A while back, there was period of a few weeks when I kept seeing a number of men I knew commenting on social media about the same article. What was it that had grabbed their attention? It was a Boston Globe story titled: “The biggest threat facing middle-age men isn’t
Life is a journey. All of us would like to see exactly where we are going, but that is not possible. Too much can happen; too much is outside our control. Building a plan for the future can help us take steps in the right direction and deal with change along the way.
If one of your kids is living a lifestyle that is different from what you feel is best for them, there are several things you need to understand about a concept known as codependency. But first, you may need to deal with any shame or guilt you are feeling about
One of the biggest misconceptions many of us have about life is believing that we have to handle everything on our own. That’s not how life really works.
We all get trapped in harmful thought patterns and negative self-talk, but we can learn to manage our minds. When we do, every day becomes better. That’s encouraging!
Many of us have an unconscious fixation on control that causes us to worry about things we don’t need to. One of the best ways to worry less is to loosen that obsessive behavior with a simple yet life-changing choice—to let go. Declare that the matter is not something you can change or just not worth worrying about. When the compulsion to control returns, let go again. That simple choice will bring a much greater sense of peace—both for you and the people around you.
Whether we know it or not, life is pretty much how we make it out to be because our perspective is something we choose. When things happen to us, it is largely our decision how much we are affected by them for good or for bad. For example, when we face tension or change, we are being stretched, which is a good thing when it enhances our perspective. If we embrace the tension we face rather than fear it, life becomes an exciting adventure of growth and expanding horizons.
People are busy these days, and the noise and clutter in our lives creates anxiety. It sometimes feels like we’re running in place rather than getting anywhere. This leads to an uneasy sense of dissatisfaction unless we choose to do something about it. But there’s good news, because we can find more contentment if we focus on things that are important and ignore the rest. If we actively take things OFF our to-do list and live more purposefully one step at a time.
Anxiety can be a good thing. Yes, you read that right. Because we can change how we think about anxiety and how we approach it, and that will change our lives for the better. These days, everyone feels stress at times, but there are things we can do to deal with anxiety better.
Statistics show that most families will face a crisis at some point, but when it’s your family, it may seem like the world is coming to an end. Unfortunately, with the epidemic of teenage substance abuse and mental health issues these days, this heartache strikes thousands of families every day.
This article is the last of a series on “Parenting in a Crisis.” If one of your kids is struggling and creating a crisis in the family, you will need all the help you can get. Use the other resources mentioned below to keep moving forward. If that journey takes your child into a recovery program, understand that this may be the best thing that ever happened to them, and it could lead them toward a much happier life.
If your son or daughter is continuing to make bad choices that are creating a crisis in your family, you will need to accelerate the steps you are taking. It is far better to adjust what you are doing before things get worse rather than delaying and naively hoping they will get better on their own.
Most families will face a crisis at times, and when it’s your family, it may seem like the world is coming to an end. Unfortunately, with the epidemic of teenage substance abuse and mental health issues, this heartache strikes thousands every day. There was a time when my family was
Parenting is hard, and it’s tougher when your kids struggle. This is likely their and your first time dealing with such a situation, so you need to keep learning to help you make good choices on what to do. Some parents wait too late to act but know that doing nothing may be the worst thing you can do.
The way you connect with your kids helps them or hurts them, especially in a crisis. Communication is a critical part of your relationship, and your role in that is within your control. If you live out a good example and encourage positive connections for your kids, it can make a huge difference.
If you feel something bad is going on with your kids, you’re probably right. It’s critical to understand the situation to help you make wise decisions. That takes time and energy, and it calls for empathy and wisdom. Because you never want to say, “We didn’t know their situation was that serious.”
Parents and care givers must understand that harmful issues such as substance abuse or mental health can happen to any kid in any family, and no parent ever wants to say, “We didn’t think it could happen to us.” If you’re facing or fearing a crisis, it’s time to take action. Now!
Parents are given an assignment—for a time—to raise their kids to the best of their ability. Being a good steward of that God-given role includes putting a thoughtful plan in place, learning and adjusting the plan as needed, and getting help along the way. Then, praying for God’s strength every day.
It’s critical to coach and guide your kids as they grow up, and that includes during the sometimes-risky teenage years. Their lives and well-being are too important to ignore this God-given responsibility. We are all asked to “go and make disciples,” and the best place to start is with your kids.
All of us need community, and this especially includes teenagers. Young people desperately want to fit in somewhere they feel they belong. Otherwise, they will look for connection—sometimes in unhealthy places—or turn to isolation instead. Parents can provide a sense of belonging in the family and model how their kids can develop healthy community with others as well.
