Mary is very close to her mom. So close, she can’t make a decision without checking with mom first. In fact, she worries that if something happens to mom, she would not know how to function. Is Mary’s tight relationship with her mom too much? Yes. This closeness doesn’t push Mary to develop an individual sense of…

Mom and dad are fighting. Mom turns to you and says, “Your father is unreasonable. Tell him he is being impossible right now.” You think, “Dad is being unreasonable. I see mom’s point. Should I say something and support her right now?” No, resist. The fight doesn’t involve you, but suddenly you are brought into…

We all want our children to grow up to be happy and successful adults. And we know that parenting has much to do with that success. So what have researchers found to be key issues in raising successful kids? Kids need to develop a sense of independence. Parents, help them by encouraging them to work…

“If he would stop being critical, I wouldn’t get so mad!” “If she would be more attentive to me, I might spend more time with her.” When we are upset, angry, hurt or ignored, our natural inclination is to blame the other person. We think, if they would only change, my problems would be solved. But…

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More from Beliefnet and our partners