Kids, Cars and the Bizarre

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction: This pre-teen started the engine alright, only it wasn't his engine, it was ours and it belonged to a white Ford in our driveway. Meet Johnny. He was 8 when he was placed in our home, a product of family incest and a victim of family sexual [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction:  If we're not in control of most of our happiness and attitude, then who is?  We CAN change how we think and react to life.  We CANNOT always control what life gives us.  Our hope, lies in our own thoughts and actions.  And always remember the quote from Abraham Lincoln,  "Most [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook 
Introduction: I believe that stress accounts for most of our attitude problems, most of our foul moods, lack of sleep, road rage, and illnesses.  We can reduce and elminate much of our stress, through many different behaviors.  By changing what we eat, adding regular exercise even in small amounts of time, adding some fun [...]

By Marisue Alsobrook
 
Introduction:  After parenting my own 3 children and over 250 foster kids, I have become a believer in the Family Meeting.  Do a little research, guides and examples are helpful, copy success of others at first, then do what works for you.  One Basic Rule and it will be repeated here often:  KEEP [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction:  Do you know people who always seem to be in a good mood, no matter what?  You think "They're lucky!  I wish I had their life!"  But, wait.  Take a closer look.  It's not luck.  It's choice.  Everyone has a back story. 
Learning From Your History
During my 18 years of parenting foster [...]

 by Marisue Alsobrook
 

Introduction:  Anger is a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be your whole life.  Angry as you may feel, you haven't invented the emotion and most likely your situation has links to others who have experienced something similar.  To know that you're not alone can be comforting news.
 
Anger has been [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction:  Teaching kids to set goals helps them see the progress they make and where they need to improve.  Self-evaluation also helps us be less sensitive to criticism; we are more able to see it as direction.  Just as using a road map to reach a destination, setting personal goals pushes us closer to [...]

By Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction: Linking ourselves to self control and anger management is necessary for happiness and healthy living.  For many, controlling anger is not easy. In fact, I think the energy and tension of anger can even be addictive. Strange as it seems, feeling mad, for some, feels good.  Think about those you know who are always [...]

By Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction: Anger Management sounds so easy.  Like ordering fast food, let's just have some.  Actually, it's a lifestyle, and because of that, anger management takes time to learn and "grow."  This fresh new attitude can be created with desire and determination.  It bears wonderful fruit.  The comfort zone that develops is so "good" [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction:  Do you have someone close to you who is in grief?  Are you struggling trying to talk to those in pain? I know you want to help. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing much.  Please avoid giving well meaning advice.  Listen.  Make comforting sounds.  Hug or don't hug.  Be there.  [...]