How many times have you heard someone say, "I'll never be like my father" (or mother). Maybe someone said to you, "You know, your grandfather had a temper just like yours." How shocked you were to hear such a false accusation. You protest, "Not me," or, "I’m never going to raise my children the way I was raised. ... "I will never be impatient like my father, or say those mean things to … [Read more...]
Looking away and looking towards
In "The Emperor's New Clothes," an entire village "looked away" from their ruler, who was parading naked in the street, in order to support the illusion that he was magnificent and refined. The villagers pretended that he wore fine clothes of silk, bolstering his vanity and protecting him from shame to avoid his wrath and their potential punishment. (Miller 1952) Conditioning children to "look … [Read more...]
When grief is complicated
Grief, we are often reminded, is a process, a journey that we are called to embark upon uninvited -- with the hope perhaps of accessing and integrating painful, sometimes agonizing and world-shattering feelings of loss. Grief comes even when loss is a choice, a conscious decision -- for example, the ending of a professional relationship that may have been positive or negative. Saying goodbye to … [Read more...]
When adult children reject parents
Being estranged from your adult child can be one of the most agonizing experiences in life. If your adult child has severed the connection, you undoubtedly have experienced pain and trauma. The reasons for these breaks vary; sometimes it is never completely clear why such a hard loss occurs. If this is the case in your life, now is the time for self-reflection and examination. An exploration of … [Read more...]
Family fun in the Great Outdoors
Traveling across the U.S. during vacation time is a wonderful adventure for many families. Road trips whose memories last a lifetime. Families crossing multiple state lines, visiting some of the most beautiful parks and landmarks in the world. Camping in the outdoors, discovering waterfalls, reveling in all those big wide open spaces. It's all part of the rich American way of life. Getting … [Read more...]