Co-parenting over Summer: 10 Tips for a Drama Free Vacay

Summer is a challenging time for all parents, but especially for those who are no longer together. During the school year, the kids are on a pretty set schedule and co-parents generally know what their responsibilities are from month to month. Then summer rolls around and throws a wrench into visitation, childcare, and transportation arrangements. Add the drama of your ex-relationship to the mix, and your family’s summer fun is at serious risk.

So what can co-parents do to plan a summer that works for everyone?

6 Tips to Prepare for your Teen’s Independence

Independence Day – the anniversary of America’s founding fathers declaring liberation from England’s governance. When it comes to governing one’s household, nearly every parent anticipates the day that their child will give their own, “declaration of independence.” Parents expect that as their teens emerge into their 20’s, they’ll soon be moving out and establishing themselves as self-sufficient adults. To many parents’ dismay, however, more and more young adults are having trouble meeting the milestones that lead to independence.

Is “Failure to Launch Syndrome” a thing?

5 Tips for Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children

From the time a baby is born until they establish themselves as adults, most parents are at least a little concerned with how intelligent their child will be. They may get a little worried if their best friend’s kid started talking earlier or if their teen didn’t make the honor roll.  

But what about the type of intelligence that doesn’t impact a kid’s ability to solve math equations or memorize state capitols?

“Yay it’s summer! Mom I’m bored.”
9 Easy Tips for a Stimulating Summer

Ahhh summer… the freedom, the sunshine, the world of opportunity. The kids look forward to it all year.

Notice we said “the kids.”

Parents on the other hand, tend to be a little wary of the school-free season. While all parents love spending time with their children, summer means 3 whole months without the time consumption and mental stimulation that school provides. It means having to come up with activities for the kids yourself, which often translates to spending a lot more money. If both parents work, it can also mean having to find reliable child care and camps that aren’t exactly in the budget. So what’s a parent to do?

The PRIDE of Fatherhood:
5 Ways That Great Dads Shape Our Mental Health

Dads are our first superheroes, and it’s for good reason. Fathers have a unique paternal instinct to protect, care, and provide for their children. In turn, children look up to their fathers as an almost mythical role model, with an inborn drive to make their father proud and live up to his expectations. As Father’s Day approaches, we reflect on the impact that dads have on our lives. We know that their love encourages us and their guidance directs us, but have you ever wondered how a father’s pride impacts the long-term mental health of his children?

Parent’s Guide: What to do When Your Child’s Friend Dies by Suicide

Most parents try to avoid having their kids deal with difficult adult issues whenever possible. However, there are times in life where parents are forced to discuss tough topics with their kids. There are few topics less disturbing and heart wrenching than having your child’s friend die by suicide. If your child has lost a friend to suicide, here are some things you should know.

Will discussing suicide give my child ideas?

When a Soldier Comes Home:
The Impact of Deployment on Mental Health

This Memorial Day, we reflect on the men and women who have selflessly given their lives to protect our way of life. The people who watch their children being born via Facetime so that the rest of us can enjoy three-day weekends. The people that expose themselves to the worst side of humanity so that our only glimpse is what we see on the news. The sacrifices made by veterans are vast and can impact the mental health of all service men and women, whether they’ve served in active war zones or are just entering basic training. For those who have been deployed, there are several mental health challenges that they may experience when they return home.

Should I Let My Teen Watch 13 Reasons Why?

When Netflix released 13 Reasons Why in 2017, the show was met with a slew of controversy. The story takes place in the weeks following the suicide of a high school student named Hannah Baker. The series follows her peers as they unravel her story by listening to 13 tape recordings she left behind. Each tape details how different people in her life contributed to her choice to end her life. Many praised the series for shedding light on serious topics that society critically needs to address. Others felt that it romanticized suicide and would encourage vulnerable viewers toward self-harm.

How do I know if my child can handle it?