Surviving the Storms of Crisis
The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey was a devastating blow to the state of Texas. Although the warnings were there ahead of time, what couldn’t be predicted was the amount of destruction it would cause. The families in Texas feel lost, depressed, discouraged, and unsure of the future. For some, it left catastrophic effects and major…
Read MoreIt’s a Scary World For Our Teens, and Us Too
Today, we are seeing a rise in violence and harm towards our children, pre-teens and teens. Whether it is gun violence, physical/sexual assault, or self-inflicted harm, the younger generation is broken and hurting like never before. In our country, there is an increased devaluation of human life. The sex-trade and human trafficking has…
Read MoreSabbatical Windows
Living with a teen in crisis is tiring. Let’s face it. You are drained emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. All you want is a sabbatical from the daily life of an out of control teen who constantly displays risky and dangerous behavior. You’re fed up. You have nothing else to give to change what…
Read MoreWeeds. I Hate Weeds!
I’ve been ignoring it. I’ve been walking by it. I’ve put it off day after day. But today, I couldn’t close my eyes to it anymore. Weeds. I hate weeds. Obviously they are a nuisance. They get out of control. They will overtake you. They will drive you insane. What is more irritating…
Read MoreThe Interview that Changed My View of My Father
When I was growing up, I was not very close to my father. In fact, as I got older in my teen years, my relationship was almost non-existent. We rarely spoke. Although I badly wanted to have a relationship with him, part of the problem was due to the fact that he was an…
Read MoreIs Your Teen in an Abusive Relationship?
She was 16, pregnant, and involved in a relationship with someone in their twenties. When asked why she would be with a man who obviously didn’t care about her, all she could say was, “I could never leave him. I love him. Yes, he has hit me. But I’m okay with that.” The young man…
Read MoreNo! I Won’t Take My Medicine!
There is a common thread that unites many parents of teens today affected with mental illness. This thread is the unwillingness or refusal by teens to take medication for their mental impairment. It is frustrating, scary and overwhelming. How can you help your teen when all they do is battle you? You beg,…
Read MoreWhy I Refused to Celebrate Mother’s Day
It’s Mother’s Day! Flowers, candy, and a day off from cleaning and cooking. That is what many moms wish for. These are some of the things that a mother enjoys while the day is celebrated. Some families go all out. They give lavish retreats away from home, a day at the spa, or give…
Read MoreGrooming: Could Your Hurting Teen Be Another Elizabeth Thomas?
Every other day, I have been tracking the news story of Elizabeth Thomas, the young teen who was kidnapped by her teacher Tad Cummins from Tennessee. Parents across the country are shocked that this could have happened. The term “grooming” is a word often used when an adult figure manipulates, deceives, and earns the trust…
Read MoreWhen You Have Lost Your Joy at Easter
Everyone is in the Easter holiday spirit. It’s that time and season in which you bring out all of the spring décor and clothing. As you rip into the closet or boxes in the basement, there you find tucked away in the corner is your child’s Easter basket. Memories take you back to when you…
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