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…

If you have a child with mental illness and addiction, you undoubtedly know that life is different now than it was prior to their illness and addiction.  They may seem like a different person. You may have a different relationship with them. You probably have different thoughts and struggles.  They may not be on the same path…

I know you probably hear a lot about self-love, but loving yourself and taking good care of yourself is especially important when you are a parent or caregiver struggling with a teen or adult child with mental illness and addiction. Why – 💫 Self-love allows you to live with an open heart and connect to…

As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, a host of emotions may come up for you. For me, there are many mixed emotions… In 2023 I am grateful that I launched my book Finding Peace and Purpose Amdist the Tears and I’m blessed to have spent time and closeness with two of my…

What is a goal you want for yourself in the new year?  If your child is struggling with mental illness or addiction, I have heard many parents say their goal is for their child to be sober. But that is their goal, for them to decide.  So what is your goal, for you?  Maybe it’s…