“I love my kids, but I just need a break.”  This is the refrain I hear from dedicated, loving parents over and over again this past year.  It’s often said with a hint of shame for feeling so frustrated and fed up with the constant demands of parenting.  We live in a society that says we should love our kids unconditionally, and if we’re frustrated or annoyed by them, then[…]

conversation, communication

Talking with the people you care about most seems like something that should come easily.  And sometimes it does.  Sometimes the conversations feel relaxed, warm, and productive.  But at other times talking about something significant with the people we love feels like a daunting task.  Perhaps you end up spiraling around the same conversation that goes nowhere and leaves everyone feeling frustrated.  This is when learning a few effective communication[…]