All posts tagged: between us

Ending A Friendship Over Parenting Choices – Psychologist Advice

Ending A Friendship Over Parenting Choices – Psychologist Advice

Published by Sam Flores

This article features expert comment from psychologist Dr Sasha Hall. Friendships end over all sorts of things – but have you ever called time on one over differing parenting choices? That’s the dilemma one parent is facing, after they shared on Reddit that they “feel like an asshole” but are considering letting a six-year friendship with another parent fade. “Both of us have a kid who is around 3 and I feel like I’m not aligned with this friend anymore,” they said. “We have different opinions on raising our children and I don’t think I can continue this friendship anymore.” They noted they “constantly feel judged and belittled” by this friend, and also disagree with them over their stance on not vaccinating their kids and homeschooling. “I understand that she has a right to parent her child the way she thinks is best, however, I don’t like the feeling of judgement that comes along with the choices I have made as a parent,” they added. It prompted a lot of discussion – and resonated with …

Child Being Left Out By Friends? Therapist Advice On How To Help

Child Being Left Out By Friends? Therapist Advice On How To Help

Published by Sam Flores

There’s something particularly hard about hearing your child has been left out by their friends – perhaps it was a one-off where they sat alone at lunch, or maybe it’s the more pervasive kind of social exclusion where they’re left wondering: why don’t my friends want to play with me anymore? Whatever it is, as a parent, you probably want to scoop them up and make sure nobody can ever hurt their feelings. But this isn’t possible – and actually, it’s how we support and guide them through these moments that ultimately helps them learn how to cope when future troubles strike. If your young child’s going through something similar, we spoke to Kemi Omijeh, a BACP registered child and adolescent therapist, about how parents can best support their kids through these tricky social times. 1. Listening to them is crucial When a child tells you they were left out, listening can be enough in some instances – “we shouldn’t underestimate the impact of listening, particularly active listening,” Omijeh told HuffPost UK. “This means being …

Therapists Warn Of Red Flag Signs You’ll Clash With Your In-Laws

Therapists Warn Of Red Flag Signs You’ll Clash With Your In-Laws

Published by Sam Flores

When it comes to managing life with future in-laws, it’s not always easy to determine what those dynamics will look like. Various circumstances, from the introduction of grandchildren to the equation or geographic location (and proximity), can also play a role in the dynamics you have. Relationships can change over time, and behaviours can totally evolve as people grow more comfortable with one another. That said, there are a few factors to consider when trying to determine whether or not your relationships with your in-laws might pose a challenge for you and your partner down the line. We turned to family therapists to find out what some of the red flags might be, how to navigate them with your partner and how to cope with any lingering negative feelings. Tom Stewart via Getty Images It can be hard to tell what you will be to one another when you first meet your partner’s family, but experts warn these red flags point to potential conflict down the line. Here are three major signs that might predict …

‘I Read My Teen’s Messages And Saw Something Inappropriate’

‘I Read My Teen’s Messages And Saw Something Inappropriate’

Published by Sam Flores

Most children of secondary school age (we’re talking 12- to 15-year-olds) have a smartphone – and some of them will be allowed to have one on the condition they’re happy to give their device up every now and then for their parents to check. But what happens if, during one of these checks, you spot something that makes your heart sink? And what about if your teen hasn’t given you permission to check their phone, but you’ve seen a notification flash up that’s left you worried? It’s a minefield – and there’s no set rule for tackling this, as everyone’s situation will be different. That said, experts have shared their thoughts on how to approach this tricky moment, without causing a huge rift. If you DO have consent to look at your child’s phone… Counselling Directory member Bella Hird told HuffPost UK parents who have an agreement in place with their child where they can do spot checks “are in a very good starting place”. “Think of your child’s phone a little as you would …