the ultimate goal of equality. Pride is about love, friendship, and comradery for members of the LGBTQ+ communities and their allies. Gay Pride parades,…
Read MoreAssertive Communication – Dealing with a Difficult Person
Often when a friend or a loved one can be disagreeable, as most unreasonable people are, it feels easier to “go along to get along.” Rather than disagree, you choose to say nothing. Rather than stick to your request for change, you give in. The result is (possibly) peace in the home that is temporary…
Read MoreHelping a Loved One Who Has Experienced a Sexual Assault
It’s scary when you hear one of your loved ones has experienced something as hard as sexual assault. You might not be able to think clearly or know what to say. You know that you want to help them in the best way you can, but you don’t know what that looks like. How can…
Read MoreImproving Your Relationship with the 7 Habits
During the 90’s the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, became a big hit, because the habits worked. They worked so successfully that Covery applied them to improving our relationships and our personal lives. This article summarizes the steps to improving your relationship using The Seven Habits of Highly Effective…
Read MoreCommunicating Better With Your Partner
We’ve all heard the saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Perhaps nowhere does that become more clear than with our spouses and partners. Living with someone day in and day out and having normal differences of opinion can lead to frustration. In addition, intimate love relationship can trigger our unmet needs from childhood that we bring into…
Read MoreCommunicate Better To Connect With Your Loved Ones
Good communication is key to a healthy relationship. Here are a list of steps to communication better and to relate more effectively with your families. 1. Consider Your Partner When tempers flare, pause and remind yourself “This is someone I care about….” If that doesn’t work, try to remind yourself of something you enjoy about…
Read MoreCommunication Tips to Get Your Child Talking
Ever noticed that your child or teen clams up when you ask about their day….their friends…their lives? Learning to be a better listener can help kids feel more comfortable opening up. Here are some tips to get the ball rolling: Take the pressure off your communication Kids often are more open when they are doing…
Read More