Easter was yesterday. Holidays can be extra painful when your child (or any loved one) is causing you heartache. When their struggle is with an addiction to alcohol or...
A Pandemic Easter for Parents Whose Hearts Were Already Broken
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A Great Way to Reduce Covid-19 Stress
A few years ago, my dear 86 year old father was in the hopsital fighting for his life. My mother had died ten years earlier and as their only child I was extremely...
An Honest Interview with the Mother of an Addict, Part 2
Today’s post is Part 2 of our interview with the mother of an addict. This is a continuation from last week's blog on Jan. 27th. I believe there are many things she shared that...
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...
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...
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...
Encouraging Words for Brokenhearted Parents
Today’s blog is a collection of quotes from my book, You Are Not Alone: Hope for Hurting Parents of Troubled Kids. It includes comments from our daughter Renee on boundaries. I...
A Special Message to Parents Affected by the Parkland School Shooting
My husband and I want to express our deepest sympathies to the families who lost a child (or were impacted in some way) by the Parkland school shooting. Our hearts are heavy for...
Love is More Than a Valentine by Tom Yohe
February is here. Many of us think of how we will express love toward those who mean a lot to us on Valentine’s Day. Grocery stores are stocked with cards, flowers, candy, and...
Interview with a Mom
Valentine's Day is soon. It's a hard day for parents who find it difficult to love their wayward children, who feel unloved by them, and would give anything to hear them say, "I...