Autism Affects Relationships of Celebrity Parents, Too

It has been said that parents of children who have autism, or other special needs, have a higher risk of divorcing. The extra focus that this type of parenting requires, and the added stress, tends to cause relationship problems for the parents. Celebrities are not immune from this experience. Jenny McCarthy has expressed dissatisfaction regarding her ex and her son. Jenny McCarthy has a ten year old son named Evan. After Evan was diagnosed with autism, she became involved with an organization called Generation Rescue. According to the “About” page, the organization is dedicated to the recovery of children with … Continue reading

Interfering in Children’s Friendship Problems

I don’t know why I do it…but alas it has happened again. It is parental intervention in a friendship problem with my child. For some reason I really struggle with letting my children work it out. I hate to see them hurt or not getting along with someone, so I attempt to patch things up. However that almost always backfires. When my oldest son was in middle school he had a lot of difficulties with his best friend. The problem is that his best friend’s mother is also my very good friend. Needless to say it ended up causing friction … Continue reading

Privacy vs. Secrecy: How to Foster Intimacy in Your Relationships

Information really is power; how, what, and when to share can have a far-reaching impact on our ability to foster intimacy in our relationships. It is almost a rite of passage, for instance, for a new couple to explore one another’s past—first loves, first kisses, and even the first big heartbreak. These conversations both require and build a significant level of trust, as they reveal how we act and react at our most vulnerable moments. So what does it mean when your partner refuses to share? It can mean many things; the problem, of course, is that we often assume … Continue reading

Ask a Marriage Blogger – Leading Causes of Divorce

A good friend of mine is getting married shortly, and she’s had a number of questions about marriage and how to cultivate a good relationship with her new husband. As we’ve conversed, she’s given me permission to share some of her questions, and my answers, with you. Q. What are the leading causes of divorce? A. This is a very natural question – divorce is so common these days, it’s almost impossible to contemplate marriage without wondering if it will end in divorce. As I look into it, the causes seem to largely be these. Poor communication – when one … Continue reading

Adults with Asperger’s: Boundary Problems

Because people who suffer from Asperger’s disorder have difficulty is reading other people’s body language and even understanding the more subtle aspects of normal human verbal communication, adults with the condition can experience an array of interpersonal problems. Mainly though, it is the people who interact with adult Asperger’s who have the problem, rather than the sufferer themselves. This is because they are often either not aware of the hurt and trouble they are causing, or more commonly, they will not listen to significant others who tell them that their behavior is inappropriate. Let’s look at the case of Alison. … Continue reading

What Problems Do Parents of Russian Adoptees Face?

Most of the world is justly horrified by the fact that Torry Hansen sent her adopted Russian son back to Russia. I admit I don’t know how I would respond if my child threatened to kill me. But as I said in my blog on Wrongful Adoption lawsuits, once an adoption is final, the parent-child relationship is final. If my biological child suffers brain trauma and becomes a danger to others, he may have to live in a residential treatment center, but I would still visit him, try to assist in his healing process, contribute financially to him as much … Continue reading

Problems with Having Your Own Agenda

There is a problem with having your own agenda. Actually there are a couple. One is that your agenda and what you want to do or what to happen may not be God’s plan for you or for others. The other is just as serious and one that can be extremely hurtful and divisive. Recently there were two examples where this occurred. One was by me letting my own feelings cloud the issue and say something when deep down a little voice was telling me I should keep quiet. One of these days I might learn to listen all the … Continue reading

Baby Skin Problems 2

Your little one is just perfect. But she still may be vulnerable to baby skin problems. Most of these problems are innocuous and will go away with just a little home treatment. Some common baby skin problems could need a pediatricians attention. Here is what you need to know about the skin problems that may affect your baby. This is part two of a two-part series. Eczema Eczema is a skin rash that should be examined by a pediatrician, especially if this is the first outbreak. It is a very itchy,scaly rash that may develop tiny red bumps that ooze. … Continue reading

Baby Skin Problems

This morning, as I was caressing the cheek of my youngest child, I was in awe at how soft it was. The expression soft as a baby’s bottom is said for a reason. Baby skin is amazingly smooth and glowing. But that doesn’t mean that baby skin isn’t prone to problems. Here is a quick guide to common baby skin problems. Diaper Rash Diaper rash is caused when irritants and wetness come in contact with your baby’s skin. It can usually be cured by using a diaper cream at every changing, especially at night, and, or by letting the baby’s … Continue reading

The Marriage Blog Week in Review for July 7-13

Poor Lyn has been quite the champ while I’ve been away. She took over covering Week in Reviews every week, instead of every other. (Thanks again, Lyn!) But now I’m back to resume my share of the duties. (Albeit I’m a wee bit off schedule this week.) At any rate, here’s a recap of what Lyn, Heather, and I wrote about on: Monday, July 7 Lyn shared more about relating to your man and the importance of it. She also examined issues of compatibility. Tuesday, July 8 Lyn wondered if verbal affairs were just as detrimental as physical ones. Lyn … Continue reading