In response to the “Raising Girls” Article in Oregon Family Newspaper, as a counselor, professor, woman, wife, and mother of a young girl, I just wanted to add some thoughts on the topic of Raising Girls in Today’s Society.  Our hope is that we raise our girls to have confidence and positive self...

Back when our kids were little, after dinner we’d load them into a red wagon and stroll downtown along a riverside path, and buy ice-cream cones. I wouldn’t mind if my kids grew up thinking that all life is as idyllic as this, but sometimes seamy stuff intrudes and must be dealt with. One evening, when...

They’re called “digital natives” – the teens, tweens (and younger) who were born into a world rich with technology. Their formative years have included surfing the web, playing video games with friends halfway around the world, navigating smart phones and tablets and being able to connect...

“Daddy puts on your bras sometimes,” my then 4-year-old said nonchalantly as I tried on lingerie in a department store dressing room. “Excuse me? When?” I asked, astonished. “When you’re asleep,” she replied — and proceeded to describe how, early Saturday...

The differences between men and women are often discussed, ranted about, and written about (Mars and Venus.) It’s a common acceptance that men and women are typically polar opposites and how trying to understand the opposite gender is next to impossible. While it would be easier to simply accept this as...

It’s no secret it takes work to make a family, well, work. Individual personalities, daily situations and family dynamics all play roles in the development of a successful relationship. These factors are even truer when trying to blend a family. As the adults the biological parent and stepparent must...

From birth to adulthood the idea of failure takes a dramatic turn for the worst! When babies begin trying to hold their heads up, roll over, crawl, pull themselves up and walk they are encouraged to “keep trying” and applauded for each attempt. Do they fail until they ultimately succeed? Absolutely! ...

If you’re the parent of a teen or tween, chances are you’ve wondered, half-jokingly, if your child hears anything you say. The reality is that there are over 6.5 million American children ages 12 to 19 living with some form of hearing loss — and much of it is preventable. Noise induced hearing...

I love that we have a day designed to celebrate love! And I enjoy finding creative ways to show the people in my life how much I care about them. This year, I’m sharing some ideas from the kitchen and from the heart so that you can put some extra L-O-V-E into your Valentine’s Day. L for a love letter you...

The school year is well under way but some students continue to struggle with reading. Even with the special help at home and at school, the hoped for gains remain out of reach. Parents devote extra time helping with homework and reading yet, out of frustration, might complain, “If only you would work...