Sending your child to college

How to maintain the fine line between independence and over-parenting As a parent, there are few times in life quite as emotional as sending your child to college. In addition to feeling sentimental about the fleeting moments you have left together, you’re likely worried about whether or not he or she is prepared for this […]
Combating back-to-school anxiety

A new school year is about to begin. While this is typically a time of great anticipation and excitement, there’s plenty of nervousness and anxiety to go around as well. Children get the back-to-school jitters for a number of reasons, and the vast majority of them are normal and age-appropriate. With that in mind, here’s […]
The upside of failure

If there’s one thing certain about life, it’s that life is always uncertain. While you may experience days filled with joy, hope and anticipation, you may also face many others with sadness, hardship, worry and failure. I spend a lot of time talking with people about failure, in all of its many forms. And although […]
Finding friendship in adulthood

Have you ever watched two children form a friendship? It’s effortless, innocent and sweet. Kids have an uncanny ability to walk up to a stranger on the playground, introduce themselves and instantly become friends – without even knowing each other’s name. Finding friendship in adulthood is a bit more challenging, but it doesn’t need to […]
Suicide: What to know and how to help

Suicide has been in the news a lot lately. From well-known celebrities to innocent middle school students, the suicide epidemic is widespread and knows no boundaries. It touches people from all walks of life and does not discriminate based on age, race, class, or education level. And while a negative stigma often accompanies any news […]
5 Things to Keep in Mind When You’re Coping with Loss

In the wake of this past week’s headlines announcing the deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade, two individuals who were loved and admired by many, I’ve been reflecting on the subject of loss – in all its many forms. From the death of a loved one, to a breakup, a layoff at work, or […]
The Truth About Loneliness

I spend a great deal of time talking with people about unhappiness. And in many cases, loneliness is the culprit. At our core, we are wired to be in relationship and community with others, and when we’re not, we naturally feel sad and alone. In America, a society obsessed with happiness, loneliness has become somewhat […]
Normal Fighting or Sibling Bullying – Do You Know the Difference?

If you grew up with brothers and sisters, you’re likely all too familiar with sibling rivalry. From a young age, many siblings bicker, fight and compete over everything from toys to their parent’s attention. While much of it is characterized as normal behavior, sibling rivalry can cross the line. Thanks to the vast amount of […]
5 Tips for Managing Your Anger

Last spring I wrote a blog post about road rage. Somewhat surprisingly, it turned out to be one of my most popular posts—at least based on the number of comments and responses I received. It seems just about everyone can relate to the frustration of being cut off in rush hour traffic. That raises two […]
5 Unexpected Benefits of Helping Others

Looking for ways to boost your mood, lower your stress and lengthen your life? Consider volunteering. In addition to the good you’ll impart on others, research consistently shows a link between altruism and good health. And since April is National Volunteer Month, it’s a great time to start. In the meantime, here’s a closer look […]