We began by identifying healthy boundaries and understanding why they are important in our lives. Next, we addressed reasons we have poor boundaries in our lives. Now the hard part comes, actually setting healthy boundaries. Just like with all new things, it will be a challenge at first and will get easier with time....
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Now that we have defined boundaries, let’s consider the origin of our boundaries. We have found that people develop specific rules surrounding boundaries based on several factors. Learned over time – As children, our parents or guardians teach us how to live in relationship. Our first ideas of boundaries are usually based on our...
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As a mental health professional, over and over again I see that poor boundaries are a source of much pain and anxiety. This blog is the beginning of a four-part series to help you: – define boundaries – understand the origin of your boundaries – create healthy boundaries – keep those boundaries Dr. Ryan...
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If you walk into any Office Supply or Value Mart store this week, you will quickly see that the shelves are lined with markers, crayons, notebooks, and backpacks, meaning one thing: it’s back to school time! Many parents are turning cartwheels at the fact that their kids now have a daily routine again. Teachers...
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The world is made up of many different types of people. Some people love to try new experiences and take risks. For other people, doing something new can be scary and intimidating. Many people even become paralyzed by fear or anxiety when they have to take a step forward into uncharted territory. At Water’s...
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As a mental health therapist, parents come to me with many questions about raising their teenagers. I hear comments such as “Am I making the right choice in this form of discipline?” or “Why did my teenager make this decision?” or “What am I doing wrong?” These can be some of the most difficult...
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This is a wonderful week of the year. We enjoy the extra time off work and celebrating with family and friends. We remember the freedom we experience in our country. We eat hotdogs, hamburgers, and cakes in the shape of flags. I love blueberries, strawberries, and cool whip! Even with all the celebrating, the...
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Everytime my 3-year-old says a word, it is like a party at my house. You will find my oldest daughter and me doing a dance, screaming, and giving high-fives to my youngest one. The reason being that she is speech delayed. She works hard to get words out. Though she does not say much,...
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When the heat rises outside, something rises in us too. Not only are our children getting hot, but we find ourselves as parents struggling to keep our own cool. The summer is a time to relax, yet it is a challenge to keep our children happy and content. Being around one another all day...
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Ready or not, summer is here. For children and teens the much awaited summer break means days of no homework, staying up later, enjoying the pool, and having much less structure to their day. For many parents, the summer break means lining up things for their children to do and trying to create some sense...
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