Families and real friends don't sugarcoat truths. On the one hand, that's great. Only someone who really loves us will tell us something we don't want to hear, so we won't end up hurting ourselves. But timing and tone are everything. This article will help you deliver that dreaded news or comment without hurting the other person's feelings, or worse, your relationship. … [Read more...] about How to be honest with someone without hurting their feelings
5 Ways to Prevent Sibling Fights
Brothers and sisters will fight. It's part of growing up, and a life lesson in learning to get along with different people. (After all, not everyone will be as patient as Mom and Dad.) However, that doesn't change how annoying or even worrisome sibling fighting can be for parents who have enough to do without being family referee. Here are tips on what to do when the kids … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Prevent Sibling Fights
7 Signs of Passive-Aggressive Behavior
The mother who acts like a martyr, manipulating her kids with guilt and helplessness. The cold and distant father, who never 'gets mad' but withholds affection and approval to get people to do what he wants. The child who conveniently forgets rules or never follows through on his promises. These are all forms of passive-aggressive behavior, which can ruin relationships and … [Read more...] about 7 Signs of Passive-Aggressive Behavior
7 Secrets to Surviving Your Child’s Teen Years
Here's the best proof of alien body-snatching: teenagers. One day you're the proud mother of a sweet, slightly muddy but still semi-logical child. Then bam! You wake up and you're living with a stranger. Clearly, he's been brainwashed. He has absolutely no recollection of house rules—particularly the ones involving curfew and taking out the garbage—and only a surface grasp of … [Read more...] about 7 Secrets to Surviving Your Child’s Teen Years
5 Ways to Reach Out to Your Teenager
All parents want to have a close, healthy relationship with their kids. But what do you do when your once-affectionate daughter suddenly turns into a sullen teenager? Or, after an ugly divorce, you move out-of-state, and your few custody visits seem strained? The good news is that no matter how 'distant' your kids seem, they really do want to be close to you. The … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Reach Out to Your Teenager