Take Back the Holidays: Tips for Family Bonding

Christmas will be here in less than 2 weeks! If you’re a parent, you’re probably already noticing that your kids are counting down the days to their holiday break. School breaks are meant to be times when families take a break from their hectic schedules and find ways to unwind together.

Your Family Will Never Inspire a Normal Rockwell Painting

For some, this time of year is full of excitement and anticipation, but for others it is a time of dread and anxiety. The people portrayed in the famous Norman Rockwell painting or in the latest Hallmark movie create a longing for many that this holiday season will be different.

The Growing Parent: Holiday Memories

“My children are growing up so quickly. It seems like just yesterday they were taking their first steps and now…”

I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve heard this, and even said myself as I watch my own children grow. This is a sobering thought for most parents I’ve encountered over the years, both personally and professionally, which is why I so adamantly encourage parents to “seize the moment.”

How to Survive the Dreaded Questions During the Holidays

We’ve all been there. You get to Thanksgiving dinner and that relative you rarely see asks, “Are you dating anybody?” Or, if you are recently married, “When will you guys have a baby?” Or, my favorite question after graduating from college, “Have you found a job yet?”

10-Minute Holiday Connections For You & Your Partner

Holidays are typically known for family, friends, food, and helping others. But they are also well-known as a time for stress, chaos, loneliness, and disconnection. Couples are particularly at high risk to disengage at this time.

The Dating Coach Answers: Should I Try Internet Dating?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and if you’re single, you are probably ready to up the ante in your search for a dating partner. After seeing all the jewelry, flower, and candy commercials start, many singles subscribe to internet dating sites in an effort to meet that someone special. So, is internet dating for you? Traditionally, internet dating has been dubbed something that desperate people do, but not anymore. In today’s world, internet dating naturally fits into our tech-oriented society.

Coping With Infertility During the Holidays

The holidays are a difficult time when you’re in the midst of dealing with infertility. Everywhere you turn, there are children and families enjoying Santa and gifts and celebrations. If you are longing to be a parent, your grief may be triggered as your inability to do so may become more pronounced. This complicates the grieving process that is already built into infertility and the treatment journey.

Mindful Eating During the Holidays

Of all times of the year, the holiday season brings the most challenges to those trying to practice mindful eating. Temptations abound: from your favorite baked goods to cocktail parties and numerous social gatherings all centered around food as the main activity. In addition, the added stress of family visits and other obligations are often triggers to eat without thinking about how much we really want or need.

Overcome Blended Family Holiday Challenges

The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time for blended families. Every blended family has built-in complexities that are highlighted during the holidays. Tension may arise over many issues: making decisions about how much time each parent gets with the child, deciding who buys which gifts, and even determining which holiday rituals are acceptable for the child to participate in.

The Dating Coach Answers: Company Parties

We are discussing various tips for the holidays when you are in a new relationship, casually dating several people, or in a relationship that hasn’t been officially defined. This time of year can be stressful and filled with pressure and expectations for all dating relationships. So far we’ve talked about when to define the relationship, whether or not invite each other home for the holidays, and whether or not to give gifts. Today let’s talk about those company parties.