Susan’s Sharings

How To Avoid Losing Your Cool With Your Kids
I love my kids, but I yell at them much more often than I'd like. What can I do to keep my cool when they act badly? This is one of my most frequently asked parenting questions! No matter how much we love our babies, the reality is that family life isn't always smooth...

Is it time to stop pushing?
Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were restful, even though I imagine that for some of you, the end of the holiday season may bring more peace and quiet! I had almost three weeks unplugged from my computer and it was heavenly. I played around with watercolor...

My Wish For You
'Tis the season,' as the saying goes. But the season for what? For some, the holidays are a time of love, joy, and laughter. Those of us fortunate to celebrate in comfort with loving friends and family may look forward to this time of year with happy anticipation. But...

Navigating Life With A Narcissistic Co-Parent
Several years ago, I discussed narcissistic personality disorder with Wendy Behary, an expert in the field, for a series I hosted on Co-Parenting Without Power Struggles. The response was surprising and overwhelming --- there is so much need for information on this...

Have you had any fun today?
If you have a moment, ask yourself this question: When was the last time you felt a silly, or laughed out of sheer enjoyment? When was the last time you did something completely unproductive...but light and joyful? If you can't remember the last time you had fun,...

Is Your Life A Little Cluttered?
I know this about myself: I love tidiness. I find it very comforting to be in spaces that are clean and organized. I also know this: I wasn't born a tidy person. Years ago, when I was a young mother with kids in and out of the house, I would often feel ashamed about...

Does Your Child Welcome Your Advice?
My husband and I have been watching a show which follows the reign of Queen Victoria from the time she learns, at the age of 18, that her uncle has died, making her Queen of England. Victoria is a strong young woman, but she struggles to determine which of her...

Children Need To Feel Seen
I have worked with thousands of parents and children over my career, and one of the most heart-breaking things I hear from kids is when they share how invisible they feel. These kids confess that nearly all the conversations they have with their parents focus on what...

Do You Have A Sensitive Child?
In her wonderful book, “The Highly Sensitive Child,” Elaine Aron talks about the fact that in every animal population,15 to 20 percent are on the impulsive end of the spectrum, and 15 to 20 percent on the sensitive side. In her great wisdom, Mother Nature has once...

When Mom’s Happy…
We've all heard the old saying, "When Mom's happy, everyone's happy." Maybe it's overly simplistic--and of course dads also knock themselves out to provide for those they love. But I believe there's truth in the notion that when we take care of ourselves, life is not...