When Your Kid’s Face No Longer Melts Your Heart: A Practice for Parents
The things I hear from parents about their ‘tweens and teens: “She can be so mean.” “When he’s in a bad mood, he dominates our family.” “ I love her but I don’t like being around her.” “I can’t stand how they talk to me.” “I’m embarrassed about how he acts and I worry what […]
The Power of a “Safe Haven Relationship”
Kerry here! Did you know renowned therapist Sue Johnson says adults have a fundamental need for “safe haven relationships?” This resonated deeply at the Attachment Theory conference I just attended. It perfectly captures the feeling every parent wants – to be that safe space for their child. Here are some practical tips I learned from various […]
How to get from “Don’t Therapize Me!” to Master’s Degree
Discovering your purpose in life and preparing for your future can be a daunting task, especially during the teenage years where everything can feel like it’s spiraling out of control. But what if we told you that there is hope, and that someday, you might even become the thing you despised the most? Read on as Kerry and her son, Palmer, share their journey from a tumultuous mother-son relationship to Palmer’s pursuit of a master’s degree in therapy, specializing in working with teens and families, and their insights on parenting. Learn how saying “yes” to life can help you find your purpose, and how honoring your child’s journey can build a foundation for a positive relationship.
Getting the ratio right with your kids
Palmer here! He’s got him wide open!!! Fans are on their feet!! He launches it down the field, the clock hits zero! HE CAUGHT IT!!!! They won the super bowl!!!! 🎉 I won’t say who I’m rooting for but I am pumped for the game today. 🏈 If you aren’t a football fan don’t worry, […]
The hidden message beneath your teen/tween’s behavior
Kerry here! As a mom, parent coach, and therapist of many years, I can tell you with 100% certainty that you are not alone if your kids’ attitudes and behaviors drive you nuts some days. You’re also not alone if you get triggered and are not proud of how you act at times. Yes, these […]
“Prepare” instead of “protect”
Palmer here! I was recently talking with a parent of one of my teen clients who asked, “How do I know if my son will turn out OK and make good decisions when he’s an adult?” The trick is to remember that you are raising future adults, not kids. Yes, you want them to go out into […]
What a police chase in Cambodia taught me
Palmer here! Wanna hear about one of the scariest moments of my life? I was in Cambodia being chased by the police… actually, I probably shouldn’t go into that story here with my mom reading these and all… ???????? (Note from Mama Kerry: Palmer, is this the same night that you jumped from the roof of […]
Parents, all I can say is “Wow, now I get it.”
Palmer here. If you’re a parent who keeps your family’s holiday ship afloat I want to make sure you hear this: THANK YOU ❤️ My wife and I were talking about how we only now have realized how much work it took for our parents to make the holidays happen. You parents somehow find a […]
Our mission at The Connected Family is to give you the tools and support that you need in building a close, connected family
https://youtu.be/Za64KsffSCc Palmer and I are here with a direct reminder that saying to yourself, my family needs to be better is always a symptom of a bigger problem. Not knowing how to keep your tween or teen talking to you and you’re, and worrying that your family isn’t as healthy as it could be, can be […]
How my mom transformed my antics into teachable moments 🤔
Palmer here. Just about every kid needs discipline, but some kids NEED discipline. I was in the NEED boat as I was a kid who saw it as a challenge to break just about every rule. We use the word discipline vs punishment – here’s why. 👇Discipline is not another word for punishment. Disciplining your kiddo means teaching them […]