Practical Family Living

Parents Modeling Faith

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Every parent seeks to passon their faith. Taking a look at one example in scripture, we see how the everyday patterns of life provide a foundation in which a child may learn the reality of God's presence and decide for him/herself to believe in God

When Children Steal

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There isn't a parent on earth who enjoys the idea of their child stealing. Understanding the possible reasons that children steal is foundational to knowing how to respond in discipline.

Elderly and Families: Intergenerational Respect and Love

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Suggestions on how family members can bring emotional, practical, and spiritual support to older loved ones

Transitions and Change: A Tribute to Mr. Fred Rogers

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Changes in life can bring grief, stress, and a longing for the past. Article uses lessons learned from The Mister Rogers Show to show ways to lessen the trauma around transition.

Trusting God in Trials and Sorrow

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article depicts, through a teenager's story, how Christ will not delay his provision, safety, strength, and love when we endure trials and suffering.

Family Systems and Generational Bondage

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article describes how past generational patterns can influence current family functioning, and how God can equip us in healthy family functioning.

How to Stop Bullying

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Helpful suggestions and step by step plan to end bullying

Scared of My Daughter's Friends

A "Dear Rosa" question and answer regarding parenting concerns when a adolescent daughter connects with friends that seem unhealthy for her.

Teens and Media Violence

This article describes how television, video games, and film violence affects teens, how parents can help protect their teens from viewing media violence, and how to discuss media violence with their teens.

I have a WHAT?

As the Nationwide Insurance commercial proclaims, "Life comes at you fast," parents can find themselves quickly thrown into raising a teenager. As you jump into adolescence with your adolescent, take a deep breath, and use these reminders to help with the adolescent journey.

The Push/Pull of Adolescence

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Adolescence is often been described as a second toddlerhood. Parents of adolescents often express to me the dichotomy of the behaviors they see (laughing as they share). I know parents don't always laugh but this article takes two underlying dynamics and describes them in the larger scheme of development for teenagers. Take hope! There is more to the picture than you know!

To Rescue or Not, That is the Question

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article explores ways in which parents rescue their adolescent children and ways to weigh the decision whether to act on their behalf.

What Teens Want Parents to Understand

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Some teens believe that parents "don't get it" or "just don't understand." Recently, I asked teens to help me understand what it was like to be a teenager. This article reports their comments.