Family Crisis

How Are You8dec

No, Really, How Are You ?

No, Really, How Are You? I’m all about happiness. Look, here’s the truth, I’ve been happy and I’ve been sad. Happy is definitely better. Wouldn’t you agree!? As a matter of fact, I am so passionate about the fact that … Continue reading
nursingcare

Bay State Nursing Care Expensive, Below Average in Quality

Massachusetts ranks 30th in a recent report that evaluates services for America’s elderly and people with disabilities.  The study was conducted by AARP, the Commonwealth Fund and the SCAN Foundation.  Minnesota came in first.  Holding up the bottom was Alabama.  … Continue reading
tornado

How A Tornado Got Me in Gear

We marked an important milestone this past weekend…the ten-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  I’ll always remember I was watching the Today Show when the news first broke.  I was also unable, initially, to reach my brother, whose lives … Continue reading
family

Why Do We Wait? The Real Cost Of Not Getting The Help You Need

Every time I hear another stepfamily talking about going their separate ways, I cry inside because most of the time, people don’t get the help they need to put their marriage on track before it’s too late. We often spend … Continue reading
Gone but not forgotten

Casey Anthony verdict – many questions unanswered

Caylee Anthony was only 2 ½ years old when her life was taken from her.  Casey Anthony (the mother) was accused of the murder of her baby (see coverage from Radell Smith, National Criminal Profile Examiner).  In a case that … Continue reading
drdena_headshot

Divorce – The New Generation

Divorce is just a word, the feelings and emotions placed upon this word and process have their roots based in the very constitution of our heritage. Laws of government , corporations, and many religious doctrines define marriage as the event … Continue reading
field

Conflict—do you deal with it or run from it?

Conflict is everywhere. We are faced with it in every aspect of our lives, and stepfamilies seem to have more than their share. Conflict in itself is not bad. It’s how we deal with it that is often the problem. … Continue reading
Blended Families An Anthology by Valerie L. Coleman

Don’t Just Survive – Thrive! Eight Tips for Stepfamilies

With divorce, single-parent households and family crises on the rise, many people are experiencing the tumultuous dynamics of blended or stepfamilies. National statistics indicate that the divorce rate for first marriages is fifty percent. That rate increases to more than … Continue reading
conversation

10 Steps to Handling Difficult Conversations

Here you are with your partner, wanting to talk about ways to deal with the kids—actually, his kids. You’re not happy about the way he’s treating you or them. There is little accountability for whatever they do or say, they … Continue reading

Being in the “No”- Establishing Boundaries for a Healthy Life

One of the major lessons I end up teaching students when they fist start is how to establish and maintain healthy boundaries.  Most people I meet are terrible at this!  They have been taught to be nice and accommodating all of … Continue reading