If you want to take a step towards a more loving relationship with your teen/adult child, begin with thinking of all the things you love about them. And if right now you are having some difficulties with conflict, communication, or whatever it is, I do understand this could be difficult at first. But think back…

If you are a parent experiencing pain and grief when the mental illness, addiction, or death of your child forever changes your life, you don’t want to miss my new Internet TV and Podcast Show – Finding Peace Beyond the Pain. Watch live every Friday at 7pm ET beginning March 22 on Amazon Fire TV,…

I know that trying to help a teen or adult child who is struggling with mental illness and/or addiction can be nerve-racking. So many parents spend sleepless nights in fear about where their child may be and what dangers they may be exposed to.  This is something that few other parents understand – and this…

Keeping the lines of communication open can be critical when your teen or adult child is suffering from mental illness or addiction.  Here are some tips for being that safe space for them, so they will feel they can come to you, no matter what they are dealing with- When you listen without judgment and…

I know it can feel so difficult when your teen or adult child is doing something that you know isn’t good for them or is not doing something you feel is important.   Inside, you feel strongly about what they should do differently and what they should not do.   You try hard to make them do…

What if? Are these words defining how you are living your life as a parent? What if he hangs out with friends who are using drugs? What if she starts drinking again?  What if he overdoses?  What if her mental illness symptoms worsen?  Are you imagining the worst and always anticipating what may go wrong next?   When…

If you feel stressed during interactions with your teen or adult child and it seems like you are fighting against each other when it comes to their mental illness or addiction, you are not alone.  Often they do not see things the same way you do. You start off on the same side… both going…

If you have a teen or adult child with mental illness or addiction and you are struggling with feelings of guilt, self-blame or self-doubt, you may be making one of these mistakes- 💫Taking things personally. When things are not going well with your child, do you blame yourself and make everything that is happening about…

Loving yourself and taking good care of yourself is always important, but it can become a real challenge when you have a teen or adult child with mental illness and/or addiction. Here are some things you can start doing right now that can really make a difference in how you feel-  💫Self-compassion – be gentle,…

I recently posted about when your child has mental illness and addiction, you may need to grieve the loss of who they were and how life was before illness.  Not doing so can prevent you from finding peace.  One thing that may stand in your way of grieving is denial.  Denial is refusal to believe or accept…