If you read my earlier article Parenting my parent, “I thought I was the child?” | Understanding Parentification, you are familiar with the dangers of parentification. Parentification is when a role reversal occurs when a child is forced into the role of a parent for themselves or their parent. Many consequences occur when a child is forced into an unnatural
Everyone plays different roles at various points in their life. As a child or teen, the role is to play, focus on school, have minor responsibilities, and to make mistakes. But, everyone is not given the right to be a kid. Some are robbed of a childhood through parentification. What is parentification? Parentification is the process of a role reversal
Do’s and Don’ts For Parents and Children Going Through Separation or Divorce No. You didn't misread the title. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, more and more children and teens have to be the ones that take on the responsible role of setting boundaries in the family. This is the most common when parents are going through a separation or
By: Mike Martinez I have often heard that we are our own worst critics. I’ve also heard that we talk to ourselves worse than we would talk to own worst enemy! Maybe it’s time to show yourself a little bit more love and respect. Here are 5 simple things you can do to improve your self-care, to enable a healthier
In the short span that I have been a father I have discovered and come across a few truths that every new or soon-to-be Dad should know. I have compiled them here and I hope they help you as much as they have helped me. Here are 4 things you need to know when becoming a dad: 1. Aside from
The holidays are supposed to be a time of cheer, fun and togetherness, but for a family going through a separation or divorce, it can be a time of sadness, frustration and loneliness. As a parent, take this holiday season to be hyper vigilant about your teen’s behaviors and emotions and be sure to take these steps to ensure your
Can Blended Families Work? In 2015 a story went viral of a dad who was walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day when suddenly decided to stop and grab her step-father to join them. What an emotional yet beautiful picture of two men who love the same girl sharing the honor of giving her away. It would
A few days ago, I was driving down the road and felt a tickle in my throat. I drank some water and coughed, but couldn’t get rid of it. I used my rear view mirror as a regular mirror to see if I could see something in my throat. I stuck out my tongue and said “ahh” and then caught
Summers are full of activity for many families. However, they are also meant to be a time for deceleration and enjoying the little things. In a sense, a time to breath. A time to decompress in order to get recharged and invigorated for a new school year. Unfortunately, with a new school year rearing closer, many of us are feeling
Summer is almost over and for us working parents it’s been a nice break from the hustle and bustle of school drop off/pick up, homework, and early bed times. I ask myself how I am able to fit in so much during the school year. I often feel like the days just slip away and so does my time with
