Do’s and don’ts of communicating with alienated adult children (and older teens)
Yep, I said it. Adult children owe us nothing. In a family without alienation, we get the relationship with our children we have earned and deserve. I…
Category: Parenting
How to deal with an overstepping ex or stepparent
...In a healthy dynamic, where step/parents are solid and secure in their roles, they can have conversations about co-parenting and make joint decisio…
A Guide to Parallel Parenting with a High Conflict Ex
...Narcissistic or not, parents can get very territorial. They can become self-righteous and feel entitled to tell us how we should or shouldn’t be…
Stepkids…Half Cat, Half Alien
...A friend who’s a teacher once made a passing comment, saying that kids just need patience and kindness. It’s stuck with me and I try to remembe…
3 Simple Steps To Avoid Mother’s Day Misery
... there are very few days in the year that can bring as much misery, resentment, and pain to women as Mother’s Day. It’s such a hyped up occasio…
No Shortcuts in Step-Family Dynamics
Is it time for you to reframe your expectations about how your step-family is evolving? Is it time to reach out for some professional help?
What Is (And Isn’t) Parental Alienation Syndrome?
It’s important to realise that a single moment of expressing exasperation about the other house, or your ex, is not going to cause PAS. PAS is cause…
Kids’ Rooms in the Step-Dynamic
One thing I have learned in 20 odd years of parenting is that telling kids to clean their room is rarely effective. If we get overwhelmed looking at a…
Stepparents & Chores
...Some people advise stepparents stay completely clear of any chore assigning and enforcement. While on the surface this seems like good advice, it 
All is not Fair in Step-Family Chores
Expecting kids to land in your home and jump straight into chores can be setting our family up for conflict and failure. Take a moment to think how yo…