Listen to Understand, Not to Control
Would you like to strengthen your connections with your children? It can begin with a simple yet powerful shift in mindset: Listening to understand, rather than to control. When we communicate with children, it’s common to listen with the aim of responding or guiding them. But what if we focused instead
Navigating Empty Nester Syndrome
As our children spread their wings and leave the nest, we are often left with a bittersweet mix of emotions. Pride, joy, and anticipation for their future are intertwined with a sense of loss, loneliness, and uncertainty about our own and their lives. This emotional rollercoaster known as Empty Nest
How Hong Kong couples can navigate their child’s transition to university
As our young adults transition to university, we understand our relationship with them will evolve. What we may not be prepared for are the changes that can occur in the relationship between parents during this time. This change may be more profound if, for various reasons, one parent decides to
An open letter to fathers
Throughout my career, I've heard countless client stories from or involving fathers – some heartwarming, some challenging, and some complex. Most fathers enter into parenthood with the best intentions, striving to create a loving home. To the dedicated dads I've worked with, your pure love and unwavering commitment, even in moments
Connecting with your LGBTQ+ child
As a parenting instructor, one of the most profound questions I've encountered is: "What do I do when my child is exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity?" This question touches the core of parental love and concern, often revealing a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. Here's a step-by-step guide
Must our past define our present? Saving our relationships
“I’m a changed man and I want to lead a healthy life,” Michael shared, recounting the disconnect and disharmony between him and his three daughters pre-Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.): when they spoke, he silenced them; when they sought his attention, he dismissed them, and when they behaved in ways that
Chaos to connection: bringing harmony to the family home
My children’s behaviour used to confuse and frustrate me. I would shout at them if they left their school shoes and bags on the floor when they got home from school; I’d tell them to shut up if they cried because I found it too noisy, and I would hit
Riding through fear: a mother’s journey of trust
How can we let go of fear to parent with trust? Here, a mother shares her journey and the joys that came with it. "In the early stages of the pandemic when only outdoor activities were allowed in our state, my then-13-year-old son, Daniel, asked if I could take him to
New Year Resolutions: tips to make them stick
For many, a New Year represents an opportunity to reflect on the past year and resolve to improve in the year ahead. Yet, research shows many of us struggle to stick to our resolutions in part because they’re too broad and lack specificity. Take the resolution to ‘Yell Less’, for example. Like
Screens, sugar, and screaming matches
Mark once described himself as a nag. His every evening was spent yelling at his teenage children to eat less junk food and not bring their phones to the dining table. Shouting, threats, punishments – nothing seemed to break their habits and Mark, a single dad, began to dread going