I have had the wonderful privilege of working with many Christians struggling to parent their child through the difficult teenage years. Most of these families are like any other family that enters counseling. They are struggling with conflict, rebellion, communication difficulties, trust issues, and emotional challenges. One unique concern for Christian parents, however, is the … Continue reading Sharing Faith With Your Children
Tag: Quincy illinois
Adolescent Boredom Busters
For many parents the worst phrase that could come out of their adolescent’s mouth is, “I’m Bored”. This phrase can push the parent fear buttons of “entitlement”, “laziness”, “ungratefulness” or “failure-to-launch”. These buttons when pushed tend to produce feelings of failure, inadequacy, and helplessness. The problem of Boredom Richard Winter described the problem of boredom … Continue reading Adolescent Boredom Busters
Boys and Mindfulness
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” -Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness is all the rage these days. It seems like teachers, parents, news personalities, and especially counselors are talking about how mindfulness helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. (I wrote about other ways to help you … Continue reading Boys and Mindfulness
How to Teach Emotional Intelligence to Your Son
What is the most important thing you hope to teach your son before he turns 18? Many parents focus on skills like, driving a car, spending money wisely, working hard, or study habits. But, research seems to show that teaching our sons emotional intelligence may be the most important thing we do. In 2003 researchers … Continue reading How to Teach Emotional Intelligence to Your Son
How to create a great marriage
How do you create a great marriage? At the end of couples counseling sessions I often ask, "what is one thing you could do to serve your spouse this week?" If a great marriage is something that is created, I believe serving your spouse is the first act of creation. What are some ways we … Continue reading How to create a great marriage
How To Raise Self-Reliant Kids
My wife and I were rushing the kids out the door for school this morning and one of my worst parenting fears was “triggered”. While all his siblings were climbing into the car, one of my sons came stumbling out of the laundry room. His backpack was haphazardly draped over his shoulder, crumbs were strewn … Continue reading How To Raise Self-Reliant Kids
5 Ways to Listen So Your Son Feels Heard
Express Empathy Listen to your sons statements Go within & Check, “How would I be feeling if were him?” Express your understanding through an empathy statement of “You feel______________because _________________ It sounds like you feel… I sense you feel… As I listen to you, I am aware of how ___________you must be feeling. In other … Continue reading 5 Ways to Listen So Your Son Feels Heard
5 WAYS TO HELP YOUR SON WITH ANGER
I regularly encounter families that are struggling to assist a pre-teen or teenage son with managing his anger. I have encountered it so often that I have made the focus of my practice working with adolescent males. The unfortunate thing about anger is that it often gets a bad rap. Yes, sometimes anger is expressed … Continue reading 5 WAYS TO HELP YOUR SON WITH ANGER
What is EMDR?
If you are looking for EMDR in Quincy, IL then you have come to the right place. I have been getting a lot of calls lately regarding my use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). It seems that word has gotten around about the effectiveness of this treatment and that more people are searching … Continue reading What is EMDR?
The Three Biggest Challenges of Christian Fatherhood
I recently read a report on the “State of Biblical Fatherhood”. This report was based on a survey that Manhood Journey asked members of their online community to complete. The survey received responses from 274 fathers most of whom are Christians. Although this survey was not conducted as a scientific research endeavor it does offer … Continue reading The Three Biggest Challenges of Christian Fatherhood