The Laudable Life
I’ve Tried Everything: Can meds help me get out of this funk?
Q: I’ve been in a funk for months, and it’s not getting better in spite of my efforts to pull out of it. I am considering talking with someone about getting on something to help me pull out of this, but I don’t want to be on it long-term. A: What you’re describing is more…
Avoidance Masked As Intellect
Q: Our son is a gifted perfectionist. Because of this, he’s able to construct justifications for avoidant behavior when preparing for the job market. “Other kids have more AP credit, and they are more competitive applicants for research positions.” or “I need to get more credits in my major before I can apply for an…
Advice Column: Why are people so unfriendly lately?
Question: I have always been the type to wave and say “hi” when I pass people in the neighborhood. Lately, though, I’ve noticed more and more people stare ahead or even look annoyed when I greet them. It makes me wonder if friendliness is going out of style. Why is this happening, and how can…
Advice Column: Why are people so mean on the internet?
Question: I’ve always been a positive, happy-go-lucky, encouraging person, but online, it feels like no good deed goes unpunished. When I leave supportive or helpful comments in professional Facebook groups, I sometimes get criticized, or even mocked, for little things like a typo. Why are people so negative online, and how can I stop taking…
Advice Column: Should I be protesting more?
Q: Last weekend was the No Kings March. I wanted to go. I have deep concerns about the actions our government is taking and the impact those choices will have on us all. Speaking up is essential, and I know that “if not me, then who, if not now, then when?” But between my kids’…
Advice Column: Keeping my friend’s Wegovy secret
Q: My friend Stacy privately told me she’s taking Wegovy for weight loss. Another friend, Kate, recently expressed concern about Stacy’s rapid weight loss and asked if I knew what was going on. Kate seemed genuinely worried that something might be medically wrong (perhaps an illness or eating disorder?). I want to reassure her that Stacy is okay,…
Advice Column: Bonding with my quirky kid
Q: My child is kind of quirky, artistic, and wonderfully unique, but lately, we’ve been butting heads or drifting apart. I want to be supportive, but sometimes, I just don’t get them. How can I improve our relationship? A: You’re not alone—many parents of creative, outside-the-box kids face this challenge. Children who are “quirky”, artsy,…
Advice Column: My Daughter’s Not Invited to the Party
Q: My daughter, 5, was not invited to our neighbor’s daughter’s birthday party. I’m hurt and confused. We are pretty friendly toward one another, and the kids have played together a few times without incident. I want to ask the mom about this, but my husband thinks I should just “let it go.” What should…
Advice Column: Stimulants and Growth Concerns
Question: Our son, a student-athlete, was diagnosed with ADHD. We’ve worked hard to help him develop coping strategies, but we’re now at a point where we’re considering medication. Our biggest concern is the potential impact of stimulant medication on his growth. He’s in a critical stage of development, and we don’t want to do anything…
Advice Column: Coping with Guilt and Caregiving in Dementia
Q: My mother has early-stage dementia, and I’m struggling. I get annoyed more often than I’d like, especially when she repeats herself or asks about her car, which we sold months ago. Sometimes I snap and say, “Yes, Mom, you already told me,” and then I feel awful. I’ve also had to make painful choices—like…
It's not an easy time to be a kid. Perhaps it never is, but now it's especially true. Let us help you understand and support your child's needs.
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