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Kids & Alcohol - Part II

How can parents determine "what's going on?" It starts with conversation. Say: "I've noticed changes in your behavior lately that concern me. I want to understand what's going on." Hang in patiently, without anger, if your son or daughter begins with little or nothing to say.

Kids & Alcohol - Part 1

Most 6-year-olds know that alcohol is for adults only. But once they hit the tween years (9 to 12) and beyond, many are willing to give it a try. That's why it's never too early to talk with youngsters about the dangers of underage drinking. (Studies show that teens say they rely on adults in their lives to help them make tough decisions. That's our cue to step in.)

Text Your Love

Who would have thought that texting could be an effective way for spouses to express affection, to convey "I'm thinking of you"? So much of the time, we hear and read about modern technology coming between us. Apparently, it doesn't always have to be that way.

Call the Kids Over

If you're a partnered parent, call the children into the room the next time the two of you slip into an argument. "Kids, we're having an argument and we want you to watch, listen and learn."

The 5:1 Ratio

Many of us have it backwards. With our kids, we emphasize talking rather than listening. We believe that good parenting means explaining, reminding, correcting, admonishing, instructing — it's no wonder a lot more words come out of our mouths than theirs. In time, all our gab tends to turn them off. By adolescence, many tune us out.

Positive Endings

If the thought of the kids sitting ringside when you and your partner go at it leaves you horrified, it's time to brush up on your fair fighting skills.

Say “Ouch”

Research published in Psychological Science (September 30, 2010) reveals that men apologize less often than women.

Beyond Small Talk

Research out of the University of Arizona and reported in the April 2010 issue of Psychological Science revealed that the happiest people spend about 70 percent more time talking to others in comparison to the least happy people. The happiest people also engage in small talk one third less time than the least happy people. In fact, the happiest people had twice as many substantive conversations as the unhappiest people.

Did you know that unless you're a single parent, you're co-parenting?

  • If you're living with a spouse (and kids) under one roof, you're co-parenting.
  • If you're divorced and both you and your ex are involved in the children's lives, you're co-parenting.
  • IIf you're raising a child together with someone you may never have been married to — whether you're living together or apart — you're co-parenting.

Does my spouse really "get" me? Does he (or she) understand how I feel — at least some of the time?

Few things are more comforting than the experience of being understood by our primary partner.