Blog
Dealing with In-Laws
Originally published in our Laudable Life advice column in the Lakelands Leader Q: My in-laws just stayed with us for several days over the holidays. Truth be told I don’t like them very much. My father-in-law seems a bit full of himself and my mother-in-law can be very controlling and critical of me, my housekeeping,…
Rediscovering your holiday spirit
Originally published in our Laudable Life advice column in the Lakelands Leader Question: I’m having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. Every year I’m so stressed. I seem to do all the shopping for my own family, and my husband’s family; as well as most of our kids gifts as well. Then there’s…
Thanksgiving plans with girlfriend verses parents
Question: Our son Jack is a freshman at the University of Chicago. He’s our only child and we are very proud of him. He seems to be adjusting well to college. In fact, so well that he already has a girlfriend! Unfortunately he just texted his dad and I that he plans to go to…
Puff, Puff, Pass: Marijuana Use among Teenagers
Question: Last week, I came from early from work to find my son smoking weed on the back porch of our house with two of his friends. This is the second time we have caught him in the past couple of months. He insists that marijuana is not chemically addictive and that he can quit…
He Works, She Works, We All Social Network
Question: I have been worried about my children’s obsession with social media recently. My daughter’s makeup must be done in the same way and with the same products as her current favorite Instagram influencer. Several times, I have walked by my son scrolling through Twitter and have been sexually explicit photos show up on his…
School Pressure: Gift & Talented, Magnet, and IB Programs
Question: My child is considering applying to a magnet program for middle school. It seems like a great opportunity if he is accepted, but are there any negative consequences for children in these advanced schools? Answer: Gifted & Talented, Magnet, and IB Programs are often dream schools for hardworking students looking to pursue a more…
School Refusal
Question: My ten-year-old child never wants to go to school, and often throws a fit in the morning, trying to run or hide instead of leaving the house. Why is she acting like this and what should I do? Answer: A child refusing to attend their school is an issue many families deal with. This…
The Danger of Prescription Drugs
Question: After learning about the opioid epidemic in the news, I’m worried about my teen getting involved with prescription drugs. What are the potential risks and how can I prevent them? Answer: Prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs by Americans over the age of 14, excluding alcohol and marijuana; and they account…
Four-Year College Envy
Question: My friends are all going to four-year universities but I have to attend community college for financial reasons. Hearing them talk about their future roommates, dorm decorations, and fall semester classes just reminds me of what I don’t have. Going to family functions is especially hard because I dread how I will respond to…
Fear of Dogs
Question: When I was a little kid I was bitten by my neighbor’s dog and ended up in the emergency room because of it. Ever since then I’ve been terrified of dogs, even little chihuahuas! Even though I’m supposed to be a ‘manly’ man, every time I see a dog I feel like a little…
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