Let’s be real: blending a family is challenging.

It’s unlike the movies where everyone magically bonds after a fun camping trip. Parenting blended families is more like bumping into invisible walls you didn’t know existed—emotional baggage, loyalty conflicts, parenting style differences, and a lot of moments that make you wonder, “Why does it have to be so hard!?”

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Have you ever muttered, “My toddler is driving me crazy?”

I remember raising a family and the ruckus and fast pace of keeping up with toddlers! They’re a match for any sprinter—or marathon runner! As your toddler asserts their will and autonomy, life can be challenging. 

Learn five effective ways to prevent temper tantrums and have more ease and harmony.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

As children grow into adulthood, the dynamics of parent-child relationships naturally evolve. What could be an amazing relationship is often fraught with hurtful exchanges and abrupt cutoffs.

It's crucial for parents to recognize—and respect—the boundaries that are needed with this transition. By respecting your adult child's autonomy, you are showing respect for their life choices and reinforcing your role as a supportive parent in their life.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What is self-esteem, and how can we instill high self-esteem in our children even while we discipline them?

Parents often wonder about the impact of their parenting and parenting style on their children’s self-esteem. Do you know the most essential ingredient for building a child’s self-esteem?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Parenting requires more than anyone knows before becoming a parent—or there would be a lot fewer parents! If you’re feeling hurt about how your adult child is treating you, that pain is real. To be rejected, disrespected, or cut off by your child is one of the most painful experiences of all.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

You put the oxygen mask on yourself before your children or others. We’ve all heard that dozens of times when traveling by plane.

But in practice—when a parent thinks his child needs help—what is their gut instinct? Yep, to help the child regardless if the parent is tired, stressed, or on the verge of burnout.

Self-care for parents is a challenge. Balancing home life with a career, socializing, finances, a marriage or relationship while ALSO raising kids makes being a parent a difficult juggling act.

How can parents find time for their own well-being amidst their hectic lives?

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Blended families are complex and challenging regardless of how wonderful the humans are or how well family members get along. Combining families requires love and patience on steroids!

Unfortunately, most parents underestimate the enormous stresses and massive bandwidth required to make it all work.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Eggshell parenting. The very name causes hesitation.

Growing up in a home with fragile or unpredictable parents creates enormous insecurity. As a young adult raised in this kind of household, you doubt yourself—your actions, your abilities, and even your self-worth—sometimes, it might feel like you question your every move.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In a world that increasingly demands instant gratification and constant connectivity, parenting has evolved and it's complex and difficult. One of the most crucial roles we play as guardians of the next generation is establishing healthy boundaries for our children. This responsibility, though daunting, is backed by recent scientific studies which underscore its importance in child development.

Let's explore the power of setting healthy boundaries and limits, guided by compassion and underpinned by the latest scientific insights.

As a mother of three grown children, grandmother, and parenting coach with over 25 years of experience teaching parenting and emotional intelligence, I've seen firsthand how profoundly our parenting approach shapes our children's lives. Parenting is a learn-as-you-go, 24-7-hour vocation filled with countless decisions. One of the most fundamental choices parents make is how to raise their children.

What parenting style have you chosen?

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes