Holidays are the most difficult time of year for anyone in emotional pain, especially hurting parents. I've been one. My heart was full of sadness over my daughter's struggles...
5 Tips to Help Hurting Parents Survive the Holidays
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When Parents Can’t be Thankful
It's November and Thanksgiving is soon. This is the time of year most people turn their thoughts toward what they're grateful for, but some people don't feel thankful. I'm...
Freedom is Possible for our Struggling Children
I'm the mother of an adult child who struggled with addiction and mental health issues for over ten years. The years have been rough, but I've found lasting comfort and hope from...
Three Powerful Weapons for Hurting Parents
Do you feel helpless, lost, or powerless to know what to do for your child who suffers with addiction, mental illness, self-harm or some other destructive behavior? Join the...
Am I Going Crazy?
"I hate you!" my 17-year old daughter shouted as she slammed her door. Another failure. Another long weekend of hanging out with a dangerous crowd. Lame excuses for her...
Defining Moments in Parenting
Defining moments change us—and not always in a welcomed way. Parents of troubled teens and adults know about this. I'm one of them. Our lives are fraught with defining moments of...
7 Lies of Suicide: A 14 year-old’s Goodbye Letter
Has your son or daughter struggled with suicidal thoughts? Have they made an attempt to end their life? My daughter has. If your answer to either of my questions was yes, then...
Parents: Let’s Talk About Suicide Part 3
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. The rest of this month I will continue to dedicate my blogs to this topic. Suicide is...
Am I An Enabling Parent?
Sometimes, loving, caring parents are confused whether or not they’re enabling their child’s troublesome behaviors. Aren’t we simply showing love, giving grace, and being...
Can a Parent in Pain Reduce their Stress?
Stress. Most of us experience it in some form. Stress with our jobs, our finances, our health, politics, and sometimes with our extended families. Some of us are parents who have...
When a Parent Needs Comfort
When my husband placed our newborn daughter on my chest, I fell instantly, totally, and completely in love. In awe and wonder, I caressed her still-moist body as I examined her...
Embarassment and Shame Isolate Parents in Pain
As I have journeyed down the road of painful parenting with a child who has struggled with many troubles: addiction, self-harm, mental health issues, sexual trauma, and suicide...