Parenting teens can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly fulfilling. Here are five ways to successfully parent teenagers:

Did you know that laughing has actual health benefits? Medical and mental health professionals agree that there are short-term and long-term benefits to laughter. Here are a few of my favorite reasons why we should all try to add more humor to our lives. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Bettina Lyons, shares ways that introducing laughter and silliness into your days can benefit many areas of your life.

Where are my people who can get lost even with a map? Even with step-by-step instructions? This is the story of my life. I am not a good tracker of time. I am not a good navigator. I cannot interpret maps. So, why did I think that I could plan a hike in California (across the country from where we reside)? I thought I could, so I did. This seemed like a great date idea for us. I planned for us to take what was described as a “moderate to strenuous” 3.3 mile hike that combined two hikes. It seemed simple enough. I did not communicate the directions well to my husband because I did not have them solid in my own mind. Even though I’m not a great navigator, this ended up still being a very fun experience. We can look back on this hike with fondness and laughter because we were able to communicate with each other with love and respect.

I really miss date nights with my husband. I miss getting ready to go out to eat or to catch some live music, or even just walking around downtown. My husband and I have always made time together a priority, but ever since this pandemic hit, we have found it more tricky to be deliberate with that “we time.” I have compiled a list of ten quarantine-style dates to help you find ways to connect with your partner.

How to listen like you mean it. “You’re not listening! I keep trying to tell you… “ or “You aren’t hearing me. How many times do I have to tell you…?” Do those sound familiar? Have you been the one to exclaim those types of statements? Or, have you been on the receiving end of those? Or maybe both. And, why does this happen in the first place?

How many of you date your spouse?

Why is this even important?

What does dating your spouse even look like?

Now that I have you thinking about this, and with Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, you may be saying these things to yourself:

Do I even want to go on a date with my husband or wife?

What will we talk about?

Who will watch the kids?

We can’t afford to get a sitter and go on a date.

Not that these are not important questions or thoughts…but so is having protected time with your spouse. How will your prioritize this? Who can you lean on to make this happen?