Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

Surviving the Emotional Rollercoaster: Life as the Adult Child of Emotionally Immature Parents

Growing up is supposed to be about gaining wisdom, independence, and a sense of identity. But what if your parents never quite got the memo?

For many adult children of emotionally immature parents, life feels less like a Hallmark movie and more like a never-ending episode of Survivor—with fewer immunity idols and more emotional booby traps.

Emotionally immature parents might seem like they’re stuck in a perpetual state of adolescence, even if they’re rocking AARP memberships.

These parents often struggle with basic emotional regulation, exhibit impulsive behavior, and possess a worldview that can be charitably described as self-centered.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

So, What’s the Deal with Your Cousin’s Kid Anyway?

Ever found yourself tangled in the web of family tree branches, scratching your head and wondering, "What exactly is my cousin’s kid to me?"

It’s like trying to figure out if the person at your family reunion is a third cousin twice removed or just someone who wandered in for free potato salad.

But fear not gently reader! We’re here to help you decode these family connections with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of clarity.

Let’s dive into the family funhouse and demystify what your cousin’s child really is to you.

Because, let’s face it, knowing this might just save you from some awkward conversations at the next family gathering.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

My Husband Puts His Family Before Me: Understanding the Dynamics and Therapeutic Approaches

When a spouse feels that their partner prioritizes their family of origin over their marital relationship, it can create significant tension, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.

The phrase "my husband puts his family before me" reflects a common issue in marriages where boundaries between the marital relationship and the family of origin are unclear or poorly maintained.

This dynamic can lead to conflict, decreased marital satisfaction, and, in some cases, estrangement between partners.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

The Golden Parent and the Last Golden Child : The Narcissistic Circus Act You Didn’t Know You Were In

If you’ve ever found yourself in a family dynamic where one parent seems to command all the attention, praise, and emotional energy—often at the expense of everyone else—you might be living in a Golden Parent and Inverted Family Pyramid situation.

Imagine a circus act where the spotlight shines on one performer, while the rest of the family strains under the weight of holding them up, with their own needs and identities crushed beneath the pressure.

Spoiler alert: this show doesn’t end well for anyone involved.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

Middle adulthood is referred to as the sandwich generation because?

Middle adulthood, often referred to as the "Sandwich Generation," describes a period in life where folks are simultaneously caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children.

This dual responsibility can create significant stress and strain, as these adults are metaphorically "sandwiched" between the needs of two generations.

This phase typically occurs during the ages of 40 to 65, a time when many people are at the peak of their careers and are dealing with the challenges of maintaining their own health and well-being.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the role of narcissism in scapegoating families

Narcissism is the bedrock of scapegoating in toxic families. It can play out in intriguing and sometimes destructive ways.

Narcissism can deeply influence family dynamics, characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy.

In a narcissistic family system, scapegoating is a handy method to unfairly blame one family member to maintain a fragile balance or to deflect attention from deeper issues and avoid narcissistic injuries.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

Is There a Romeo and Juliet effect in couples therapy?

Is there a Romeo and Juliet Effect in couples therapy?

In 1972, a paper published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggested that there was a “Romeo and Juliet effect” in early-stage relationships.

The study concluded that the more parents try to interfere, the stronger that bond of young love becomes.

We now know that study is utter bullsh*t…

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