My underlying fear, that under-the-surface-pops-his-head-up-every-once-in-awhile-to-throw-me-off fear is that I’m stupid. At least I’ve had this fear for the past fourteen years since being with my wife. Before that, I can’t remember if that was as much of a problem. Is that a sign of my … [Read more...]
Do We Have a Right to Know Who Our Parents Are?
Here is the question of the day: Is it better to know the truth even if it’s painful or is it better to live with the mystery looming in the back of our mind? This is the question I walked away with after watching Shazam (don’t worry, no spoilers here). For the record, I found this move … [Read more...]
Delay Living Together as Long as You Can
Please note: There is no judgement on my part for people who live counter to what I’m proposing. And I assume there’ll be some judgement from others to me, but not from you because if you’re reading this you’re clearly a wonderful person who would never do that. One of the biggest mistakes … [Read more...]
Why Someone Will Choose Work Over Their Family?
Hi, my name is Chad, and I am a recovering workaholic: (audience... at least the nice ones) “Hi Chad.” As a workaholic, trying to relax is generally more stressful for me than working; that makes total sense. But I’m a doer. I come from a family of doers, which is fantastic... and terrible... so … [Read more...]
Parenting Tips from Someone who Shouldn’t be Giving Parenting Tips
What’s an easy way to tick off a parent? Tell them how to parent, so... happy Mother’s Day. I’m going to give some parenting advice. After all, I am the parent of a 6 week old, so I clearly know what it takes to be a parent. Sarcasm aside (weird, right?), as a therapist who works with parents I … [Read more...]
How to be the Perfect Parent
Today I feel like ticking a few people off, so I’m going to do the thing every parent hates: Be someone without kids telling you how to be the perfect parent. Sure I have no practical experience as a parent, but why should that stop me from handing out my brilliant ideas. On the plus side, … [Read more...]
Do you wish your parents were proud of you?
I had an important realization this week. One of those moments where it was like “Man, I’m an idiot! How didn’t I see this before? It’s so obvious... now.” For most of my self-aware life a constant theme has been wanting to make my parents proud of me, especially my dad. This desire became even … [Read more...]
How to End War & Domestic Fights
Ending war is a lot like ending conflict with a spouse, which is very different than stopping a bully. In the typical bully situation, the victim needs to stand up to the bully to show he or she isn’t afraid and will do what it takes to stand his or her ground. What this means changes in the … [Read more...]