Dear ,Quick question: If someone told you there was a "tradition" of putting your hand on a hot stove, would you do it?Of course not. That's ridiculous.So why do we accept harmful family practices just because they're labeled "traditional"?This week,...

Dear ,There's a question I hear from parents more than almost any other: "How do I protect my child from toxic relatives without breaking up the whole family?"It's the wrong question.The right question is, "Why am I more concerned about keeping toxic...

Hi ,I recently got a phone call that broke my heart.A mother whose 25-year-old son announced he was getting married—and she wasn't invited. They haven't spoken in three years."I thought when he grew up, he'd understand I did everything because I love...

Hi ,"I don't want my kid to struggle."Every parent says this. It's instinctive.But here's the hard truth: In protecting our teens from struggle, we often prevent them from developing the resilience they need to handle life.And life WILL throw things...

Hi ,Let me guess: You're worried about how much time your teen spends on their phone.You've tried taking it away, setting time limits, and threatening consequences.Nothing works. Or it works briefly, and then you're back to square one.Here's why: You...

Hi ,This is the email I hoped you'd never need to read.But if you're here because your teen is really struggling—self-harm, substance use, eating disorder, suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or anxiety—I want you to know:Finding out is the beginni...

Hi ,Quick question: If I asked your teen, "What's it like at home?" what would they say?"Everyone's always stressed?" "We don't really talk?" "Everyone's just on their phones?"If that makes you wince, you're not alone.Most families don't intentionall...

Hi ,I need to share something heavy with you today. I almost didn't write this email, not because it isn't important, but because I know it will hurt to read.But our children's safety is worth the discomfort.Last week, two stories emerged from Nigeri...

Hi ,Here's a question that might make you uncomfortable:Have you talked to your teen about what to do when—not if, but when—they're offered drugs or alcohol?Not the "just say no" lecture. A real conversation about the actual situation they'll face.If...

Hi ,Let me ask you something:When you set a boundary with your teen, how often does it turn into a war?If your answer is "pretty much always," you're not alone. But I want to offer you a different possibility.What if boundaries could build connection...