What is American Family Day? How to spend quality time with your family after months of being stuck together by Madison Bambini | Jul 29, 2020 | Family, Mental Health Topics Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, families looked forward to stepping away from work and other responsibilities to spend quality time with one another. Maybe they would go to the movies, take a trip to an amusement park, or go out to dinner and get ice cream on the way home….
My family stresses me out: Cut back on family conflict and stress by prioritizing time alone and communicating openly by Taylor Bennett | Jul 28, 2020 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Stress Family conflict and stress is, well, distressing. While it’s normal to fight with our loved ones—especially the family members we see and talk to regularly—withstanding and working through these conflicts is far from easy. Not to mention that the impact of stress on families is damaging, both in the short…
4 tips for dealing with difficult relatives during the holidays (Video) by Taylor Bennett | Dec 18, 2019 | Family, Stress The holiday season is in full swing, as many of us look forward to celebrating Christmas! In fact, according to a poll from Harris Insights and Analytics, Christmas is America’s favorite holiday. Unfortunately, though, Christmas isn’t beloved by all. Some dread the holiday season instead, as they are forced to…
How can family issues affect a child’s performance in school? by Taylor Bennett | Aug 1, 2019 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Family, Mental Health Topics Family challenges — such as divorce, financial issues, and sibling bullying — have the potential to negatively affect all family members, including kids. These young individuals do not have the tools or mental capacity to properly manage stress, and it shows in multiple capacities: one being their performance at school….
When a family member takes advantage of you: How to spot it and what to do next by Alannah Miller | Aug 1, 2019 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control Have you ever been told that you are “too nice” and were confused by what that meant? Aren’t you supposed to be nice to people? The obvious answer is yes. But how nice is too nice? When you perform an act of kindness for someone, it gives you a sense…
When family members stop speaking: What do I do? Should I pick a side? by Alannah Miller | Jul 31, 2019 | Family, Mental Health Topics Family feuds don’t just affect everyone directly involved; they have the ability to negatively affect the entire family. When a family dispute occurs, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions can go from a joyful occasion to an awkward, tension-filled time. Plan out the best course of action for you to take…
How does autism affect families? Lifestyle, sibling dynamics, parenting, financial strain, and social isolation by Taylor Bennett | Apr 3, 2019 | Disorders, Family, Mental Health Topics Autism comes with learning and social difficulties—often, these individuals have difficulty focusing and struggle to connect or interact meaningfully with others. While many are aware of the struggles that these individuals face, the obstacles that are presented to family members often go unnoticed or undiscussed. So, how are family members…
How does divorce affect a child’s future relationships? How can it change their view of love? by Taylor Bennett | Mar 15, 2019 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Family, Mental Health Topics Children can be affected by their parents’ divorce in different capacities, depending on the nature of divorce as well as the parents’ relationship post-divorce. That said, there are often harmful effects on children of divorce, as well as struggles in coping and important lessons learned. Regardless of the cause for…
How to help your kids adjust after a divorce by Taylor Bennett | Mar 12, 2019 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Parenting When my parents decided to divorce, I was 19 years old and a sophomore in college. Fortunately, because I was 19, I was able to cope (mostly). I was able to understand and adjust accordingly. I also had distractions aplenty, being that I was away at college. My kid brother,…
Is your family under financial stress? Don’t let it rule your lives—here’s what you should do instead by Dr. Carla M. Manly | Nov 14, 2018 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Money & Financial Issues Many of us struggle financially from time to time, as the cost of day to day living expenses continue to rise. As these bills continue to pile up, the stress of financial burden weighs heavy on the family, from the parents to the kids. Fortunately, your financial stress doesn’t have…
When a family member dies—how to adjust to a new normal by Christy Monson | Nov 13, 2018 | Family, Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics There are many different types of loss and a plethora of different reactions to loss; loss might mean a loved one’s death, divorce, or moving, while common reactions to loss include depressive or anxious feelings. The way we react to such a loss has much to do with two systems:…
A Father’s Rejection Can Increase Social Anxiety and Loneliness in Children by Taylor Bennett | Dec 22, 2017 | Family, Mental Health Topics Everybody can benefit from some time spent alone—most even desire some peace and quiet to themselves. Too much alone time, however, can result in feelings of loneliness and negatively impact our mental health, as a healthy and happy life demands we maintain loving interpersonal relationships: with friends, old and new;…