by A Happy, Healthy Mom | Feb 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
“Our 14-month-old, Sam, really gets mad when he can’t do or have something he wants. He’ll hold on tight to an object, and if we take it away, he will try to get it back and fuss a lot. I’m worried about frustrating him too much, but my mother tells me that kids just...
by A Happy, Healthy Mom | Feb 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
My three previous columns have discussed the key challenges of the teen years: isolation, mediocrity and risky behavior, and conflict. The best way to minimize these problems is to lay a foundation prior to (and during) adolescence of loving intimacy, positive...
by A Happy, Healthy Mom | Feb 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
“Our fourteen-year-old either sits in their room listening to violent rap music or slouching toward school with his slacker buddies. They were a good student until 7th grade, and then it’s been all downhill. They just doesn’t care anymore. They either ignore me or...
by A Happy, Healthy Mom | Feb 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
“Our twelve-year-old daughter is still talking to us, but we’re worried how long that’s going to last. Her friends all seem to hate their own parents. They talk about them like they are overbearing idiots, to be avoided at all costs, barely worth a glance, let alone a...
by A Happy, Healthy Mom | Feb 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
“Our oldest is just in fifth grade, but we’re already worried about middle school and the ‘terrible teens.’ Some of his friends already have earrings, and he kids us (sometimes I’m not sure he’s joking) about getting green hair. We’re scared about drugs and alcohol,...
by A Happy, Healthy Mom | Feb 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
In our last column, we discussed how to teach several fundamental psychological skills to children, including letting go of upsetting experiences and taking in positive ones. These skills will help anyone, but they’re especially useful for spirited or...
