Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

I'm always saddened when I hear parents say that their kids don't like each other. I'm not bragging (well, not much), but our four kids all get along great and always have. I don't say that to be self-righteous. I don't know exactly why our family has so little sibling rivalry. We are a  very close family but it could also be just luck. If it had anything to do with our parenting, here's what we did. Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along 

Relationship Reflections from 25 Years of (Pretty Much) Wedded Bliss

My husband and I are celebrating 25 years of (mostly) wedded bliss today. On July 18, 1987, I was going on 24 and he was going on 25. We were ignorant, idealistic and ridiculously romantic. A quarter of a century, we still are and I think that might be what's kept us together.

We've each only been married once, to each other, which makes us (some have told me) a rare breed. (I might say "more like a piece of work!"). We've been asked (I blush every time) for the secret of our success. I always quip "we fight all the time!" That's only partly jest. With four kids, money struggles, crazy schedules, work-a-holic tendencies, job woes, health setbacks, two lost babies, a old crumbling house, old cars (which we share) and a DIY-of-necessity lifestyle, I guess it's to be expected. And relationships get gritty in and of themselves without any help from outside stresses.Relationship Reflections from 25 Years of (Pretty Much) Wedded Bliss

Parenting (and surviving) teen relationship drama

As a mom, I'm generally confident handling childhood hurdles--potty-training, picky eaters, night frights--bring 'em on. There's one issue that shakes my equanimity--teen relationship drama. Whether they're boyfriend-girlfriend connections or same-gender friendships, teenage relationships are often fraught with drama and drenched in anxiety. Frankly, I rather beard a lion in its den than deal with drama. Even the term sets my teeth on edge. Disagreeable as they are, relationship problems are part of life. After four kids (and a lot of trial and error), I've assembled some thoughts for parents on helping kids navigate peer relationships.  How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy - Yahoo! Shine

How to argue, fight (safe and healthy) with your partner, spouse

There's a misnomer in parenting intelligentsia that mom and dad should never argue around the kids. This myth is not only unrealistic and unfair, it's unhealthy. Disagreements are normal. Kids need to see their parents squabble to learn communication and interaction skills. Obviously, there are cleaner ways to fight, but even messy battles provide learning opportunities. Here are some healthy "fight club" rules for parents.  Healthy 'fight club' rules for parents 

Dating, Relationships, Communication: Avoid Second Guessing Each Other

Communication, Dating and Relationships: Avoid Second Guessing Each Other
Dating is like golfing; lots of lush, greens to enjoy, if you can avoid the sand traps. Communication in relationships presents some of the trickiest sand pits to navigate. One of the big communication 'sand pits' is second guessing each other.
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Dating, Relationships and Communication: Playing the 'Devil's Advocate'

Communication, Dating and Relationships: Dangers of Playing the 'Devil's Advocate'
There are some communications pitfalls into which it is easy to tumble into, in dating and relationships. One of the red flag danger zones in communication is that of playing the 'devil's advocate' when your partner is sharing. Take his part in debates.
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Communication, Dating, Relationship Advice: Nix 'You Statements',+ 'I Statements'

Communication, Dating and Relationship Issues: Beware of You Statements- Use I Statements
Nine years ago, my husband and I made a Marriage Encounter weekend. I realized two things: there are healthy ways to argue. And I don't know very many of them. Like the difference between 'you statements 'I statements'.
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Intimacy and Communication Issues: Avoid Family Comparison and Criticism

Dating and Relationship Issues: Avoid Family Criticism and Comparison
Family interaction can be a big issue in new relationships. Depending upon the ages and family structure of both partners, family may play a key role, positively or negatively, in relationships. How can couples interact positively within their families?
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How to Stay Married: Bite Your Tongue

Confessions of a Happily Married Wife
Many of the wear on my tires is due to marriage miles. Not because of my other half, but mostly due my goofy thinking about human nature. Here's the best advice about marriage: change your mind and bite your tongue.
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