I trudged into my 12-year-old daughter’s bedroom after we’d had yet another argument to the shocking discovery of self-inflicted cuts up and down both of her forearms. My stomach...
Defining Moments in Parenting
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Learning to Respond When Your Child Practices Self-Harm by Kirsten Panachyda
A Learned Response “Mom, I need your help.” Nicholas’s face looked drawn and pale. His left sleeve was pulled up and his right hand cupped the skin of his forearm. I took a deep...
Pondering the Long and Hard Seasons of Parenting
Welcome today's guest blogger, one of our teammates, Beth Denhof. Several years ago, after a hard season in my marriage, I sat with a good friend and mentor as I staggered...
A Question for Parents of Prodigals to Consider
"Why did this happen? I can't believe it! Who can I talk to? Who could possibly understand what we're going through?" My husband had no anwers. Our 23 year old daughter was in...
Disappointed Parents: You Never Know What God Might be Up To
Life is full of surprises and disappointments. We never know what we're going get, like Forrest Gump’s momma said about a box of chocolates. Some surprises are good. We’re...
The Why Question: Finding Purpose for Pain
Why did this happen to me? Why didn’t God protect my daughter from developing an addiction or mental health problems? Why weren’t my prayers answered? When will this end? What...
For the Parent Who is Too Afraid to Let Go
I can't do it! I'm so scared! Isn't there anything I can do? How can I possibly let go when I don't know what might happen if I do? Help! Parents of a son or daughter who...
Parents of Prodigals Look for Purpose
These are highlights from one of our support group meetings. At the time, we were going through the book, Parents with Broken Hearts by Bill Coleman (on the book list on our...
Help For The Enabling Parent
“When Renee leaves our program she won’t be the same person. Even if she relapses, she’ll never be like she was before coming here. She’s going to learn everything she needs to...
What I Learned the Day My Husband Almost Died
Easter 2017. I had no idea what was about to happen or how my world would be shaken. Life is full of the unexpected. We can’t see what the future holds and I’m glad. Most...
When Parents Feel Powerless
I clicked my cell phone shut and dropped to my knees on the bedroom floor. Tears streamed down my cheeks. How could this happen again? Nothing we do works. We've tried everything...
10 Ways to Guarantee Your Kids Will Never Want to Talk to You
Parents often complain about their teen or adult kids not talking to them. They never call or keep the conversations short, rarely come around, and don’t appear to enjoy spending...