Blog
When Is Abandonment Good?
The issue of abandonment is high with troubled teenage boys. Naturally, when I come across a title on an article that reads “What It Really Means When a Father Abandons His Children,” I’m going to read it!
Gone Husband – Abandonment
This Mom was talking about how her husband of eight years said he was going to the grocery store and never returned. They have two children, a three year old daughter and seven month old son. What I found more disturbing was as she put it “after years of trying unsuccessfully to leave him because of the abuse and injuries she had been living with” he had abandoned them.
Rudyard Kipling’s “If–” – Inspiration for Your Son
A couple of years ago my wife gave me a new briefcase for my birthday. It’s a great briefcase; I think I like it because it looks worn and rugged. She told me it was called “the Kipling bag.” As I was unpacking it and admiring the cool details I noticed tucked in one of the pockets was a poem by Rudyard Kipling, originally published in 1910. (more…)
The Quest Project – An Overview
I’ve talked a lot about The Quest Project®, how it got its start, and some of the issues adolescent boys are dealing with when they come to me. I thought it would be a good idea to give you an overview of the program itself.
This Is How It Begins
When a parent reaches out for my help, we start by meeting and talking about their son and what brought them to me. I then spend some time with the young man to get an idea of why he thinks he is coming to see me – an initial assessment. I can tell you 98% of the time, their perspectives are very different! (more…)
How Can My Son Be Depressed?
It seems hard to imagine. Most parents can’t believe their son could possibly be depressed. What in the world does he have to be depressed about?
The “Dad Wound”
Of the more than 1,800 boys who have gone through my program, the majority were in some stage of depression. How can that be, you ask? (more…)
Saving Our Sons – Review
I am so excited for a “first review.” I sent the manuscript of Saving Our Sons to a young lady I’ve known for some time. She’s an English major, educator, wife and most importantly a MOM! Here’s what she said about my forthcoming book: (more…)
Affluenza Teen – The Treatment Plan I Would Prescribe
The headline read: “Rich, Privileged and Unaccountable.” Honestly, that pretty much sums it up.
I’m commenting on this case for a couple of reasons. First, because I deal with boys at this age in my practice daily. And secondly, because this is a perfect example of “what not to do” as a parent. The term “affluenza” is described as “being coddled to a sense of irresponsibility.” My definition: BAD PARENTING. (more…)
Is Your Teenager Being Bullied?
Believe it or not, this is one of the most heartbreaking issues I see – teenagers being bullied. What constitutes such abuse….
The Big Six
When I thought about this series of articles I decided to focus on the “biggies.” In doing so, I thought about the issues I deal with the most in The Quest Project®. I started with “Drugs and Alcohol” and from there talked about ADD and ADHD. Then came the issue of getting the homework done instead of playing video games for hours. This week it’s bullies and the devastating effect they can have on your child.
By definition according to Webster to bully is “to frighten, hurt or threaten (a smaller or weaker person). (more…)
My Son Is So Angry!
We’ve all been raised to believe anger is a bad emotion. We don’t like when someone is angry; and especially when it is coming from our adolescent son.
Anger-It’s Real Life
I was raised by a very angry father (a rager). The issue for me in my life wasn’t that he was angry, it was how he handled the anger. Odd as this may sound, anger is not a bad emotion, it is one of “The Big 4” (mad, sad, glad and afraid). It is what you do with the anger that makes all the difference. (more…)
“Saving Our Sons” – An Update
It’s hard to imagine 2016 is 2 weeks away. It’s certainly been a very busy 2015; I thought I’d take this time to give an update on my book, Saving Our Sons.
Saving Our Sons
I have been diligently reading and rereading the manuscript before sending it off to copyedit. I believe Saving Our Sons: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Boys For Success is the best it can be! My hope and my intent is that this book helps families, especially single parent moms, understand their teenage sons.
I believe once there is a better understanding our sons will have the ability to mature into the men they’re meant to be. (more…)
Keeping Your Children Safe
Following up on my Facebook comments regarding the essay “Black and Blue” by NHL star Patrick O’Sullivan, I have more to say!
Safety is Paramount
If you haven’t read the article mentioned above, I suggest that you do. It’s disturbing on so many levels. My priority in this post is to address the importance of keeping your child safe.
If you are a parent, safety for your child must be your primary concern; not that your spouse might change or get better. Your children not only need to know you will keep them safe, but they also rely on you for safety. (more…)
