Help for Parents Coping with Divorce, Adoption, Teenager and Relationship Issues

Marisue Says:  We live in an angry society, and it seems impossible to shield our children from it.  Instead, we must teach them appropriate ways to be mad.  We show them by our example, and that speaks louder than anything we could ever say, yet we must speak about it as well.  Point out uncontrolled [...]

Marisue says:  Are you or is someone you know dealing with the pain and recovery before and after divorce? From time to time, I will find an opinion or article dealing with life’s many struggles and place it here among my own thoughts and advice, so that you can have the benefit of more than [...]

Are you a victim of domestic violence?  Are you living with an abuser?  Are you scared of your spouse or partner?  If the answer is yes, get help immediately, professional help, law enforcement, preferrably.
Here are some important things to think about if you are in danger of being harmed from a spouse or partner:

NEVER tell [...]

Are you mad about being broke?  Talk about it!
When you talk over your feelings and fears, they are easier to bear.  Keeping fears locked up inside you only feeds them! 
If the economy has caused you to lose your job, experience cuts in pay and benefits, turn towards your partner and family, not away from them!  [...]

If the holidays depress you, you’re not alone.  And, more importantly, you can do something about it.
Many of us feel depressed around the holidays.  The passing of time becomes more evident, often we’re separated from our friends and loved ones, financial crisis is harder to manage, and expectations can be hard to satisfy.  What can [...]

Our old domain server was simply too slow, so we’ve moved the entire site with its hundreds of helpful essays over to a newer, bigger and more modern machine with a new web address and URL. The website is still owned and operated by Marisue Alsobrook, a foster parenting and family counseling authority who has [...]

Truth?  You Can’t Handle The Truth!
While that’s a bit dramatic, it was a great line in the movie “A Few Good Men” wasn’t it? 
I see a lot of truth in that remark.  If I summed up why kids, or anyone lies, it would be “because they fear punishment for telling the truth.”  Most of us, [...]

Dancin’ With The Devil
Are you living in the Mad Zone of Parenting?  Do you find yourself caught in anger and dealing with temper fits, yours and the kid’s?
I’ve been there, and I learned how to get off the hot seat.  It’s hard, but it can be done, and it’s much easier when you do a [...]

Step OUT of the Mad Zone!
Are you consequencing out of anger and impatience?
You’re going to be frustrated, expect it.  That’s a parent’s common emotion.   You want your children to do the right thing.  Frequently, they don’t.
Don’t give up on them, or yourself.  Step out of the moment, regain your composure, think it out.  Don’t shout.
I [...]

By Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction: Linking ourselves to self control and anger management is necessary for happiness and healthy living.  For many, controlling anger is not easy. In fact, I think the energy and tension of anger can even be addictive. Strange as it seems, feeling mad, for some, feels good.  Think about those you know who are always [...]