Practical Family Living

Validation is Not Agreement

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

This article describes the difference between validating another person's communication and agreeing with it. Examples are given.

Gifts of the Heart: Ideas for Giving at Christmas

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

This article addresses how families can be creative about giving during times of economic shortages.

Managing Food Dilemmas During the Holidays

Food holds many meanings and memories for us, especially during the holiday season. This article offers practical tips and suggestions for those with food allergies or special diets.

MONEY THROUGH THE AGES: Changing Our Generational Views

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Our generational family history can influence our current views on money for ourselves and for our families. This article describes six signs of generational financial bondage, and three ways to step into new Biblical, healthy perspectives on money management.

Entitlement, Money and Families

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

This article describes what entitlement means and how families send messages to their children about money and entitlement.

Women and Money

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

More and more women are coming into their own sense of money, what it means to them and how to manage their funds. This transition means looking at three basic principles of relationship that impact how we as women think, feel and behave around the issue of money. Brenda writes from her own experience and from countless hours of listening to women who have worked hard to face the underlying concerns they carry about managing money.

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.

Sexual Health for Young People

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Critical thinking about sex is important for young people. This is a guide for examining the themes being promoted by our sex-saturated culture.

On-Line Gaming: How Much is too Much?

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

Article explores the explosion of the online gaming industry and the tough decisions parents have to make about hours spent gaming. In it is a set of signs that identify if there is a problem or even an addiction present.

Rebuilding After the Storm

August 18, 2005. A record breaking day in the history of Wisconsin with 27 confirmed tornadoes in one twenty-four hour period. In one moment, debris was strewn everywhere and the destruction left behind on that day was well into the millions of dollars. Addiction is destructive, like a tornado, and you are left to deal with the aftermath of a person struggling with addiction. Whether the addiction is food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, or pornography, a trail of wreckage is left behind and rebuilding needs to begin.

The Notebook

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

This article explores a ritual families can participate in at Christmas. This ritual is one that helps members of the family affirm one another.

Suicide Prevention: Making the Connection

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

Suicide is a very complex subject and is usually not about death at all but rather about wanting to stop the pain. The vast majority of the time, those who are thinking about suicide do give verbal and/ or behavioral warning signs particularly in the last week before the attempt. By knowing the warning signs, loved ones can intervene and provide support. This article lists many verbal and behavioral warning signs of suicide and provides questions to ask if you suspect a loved one may be suicidal.

The Push/Pull of Adolescence, #1 of 2, #3319

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 radio program 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!

The Push/Pull of Adolescence, #2 of 2, #3320

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 program 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!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, #1 of 5, #3339

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Various authors have discussed and creatively labeled the roles each individual may play in the overall functioning of the family. No author has defined or discussed these roles as thoroughly as Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. Based on her research of the alcoholic family, these roles provide tremendous helpfulness and hurtfulness to family relationships. These programs integrate Scripture and it's focus on unity and diversity in the family of God with each of these roles. Join Brenda Spina and Lynda Savage as they discover the uniqueness of what each of these roles has to offer.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, #2 of 5, #3340

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Various authors have discussed and creatively labeled the roles each individual may play in the overall functioning of the family. No author has defined or discussed these roles as thoroughly as Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. Based on her research of the alcoholic family, these roles provide tremendous helpfulness and hurtfulness to family relationships. These programs integrate Scripture and it's focus on unity and diversity in the family of God with each of these roles. Join Brenda Spina and Lynda Savage as they discover the uniqueness of what each of these roles has to offer.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, #3 of 5, #3341

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Various authors have discussed and creatively labeled the roles each individual may play in the overall functioning of the family. No author has defined or discussed these roles as thoroughly as Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. Based on her research of the alcoholic family, these roles provide tremendous helpfulness and hurtfulness to family relationships. These programs integrate Scripture and it's focus on unity and diversity in the family of God with each of these roles. Join Brenda Spina and Lynda Savage as they discover the uniqueness of what each of these roles has to offer.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, #4 of 5, #3342

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Various authors have discussed and creatively labeled the roles each individual may play in the overall functioning of the family. No author has defined or discussed these roles as thoroughly as Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. Based on her research of the alcoholic family, these roles provide tremendous helpfulness and hurtfulness to family relationships. These programs integrate Scripture and it's focus on unity and diversity in the family of God with each of these roles. Join Brenda Spina and Lynda Savage as they discover the uniqueness of what each of these roles has to offer.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, #5 of 5, #3343

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Various authors have discussed and creatively labeled the roles each individual may play in the overall functioning of the family. No author has defined or discussed these roles as thoroughly as Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse. Based on her research of the alcoholic family, these roles provide tremendous helpfulness and hurtfulness to family relationships. These programs integrate Scripture and it's focus on unity and diversity in the family of God with each of these roles. Join Brenda Spina and Lynda Savage as they discover the uniqueness of what each of these roles has to offer.

Standing Up For Yourself While Honoring Others, #1 of 4, #3347

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

Conflict can serve to deepen and strengthen relationships when handled well. In this four part series, Christine Vander Wielen and Lynda Savage discuss important principles in handling conflict and standing up for yourself that can lead to deeper and more satisfying relationships.

Standing Up For Yourself While Honoring Others, #2 of 4, #3348

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

Conflict can serve to deepen and strengthen relationships when handled well. In this four part series, Christine Vander Wielen and Lynda Savage discuss important principles in handling conflict and standing up for yourself that can lead to deeper and more satisfying relationships.

Standing Up For Yourself While Honoring Others, #3 of 4, #3349

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

Conflict can serve to deepen and strengthen relationships when handled well. In this four part series, Christine Vander Wielen and Lynda Savage discuss important principles in handling conflict and standing up for yourself that can lead to deeper and more satisfying relationships.

Standing Up For Yourself While Honoring Others, #4 of 4, #3350

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

Conflict can serve to deepen and strengthen relationships when handled well. In this four part series, Christine Vander Wielen and Lynda Savage discuss important principles in handling conflict and standing up for yourself that can lead to deeper and more satisfying relationships.