“Give a man a fish and he eats for a day.  Teach him how to fish and you get rid of him for the whole weekend.” - Zenna Schaffer
There’s more to that comical statement than we might think.  Do you spend time regularly by yourself, even just a few hours?  Are you over-parenting?  Over-working? Stressed?
The [...]

Step OUT of the Mad Zone!
Are you consequencing out of anger and impatience?
You’re going to be frustrated, expect it.  That’s a parent’s common emotion.   You want your children to do the right thing.  Frequently, they don’t.
Don’t give up on them, or yourself.  Step out of the moment, regain your composure, think it out.  Don’t shout.
I [...]

Marisue says:  ”Being willing to give your significant other some “space” is an important part of a long lasting relationship.  I think it’s a matter of respecting differences, and letting short time away help each person stay in touch with ’self.’  A clinging vine can feel choking.  ’Clocking-in’ and accounting for time away often makes us feel imprisoned.  Let freedom ring, [...]

For many years, I have talked with families about how to strengthen their bonds and relationships, both as spouses, and parents.  One characteristic of strong families continues to stand out among the rest.  Families who spend time together, are strong.  It’s that simple. 
As arguments and difference become evident, don’t avoid the issue or each [...]

Marisue says:  “I you think you just can’t go on, and divorce seems the only answer, I just say, pause and think a little longer.  If you are physically safe, and are not being emotionally abused, make sure you have given your marriage a full chance.  In my 31 years of marriage, I’ve probably thought I was at the end [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
The magic of a relationship is the day to day committment, and the attitude of having as much fun as you can along the way.  Sometimes our troubles distract us from the pure enjoyment of the journey together.  Take time sometimes to remember that you’re not alone, you can weather anything life throws at you [...]

Positive self talk is invaluable. Most of us feed ourselves a steady diet of negativity. Stop! Think well of yourself and your life. That’s an important step in making your relationships better. Begin with these concepts.

by Marisue Alsobrook
Troubled Teens are one of the biggest challenges in families today and even more so in foster families.  When I look back at our hardest and even worst days as a foster parent, I’m looking right into the eyes of troubled teens.  Not only are they hard to deal with, they can have a [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Judging and Sentencing
“Judge, jury, kids, parents, it can all be confusing.  Order in the home and order in the parenting, is a must.  What does that mean?  Planning and thinking about parenting ahead of the time of crisis is critical to parental “power.”  Predicting their behavior in their teens begins when their [...]