Somehow, amid last week’s flurry of glitter, turkey sandwiches and stick-on bows, I still managed to get some interesting feedback on my article about giving lots of love and gifts to kids, while still requiring them to be responsible for … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Is there such a thing as too many presents?
As the dust settles in the aftermath of the gift-giving frenzy, a lot of parents might wonder if they’re spoiling their children. The typical reaction to the word ‘spoil’ is, ‘To give your child too much, or to do too … Continue reading
Avoiding family conflict during the holidays
We all know that the holidays can be a source of stress, including the seasonal pressure to make everything (and everybody) instantly cheerful and merry. Well, sometimes it’s just not that easy, and the timeless words, ‘I’ll be home for … Continue reading
Is it healthy to strive for perfection?
I love it when I hit a nerve. A few weeks ago, I responded to a reader about her compulsion to raise ‘the perfect child.’ The great majority of you who contacted me asked about the various implications of expressions … Continue reading
Please pardon the interruption, but–
There are few things more annoying in everyday conversation than a person who interrupts. Though it might seem rude, there are different kinds of interruptions, some of which, according to www.changingminds.org, might not be so bad. For example, there’s the … Continue reading
Choose to enjoy the holidays–stress-free
‘The holidays are so stressful! Shopping is such a chore. Christmas starts up so early these days. It ruins all the fun!’ Many people, especially those with large families, feel pressure and anxiety at this time of year. Does it … Continue reading
What is “Neurotic”?
One of the many definitions of the word ‘neurotic’ is ‘an impaired mental state brought about by conflicting motivations.’ In other words, a person is experiencing strong feelings about something, some of which are in conflict with one another. And, … Continue reading
Can you assert yourself and be truthful at the same time?
‘Say what you mean, and mean what you say.’ This venerable and oh-so-true expression reveals a lot about the importance of integrity, honesty and keeping your word. It also says a lot about how to interact with others in your … Continue reading
How important is it to have “the perfect child”?
A Delaware Wave reader writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, I hate to admit this (that’s why I didn’t sign my name), but I feel like my kid’s mistakes and blunders (he is in second grade) are a reflection on me, … Continue reading
Stressed? Take a deep breath–but don’t forget to think
Deep breathing is an effective technique for relaxation. The influx of oxygen can be a good way to cope with stress, and it’s a lot less expensive and hard on your body than taking medication. At the same time, however, … Continue reading
Do you know why you do the things you do?
Everything we do, we do for a reason. All behavior, no matter how irrational or self-destructive it may seem, serves some kind of emotional purpose. It’s not that somebody “shouldn’t” be acting in a certain way; it’s that they ARE … Continue reading
How does it feel to be invisible?
It’s a rare dinner party or social event where somebody doesn’t ask me to tell them what subject spouses and couples complain about the most. I see so many problems: money, raising kids, in-laws (!)—it’s tough to nail it down … Continue reading