My family loves to tell stories. One of these stories is about my sister when she was 13. My dad, sister and I were down at Memorial Park in Houston. We had hiked down to Buffalo Bayou. Its brown and murky and God knows what...
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Sometimes the answer is no. It has to be, if we are going to protect our daughters. This is not the fun part of being a parent. There she is standing in front of you in her mature grown up body. She tells you, she can handle...
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The easiest way to connect with your daughter is by sharing a positive experience, where you both enjoy each other. Sharing a frivolous fun experience, even if it's playing with your dog for 30 minutes, is just plain healthy. Fun is not optional. It benefits you...
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"My daughter won't talk to me." I hear this from many of my moms. Yes it is challenging at times. But there is a way your daughter will talk to you but you may need to change your approach. It's important to evaluate 'how" you try to...
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When was the last time you had that "I Feel Good" energy? The kind of energy where you crank the music up in your car and pretend you're James Browns singing, "I feeeeeeeel good." Have you done any happy dances lately? Do you wake...
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Your daughter is going to push you. Just when you feel you have worked through one issue another one rolls in. This is where it is super important that you are crystal clear about your decisions, boundaries and guidelines for your daughter. Your clarity is so...
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Do you evaluate if you're "getting it right" as a parent, by how well your daughter's performing? This feels logical. You think, "If my daughter is behaving and performing well, then I am doing great, but if not, I must be failing." Here is the problem...
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What would you like to be different this year? This is a very important question to think about. You really can strategize and set a new tone for the year. If you don't have a plan you are going to default into the same old struggles...
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The streets were bustling this morning. Mothers and fathers were holding hands with their little ones as they walked to the neighborhood elementary school. The cross guards were busy directing traffic, while parents, children and dogs cross the street. It is the first day of school. My...
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Mothers have an amazing skill. Since your daughter was a baby you have learned how to tune in to her every look, movement and sound she's ever made. By the time your daughter is a teenager, your 'tuning in' skill is highly developed. Now, it...
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Last week Sara came to see me in my private practice. Sara had that spaced out, frazzled look. She said, "I want my life back. I am SOOOOOO ready for school to start." Sara is definitely not alone. This is the time of year mothers are...
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I have a few questions for you. 1. When you go grocery shopping do you tend to go to the same grocery store and buy the same grocery items? 2. Do you drive the same route to work every morning? 3. Do you eat the same thing for...
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I learn a lot from my clients. Cheryl is a mother of 2 teenage girls and is a stay-at-home mom. She recently found marijuana in Riley's (her youngest daughters) room. Cheryl was extremely upset and had a hard time focusing and getting anything done which...
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What do you expect out of life? "The other shoe to drop" "Not much" "Someone is going to let me down." "I never get a break." Or for your daughter… "She's going to blow it." "It's too late." "Now what is she up to?" "She is going to wreck the car.' "She is...
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What do you worry about? If you haven't worried about anything in the past week then you do not need to read this article. But most of us worry about something. Even the most enlightened and spiritual will find themselves in a state of worry. We...
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The fourth of July is a day to celebrate our country's freedom. How about you? Do you need a little freedom? Would you like to be free of your daughter's drama? Your daughter can be happy, angry, sad, stressed, and hyper in a five minute span. If...
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What are you hoping for this summer? Time to rest. A good vacation. Less stress. Believe me - your daughter is hoping for something different. How old is your daughter? Now think of yourself at her age. (I know it's scary.) What did you love about the summer? My daughter is...
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Laughter is medicine for the soul and has many health benefits. It helps you bond with your daughter. It decreases stress and releases the endorphins that make you feel good. In other words laughter helps you lighten up, enjoy your life and enjoy your relationships. But...
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One of the quickest ways to connect with your daughter is through laughter. But let's be honest. Does your daughter's silliness and playfulness drive you nuts sometimes? You want her to be serious about… Her grades Helping around the house Sports, dance, piano or other activities Her future and college Her choices It's...
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Summer is around the corner but first you have to get through projects, papers, finals--oh my. This is not only challenging for your daughter but it is challenging for you because your daughter is stressed. Stress is contagious and if you are not intentional you will...
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