Strategies and mindsets for developing Marriage Mastery, Parent Training, and Self-Mastery.
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Emotion regulation doesn't need to be a "high level" concept. It's as simple and basic as understanding how to operate any other mechanical device—which, kids by the way, excel at. So teach them how to operate their own bio-machinery they live in each and every day. Of course, it helps the teaching if we as the adults actually model it for them... The good news is the above graphic/concept is so simple kids can totally get it.
Holidays and family togetherness can be wonderful and/or miserable. Either way, there's a LOT to do over the holidays and it can get pretty stressful, and tense, quite quickly.
Read MoreI am ignorant. So are you. Face it. The reality is if I take every single thing I know, big and small, silly and profound, and compare it to all that there is to know in this vast universe then the only conclusion I can arrive at is that my knowledge is infinitesimally small and that I am VASTLY ignorant. I'm okay with that. It keeps my ego grounded and my mind open to learning. Fortunately, there is a solution to ignorance...
Amanda Todd is sadly another tragic example of why bullying needs to stop!
Read MoreShe's Having a Babyis actually a pretty great movie—funny with a solid message. Kevin Bacon's character, Jake, is clearly in over his head and overwhelmed by adjusting to the commitment of married life. However, as is true in a healthy marriage, few are fully ready, but like Jake grow into maturity. Looking back I realize I had no clue what I was doing. But I had commitment and a willingness to learn and to figure it out. Fortunately, that's often enough.
Read MoreI was fortunate enough to be able to teach Utah's Divorce Parenting classes for 11 years and to be a family therapist for 18 years now. The research from my profession is undoubtably valuable, but the best teachers I've ever had have been all the wonderful parents and children who've simply gone through divorce and step-family transitions. It ain't no easy task! Those who've been through it can empathize and clearly know what they are talking about having been "in the trenches" themselves. I did, too, when I was six and the aftermath went on for years (Hmmm... I wonder why I became a marriage and family therapist....?). From both my profession's research and from the hundreds of families I've worked with I've written these articles.
Read MoreHi Readers, as you know, my relationship with my clients is private and confidential—meaning I never disclose my clients names nor their information unless I have their express permission to do so. This is one of those situations. Amanda wanted to share this experience publicly for the benefit of others who may also be suffering with an eating disorder, body image and/or self-esteem issues. Further, she wished to do it openly instead of anonymously to demonstrate to herself that she no longer needs to hide from nor be ashamed of who she is. I have great respect for her, and for all, who break the chains of silence and seek help for themselves and offer it to others. Read on...
Read MoreMy strength is as the strength of ten,
Because my heart is pure.
—Lord Alfred Tennyson
My mother shared the last two lines with me when I was a teenager. I was going through some tough times as I was trying to straighten out my life. As I did so, I was struggling with the backlash I got from what turned out to be false friends. That quote really struck a chord and gave me strength when I greatly needed it. I've never forgotten that quote and have oft remembered it when I needed courage.
Read MoreThis is just one of many, many, many letters, notes and drawings I've mailed and/or given to my kids over the years; many silly, some profound, and all communicate the same message: "You matter to me... A LOT!"
Read MoreI wouldn't trade my ADHD brain for anything. Love it. I also love to see high acheivers like Michael Phelps who has ADHD highlighted as it helps remove the unfortunate stigma around a brain difference that I don't see as either a deficit nor a disorder. Sadly most people don't see it as the tremendous asset it can be and only see the deficit/disorder side to it.
Read MoreQ: How do YOU keep things in perspective? One way is to consider how much a million really is...
Read MoreFed up with picking up after her husband's dirty dishes, tired feeling taken for granted and hating "nagging" my client decided to put into practice two principles she's been learning in the GREAT Relationship Work we've been doing together: Problem Ownership and True Assertiveness.
Read MoreI often remind people to be careful when seeking my advice and counsel: "Do you want the answer you want to hear or that is easiest to hear or do you want the answer you need to hear even if it's hard to hear?" For example, on one daddy daughter date last year with my teen girl I asked her, "How am I doing as a dad? What can I do better or differently to help you?" The answer I got really surprised me.
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Those who can do basic math do Marriage Prep. Those who can't don't.
Read all of "Jonathan's Marital Tips du Jour" here.
Read all of "Jonathan's Marital Tips du Jour" here.
Read all of "Jonathan's Marital Tips du Jour" here.
Read all of "Jonathan's Marital Tips du Jour" here.
Read all of "Jonathan's Marital Tips du Jour" here.
Read all of "Jonathan's Marital Tips du Jour" here.
Creating GREATness in Relationships™ through 1. Marriage Mastery, 2. Parent Training, and 3. Self-Mastery.
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