Parenting is one of life’s most profound experiences, but when a child is born with a genetic disorder, the journey can become unexpectedly complex.

Couples therapy tailored to the unique needs of parents raising children with genetic conditions provides essential support to help families thrive despite the challenges.

This post explores the emotional and relational impact on these parents and how science-based couples therapy can strengthen their connection.

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome or velocardiofacial syndrome, is a genetic condition that touches every aspect of life for those affected and their families.

Though it’s one of the most common chromosomal deletion syndromes, affecting about 1 in 4,000 live births, its complexities are often misunderstood or under-discussed.

In this post, we will explore the symptoms, causes, treatments, and emotional realities of living with this condition.

What is 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?

Parenting young children is a journey unlike any other. It’s messy, unpredictable, and occasionally painful—literally.

If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO at 2 a.m., you understand the special kind of agony that comes with navigating life alongside toddlers. Forget "walking on eggshells."

With little ones, you’re walking on LEGOs: a minefield of plastic bricks and emotional curveballs.

This humorous and heartfelt reframe of the classic idiom captures the reality of parenting young kids. It’s chaotic, yes—but also beautiful, filled with moments of deep connection that make every misstep worthwhile.

Why “Walking on LEGOs” Is the Perfect Parenting Path to Meaningful Suffering

What if the secret to staying sharp in your golden years isn’t Sudoku or kale smoothies but good old-fashioned sibling hugs?

A groundbreaking study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B suggests that the quality of sibling relationships—starting in childhood—plays a starring role in maintaining cognitive health well into old age.

Yes, your annoying brother might actually be your brain’s best ally.

Sibling relationships are our longest-lasting family ties.

They are with us before we can tie our shoes and often outlast friendships, careers, and even marriages.

Yet, despite their longevity, sibling relationships are far from guaranteed havens of love and support.

In fact, sibling estrangement is on the rise, reflecting broader societal trends of disconnection and self-focus.

Sibling therapy is a growing niche in American family therapy that seeks to mend these vital, yet often neglected, bonds.

In this post, we’ll explore the roots of sibling estrangement, how sibling therapy addresses this growing issue, and why this innovative approach may be the key to healing fractured families.

Along the way, we’ll touch on the role of Cultural Narcissism as an aggravating factor.

What if the secret to resilience against trauma lies in a child’s earliest hugs, bedtime stories, and scraped-knee consolations? Turns out, science says it might.

A fascinating meta-analysis of 30 research studies has shed light on the powerful role of secure attachment in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children and adolescents.

Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s explore what this means—and why you should care.

The internet is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and connection, but it’s also a space that requires vigilance, especially for children.

According to a survey by Internet Matters, children spend an average of 4.4 hours per weekday online, which highlights the need for safe digital environments.

Parents often worry about their child’s exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or other online dangers.

The good news?

There are many secure platforms designed specifically for kids to explore, learn, and socialize in a safe and engaging way.

To ease your concerns, I’ve carefully curated a list of 23 safe online communities for kids.

These platforms combine fun, education, and creativity while maintaining strict safety protocols like moderated chats, parental oversight, and compliance with privacy laws such as COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act).

Whether your child loves gaming, coding, writing, or socializing, these websites offer a safe space to nurture their interests and teach them how to navigate the online world responsibly.

Russia’s “Ministry of Sex” proposal isn’t just an eye-catching headline; it’s a response to a profound, urgent demographic crisis.

The country’s birth rate has been on a steep decline, worsened by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the economic struggles it brings.

In short, Russia’s population is shrinking, and the government is pulling out all the stops—however unconventional—to boost it.

This strategy isn’t as bizarre as it sounds when you dig into the historical and cultural factors at play. So, let’s break down the “why” behind Russia’s potential dive into state-sponsored romance.

Childhood friendships are often some of our earliest experiences with trust, loyalty, and even conflict.

They help us navigate the ups and downs of human connection at a young age, teaching us how to share, compromise, and stand up for ourselves.

Yet, these friendships are more than just fond memories or fleeting bonds; they leave a lasting mark on our emotional development, influencing how we relate to others in adulthood—especially in romantic relationships.

Unpacking this “emotional baggage” can bring valuable self-awareness to our adult relationships, offering insights into our attachment styles, our tendencies in conflict, and even our expectations for loyalty and trust.

In this post, we’ll explore the powerful effects of childhood friendships on adult relationships and how to process these influences in a healthy, constructive way.

Sewell Setzer III, a ninth-grader from Orlando, Florida, had been using Character.AI, an app that allows users to interact with AI-generated personas.

The lawsuit claims that Sewell became obsessed with a chatbot named “Dany,” based on Daenerys Targaryen from the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

Over several months, the boy allegedly developed an emotional connection with the AI character, engaging in numerous conversations, some of which turned sexually suggestive. The AI chatbot failed to recognize or respond appropriately to Sewell’s expressions of suicidal thoughts.

As a marriage and family therapist, I often hear clients say things like, “If only I had more money, I’d be happy,” or “If my job were less stressful, I could finally enjoy life.”

It’s a common belief that our happiness is determined by external circumstances like wealth, health, and career success.

But here’s the surprising truth: personality plays a much larger role in our long-term happiness than we might think.

In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that 80% of your lifetime happiness can be traced back to just three key personality traits: emotional stability, extraversion, and conscientiousness.