The so-called "blended family" is no longer an aberration in American society: It's a norm. A marriage that brings with it children from a previous marriage presents many challenges. Such families should consider three key issues as they plan for remarriage… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
Ending a marriage or a long-term relationship brings many adjustments, and former partners can find themselves in the middle of confusing and overwhelming conflict. When children are involved, finding ways to manage and keep conflict at a minimum are essential. Whether their parents are married, separating, divorcing, or divorced, children react negatively to poorly managed [...]
Divorce is stressful for the entire family. Your child might feel as if his or her world has turned upside down. But there's good news. You can ease your child's adjustment to the divorce by interacting responsibly with your spouse. Consider these practical tips for children and divorce. How to break the news… View the [...]
"Sexting" usually refers to the sharing of nude photos via cellphone, but it can happen on other devices and the Web too. The practice is far from normative among young people, but when it does come up, great care is needed. Sexting can have serious psychological or even legal consequences if teens or kids are [...]
If you’re like many parents, your first reaction is “How will I ever handle this?” Most parents aren’t prepared for the words, “Mom, Dad. I’m gay.” Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is here for you. We hope this will help you understand your child’s sexuality and its meaning to you and [...]
Someone getting curious about sex, dirty words or the meaning of life? Here's how to answer all those tough questions. Early on in parenthood, our jobs are clear: We protect, we provide, we cuddle, we change diapers, and we subconsciously coax our runts to inherit our inherited appreciation of Mr. Marvin Gaye. But soon—namely, the minute [...]
With studies showing that almost half of America's teenagers have experienced sexual intercourse by the age of 18, educating kids about sex is something all parents need to do. Parents must be prepared to help their teens with emerging sexual issues. Otherwise their teens could be risking early pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional turmoil. [...]
In the whirl of adolescence, peer pressure can get the best of children and push them to do things that they don't really want to do. Whether this pressure comes from friends or other kids at school, parents can counter it, if they're ready to help. It's natural that children get some guidance from outside [...]
Adolescence is a difficult time for young people. During those years, they face physical changes; peer pressure; exposure to drugs, alcohol and sexual relationships; and increased expectations and scrutiny from parents and teachers. But, as difficult as it is being a teenager, being a parent of one may be even harder. After years of being [...]
If you're the parent of a preteen, you've likely heard this line many times: "I have to have it because everyone else does." The "it" can be anything from designer jeans to a video game. Why do children want to be like everyone else? They're going through a transition from child to adult, says Vivian [...]