Why is it that so many couples are unable to agree on things to do together? I am continually saddened to see couples from their 40’s plus in distress because either him or her want to ‘do things’ in their free time or even when they plan to retire. One partner may want to trek, ride a camel, go white water rafting, parachute, anything that takes some effort or energy. [...]
While we are often attracted to the person's outside appearance when we meet, does this slowly dissolve into loving what they have on the inside only? Does it remain relevant to want an attractive body to love? Time is often not kind to our bodies. Gravity takes over, skin becomes looser; children scars are noticeable, weight often increases and hair can disappear into baldness. Sure we can whinge and whine [...]
Dubbed Australia’s Lifestyle Doctor, Dr Karen Phillip is gearing up for a tour of several DYMOCKS stores to share her invaluable advice and help people build stronger relationships. As well as being a regular on Channel 9’s TODAY show and Radio 2GB, Dr Karen is a leading relationship expert, media commentator and professional Counselling Psychotherapist. Karen has a wealth of experience, both as a counsellor to thousands of couples, [...]
Many parents struggle with this question. When do we bring it up, what age is appropriate, how do I not damage my child by giving them this intimate information? Learning about the body and then sex, is a normal part of learning. It is usually the parent that has the issue with this, not the child. How then do we address this to ensure our child is correctly informed; [...]
I was asked to write about how parents can stop their child interrupting them. I consulted on this for Essential Child. It is often a daily occurrence that can drive parents crazy. Please have a read and follow the easy steps to get the outcome you want, and have your child wait… While being interrupted is a part of life when your children are little, there comes a time when they can [...]
I have done a few interviews this past week regarding Grandparents babysitting their grandchildren and the strain it can place upon them. I have attached an article below from Seniors Magazine reflecting this. Yes there are times parents need the Grandparents to assist them out with childcare however when did the responsibility leave the parent to care for their own children. When we decide to become a parent we must [...]
Phone 'phubbing' is a new word to describe snubbing your partner by using your phone while ignoring them. Do you phone phubb your partner? When we ‘phubb’ someone, we are saying ‘You are not as important as what is going on on my phone’ and placing that person second to an inanimate object. It takes away the time we should be spending with our partner discussing their and your day and spending [...]
Should you continue to ‘work’ on it? Marriage or a committed relationship should not be hard; it should be easy, loving and happy. Sure you hear all about needing to ‘work’ at the relationship but what does this mean exactly. I actually dislike the term ‘work’ on the relationship or ‘relationships take work’ and we hear this often. I believe those that say this have either not had a happy, [...]
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a breakup, everyone will have an opinion on how best get over it. Your parents will remind you there are ‘other fish in the sea’, your friends will encourage you to get over your ex by getting yourself a diversion for the night, taking you out and getting you too drunk to remember him. While your friends and family mean well their actions [...]
We have a new generation of adult children remaining in the family home. We ask – why won't my adult child leave home? There are a few reasons this could be occurring and reasons parents need to consider if they want their older children to move out and become independent. Parents can consider the reasons why their adult child may remain at home: I do everything for my child so [...]
We have a sad literacy rate and many children struggle to learn. This is not the teachers’ fault but can be attributed to either the lack of educational pursuits from their parents or the way the child actually learns. I know many schoolteachers, as I am sure most of us do. Yes they do an amazing job and have to tolerate belligerent parents and defiant children almost every day yet [...]
Raising a teen can certainly be challenging at times. Why is it they suddenly seem moody, hysterical, throw dreadful tantrums, start being sneaky around us and exclude us from their lives? Is this the beautiful child I raised and what happened? How can I speak with or treat my teen so they stay calm, focused and friendly? How can I spend time with them so they don’t feel I am [...]
