The fall season is a wonderful time to plan those outdoor activities for your family. Wichita, Kansas has an amazing selection to choose from this weekend if your family doesn’t celebrate Halloween. There are hayrack rides, corn mazes, moonwalks, costume contests, pumpkin decorating and fireworks for just a few ideas. Listed below are some of the locations sponsoring these fall activities. You can visit their websites for more details.
A-Maze-in-Grace sponsored by Christ Community Church. There is a 13 acre maze, pumpkin decorating activities, wagon rides, and special treats.
Prairie Pines Pumpkin Days has a kid’s haunted house, corn maze, hayrides and a field of screams for older children.
Cox Farm Pumpkin Patch and Maze has all these activities plus hot-air balloon rides.
Family Fall Festival at Camp Hyde sponsored by the YMCA seems to have the largest assortment to choose from with live music, a bonfire, moonwalks, a magic show, costume contest, hayrides and fireworks.
The weather this weekend will entice everyone to spend the day outdoors enjoying nature. Bundle up your family for the fun as winter is heading our way.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Keeping children and pets safe this Halloween
Halloween has been a favorite holiday for children of all ages for a long time. On this one special night they can dress-up to be any hero or heroine they choose and receive a smorgasbord of candy at the same time. Halloween is also a night where people will play pranks or destroy property randomly. To keep your children and pets safe there are a few guidelines that all parents should consider.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has asked us to consider the following guidelines:
Choose costumes that are reflective, flame retardant and easy to move in.
Masks will hinder a child’s visibility so try make-up or hats as an alternative.
Children should have a flashlight, carry a cell phone and know how to call 911 in case of an emergency.
Younger children should be escorted by their parents. Older siblings should check in periodically to ensure their safety.
Children should stay in well lighted areas and remain on the sidewalks. They should never enter a home for their treat.
When your children return home sort through there candy and remove any suspicious items.
Unfortunately pets have been victims of Halloween pranks so if you plan to be away for the evening make sure your pets are safe in your home or garage. You will also want all your children’s toys and bikes placed safely in the garage to prevent theft or vandalism. If you have candle-lit pumpkin displayed you should never leave it unattended and place it on a sturdy table away from children and pets. Everyone can enjoy the festivity of this fall celebration if we think safety first.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has asked us to consider the following guidelines:
Choose costumes that are reflective, flame retardant and easy to move in.
Masks will hinder a child’s visibility so try make-up or hats as an alternative.
Children should have a flashlight, carry a cell phone and know how to call 911 in case of an emergency.
Younger children should be escorted by their parents. Older siblings should check in periodically to ensure their safety.
Children should stay in well lighted areas and remain on the sidewalks. They should never enter a home for their treat.
When your children return home sort through there candy and remove any suspicious items.
Unfortunately pets have been victims of Halloween pranks so if you plan to be away for the evening make sure your pets are safe in your home or garage. You will also want all your children’s toys and bikes placed safely in the garage to prevent theft or vandalism. If you have candle-lit pumpkin displayed you should never leave it unattended and place it on a sturdy table away from children and pets. Everyone can enjoy the festivity of this fall celebration if we think safety first.
Monday, October 26, 2009
"The year of the cougar"
Over the last decade we have seen a new dating trend evolve in our country. In previous decades it was referred to as a “May-December” romance. Today women over 40 years of age are dating men in their 20’s and 30’s. These women are confident, professional women who are financially strong and not seeking marriage or even cohabitation with their partner. They have been labeled “Cougars” and the media is portraying them in movies, television programs and even a Miss Cougar USA pageant.
A study published in the 2006 Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy reported that couples in the study felt that age difference mattered more to the outside world than to them. The men reported that they had been drawn to the relationship in the beginning due to the physical attraction. They also admired the confidence and maturity in their partner. The women did voice some fear about their insecurities of the aging process when having a younger partner. Overall the findings of the study summarized that older women where more open to younger men and were not concerned with race, religion or socioeconomic status.
A positive perspective with this new dating trend is that older women and younger men are more sexually compatible. Another consideration is the life-expectancy for women. The woman today will live an average of five years longer than men so a woman with a younger partner will not live alone for as many years. Also the wage gap has narrowed between males and females. Women today are now higher wage earners who can contribute more to household earnings. They are more self-sufficient and no longer believe in the fairy tale of a Prince Charming.
Most experts agree that successful relationships share common interests and have open, honest communication with each other. Age has become just a number and single people today are seeking a mature and stable relationship. So when you are searching for a new partner to date you may just want to throw your list of criteria away and open the door for new opportunities.
A study published in the 2006 Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy reported that couples in the study felt that age difference mattered more to the outside world than to them. The men reported that they had been drawn to the relationship in the beginning due to the physical attraction. They also admired the confidence and maturity in their partner. The women did voice some fear about their insecurities of the aging process when having a younger partner. Overall the findings of the study summarized that older women where more open to younger men and were not concerned with race, religion or socioeconomic status.
A positive perspective with this new dating trend is that older women and younger men are more sexually compatible. Another consideration is the life-expectancy for women. The woman today will live an average of five years longer than men so a woman with a younger partner will not live alone for as many years. Also the wage gap has narrowed between males and females. Women today are now higher wage earners who can contribute more to household earnings. They are more self-sufficient and no longer believe in the fairy tale of a Prince Charming.
Most experts agree that successful relationships share common interests and have open, honest communication with each other. Age has become just a number and single people today are seeking a mature and stable relationship. So when you are searching for a new partner to date you may just want to throw your list of criteria away and open the door for new opportunities.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The "Worried Generation"
The recession has families from all socioeconomic groups constantly monitoring their finances, stability of their employer and the needs of their family. Families who have faced lay offs, the loss of their homes and cars are learning how to start over again. These changes have children struggling with the stress of their parent’s financial concerns, changing schools and making new friends.
A nationwide survey by Wakefield pollster reports 74% of parents say the recession has increased stress in their families and 33% say their children have voiced their concerns about the economy. “Children whose parents feel fiscal anxiety are four times more likely than other children to feel upset about family finances.” Children are stating that they feel lonely and that there is no one to talk to about their family’s financial situation. Some specialists have labeled children of today the “worried generation”.
For some families a tighter budget can teach healthy lessons in the value of saving and learning the difference between “wants” and “needs”. Parents can spend time teaching their children how to comparison shop and get the most value for their money. They could also start their children with a weekly allowance for their chores and then have them use the money to buy items they may want. This would allow them to see how many weeks they have to work before they can purchase the item. This can also help children develop an appreciation for what they have.
Children learning how to cope with stress need a lot of support from their parents. Encourage your children to verbalize their fears and then normalize the situation as they have a tendency to exaggerate their fears. Then teach them how to cope with stress by to identifying healthy ways to release their stress with exercise, music, writing in a journal, reading or talking to a friend. This will empower them to search for answers to help themselves. It is impossible to predict the recession’s impact on children but we can help prepare them to adjust to whatever obstacles that they may face on their life journey.
A nationwide survey by Wakefield pollster reports 74% of parents say the recession has increased stress in their families and 33% say their children have voiced their concerns about the economy. “Children whose parents feel fiscal anxiety are four times more likely than other children to feel upset about family finances.” Children are stating that they feel lonely and that there is no one to talk to about their family’s financial situation. Some specialists have labeled children of today the “worried generation”.
For some families a tighter budget can teach healthy lessons in the value of saving and learning the difference between “wants” and “needs”. Parents can spend time teaching their children how to comparison shop and get the most value for their money. They could also start their children with a weekly allowance for their chores and then have them use the money to buy items they may want. This would allow them to see how many weeks they have to work before they can purchase the item. This can also help children develop an appreciation for what they have.
Children learning how to cope with stress need a lot of support from their parents. Encourage your children to verbalize their fears and then normalize the situation as they have a tendency to exaggerate their fears. Then teach them how to cope with stress by to identifying healthy ways to release their stress with exercise, music, writing in a journal, reading or talking to a friend. This will empower them to search for answers to help themselves. It is impossible to predict the recession’s impact on children but we can help prepare them to adjust to whatever obstacles that they may face on their life journey.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"Parenting by lying"
As children we all grew up with the fairy tales of Santa Claus and the tooth fairy. Our parents told us we wouldn’t grow if we didn’t eat our vegetables or drink all of our milk. Parents have also told children that bad things would happen if they didn’t brush their teeth or go to bed on time. Parents will lie to their children as a means of influencing their emotional state and behavior. When asked parents have stated that lying is acceptable under certain circumstances even though they don’t want their children to lie. This practice of selective lying can create a moral dilemma for your family.
The Journal of Moral Education reported in their September 2009 issue that “tall tales could give kids mixed messages at a time when they are trying to figure out how to navigate the social world.” The study also concluded that this practice could later harm the parent-child relationship. They then stated that “telling a 2 year old you don’t like their drawing is just cruel.” The research summarized that parents should search for alternative replies before resorting to the quick lie that could resolve the issue for that moment.
Parents are known to try different strategies when children become disruptive, especially in public places where they feel their parenting or child is being judged. Parents will search for a quick solution to the problem by bribing or telling a “white lie” to calm the situation. These “white lies” can cause long-term negative consequences when parents are teaching children about morals and honesty. Sending a “mixed message” that selective lying is allowable may not be the message you want your children to learn.
The Journal of Moral Education reported in their September 2009 issue that “tall tales could give kids mixed messages at a time when they are trying to figure out how to navigate the social world.” The study also concluded that this practice could later harm the parent-child relationship. They then stated that “telling a 2 year old you don’t like their drawing is just cruel.” The research summarized that parents should search for alternative replies before resorting to the quick lie that could resolve the issue for that moment.
Parents are known to try different strategies when children become disruptive, especially in public places where they feel their parenting or child is being judged. Parents will search for a quick solution to the problem by bribing or telling a “white lie” to calm the situation. These “white lies” can cause long-term negative consequences when parents are teaching children about morals and honesty. Sending a “mixed message” that selective lying is allowable may not be the message you want your children to learn.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sleep apnea in children
Our time of sleep is so important in restoring our physical and mental well-being. For our children, it is also an important time for the growth and development of their young bodies. It is currently estimated that 1 to 10% of children suffer from sleep apnea. Snoring and breathing through the mouth during sleep instead of the nose is the most common sign of this sleep disorder found in children. Some children may also gasp or display restlessness while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common which is characterized by a pause or momentary cessation of breathing.
Sleep apnea has been found to cause health concerns for children over their lifetime effecting their learning, behavior, growth and abnormal cardiovascular functioning. Severe obstructive sleep apnea will cause a chemical imbalance in the brain which affects children’s cognitive performance. This can lower their IQ even though they have the capabilities to learn. When children are sleep deprived they can become restless or hyperactive during the day as they attempt to remain awake. This can cause behavior problems in structured environments. Sleep apnea has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Cardiovascular concerns occur when there are long intervals of irregular oxygen flow to the brain, heart and other organs that interferes with the normal function of the body. It can also cause hypertension and high blood pressure.
A new study released July 2009 by Dr. Julie Weis of Kansas University has found that children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed will sleep better. The most improvement was noted six months after the surgery but follow-up data reports that the children were able to maintain their improvement over a two year span. Children had improved sleep habits and cognitive ability with reduced hyperactivity and defiance. If your child is displaying sleep apnea concerns then discuss this with your pediatrician for the options that would be best for your child. Then everyone can get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep apnea has been found to cause health concerns for children over their lifetime effecting their learning, behavior, growth and abnormal cardiovascular functioning. Severe obstructive sleep apnea will cause a chemical imbalance in the brain which affects children’s cognitive performance. This can lower their IQ even though they have the capabilities to learn. When children are sleep deprived they can become restless or hyperactive during the day as they attempt to remain awake. This can cause behavior problems in structured environments. Sleep apnea has been linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Cardiovascular concerns occur when there are long intervals of irregular oxygen flow to the brain, heart and other organs that interferes with the normal function of the body. It can also cause hypertension and high blood pressure.
A new study released July 2009 by Dr. Julie Weis of Kansas University has found that children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed will sleep better. The most improvement was noted six months after the surgery but follow-up data reports that the children were able to maintain their improvement over a two year span. Children had improved sleep habits and cognitive ability with reduced hyperactivity and defiance. If your child is displaying sleep apnea concerns then discuss this with your pediatrician for the options that would be best for your child. Then everyone can get a good night’s sleep.
Friday, October 16, 2009
How to survive infidelity
Affairs are common and happen for all kinds of reasons. Our culture seems to promote infidelities with our latest public figure being David Letterman admitting to his multiple liaisons. Research shows that men are primarily motivated by the lure of sex while women will seek emotional intimacy when having an affair. The National Science Foundation General Social Study (2008) compared data from 1991 to 2006 and found men aged 60 and older had a 28% infidelity rate while women the same age where at 15%. Men under 35 years were at 20% and women at 15%.
Once the partner has discovered the infidelity their emotions will roller coaster between anger and self-blame. Men view infidelity as a statement about their manhood. They will become angry and have more difficulty moving past the affair. Women feel more violation if the male became emotionally attached to the woman her husband had the affair with. Both individuals must try and make sense of the infidelity and determine if they want to work on their relationship. This means all of the lies must stop and both individuals will have to work through the pain and guilt of the affair. Finally if the couple chooses to move forward they must start by rebuilding trust with each other. Trust in the relationship has been deeply damaged and the couple must communicate honestly about their relationship daily to repair that trust.
Most couples will need marital counseling to guide them through this process of healing and forgiveness. The violated partner will need to be strong and give the relationship time to heal. Work on nurturing yourself and striving to do things as a couple again. Infidelity is a huge mistake that can be used to evaluate and learn how much you love and value your partner. Only when both partners are committed in the relationship will the marriage be able to survive this violation of trust.
Once the partner has discovered the infidelity their emotions will roller coaster between anger and self-blame. Men view infidelity as a statement about their manhood. They will become angry and have more difficulty moving past the affair. Women feel more violation if the male became emotionally attached to the woman her husband had the affair with. Both individuals must try and make sense of the infidelity and determine if they want to work on their relationship. This means all of the lies must stop and both individuals will have to work through the pain and guilt of the affair. Finally if the couple chooses to move forward they must start by rebuilding trust with each other. Trust in the relationship has been deeply damaged and the couple must communicate honestly about their relationship daily to repair that trust.
Most couples will need marital counseling to guide them through this process of healing and forgiveness. The violated partner will need to be strong and give the relationship time to heal. Work on nurturing yourself and striving to do things as a couple again. Infidelity is a huge mistake that can be used to evaluate and learn how much you love and value your partner. Only when both partners are committed in the relationship will the marriage be able to survive this violation of trust.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Understanding male depression
Men in our country have the cultural expectation of being in control or the “tough guy” when facing a crisis. Expressing their emotions or feelings is considered more of a feminine trait. Therefore men can be reluctant to express their depressive symptoms as they can see it as a threat to their masculinity.
The National Institute of Mental health reports that 6 million men and 12 million women are affected by depression each year. While it may seem that males are less affected by depression they may be just undiagnosed due to repressing their symptoms. Symptoms of male depression can include violent or abusive behavior, over involvement in work or sports, inappropriate rage and risky behaviors. Men also have a tendency to mask their symptoms with alcohol or substance abuse. Depression has been known to affect the male sexual desire and performance. They also report physical symptoms of headaches, digestive problems and chronic pain.
Untreated depression can lead to personal, family and financial difficulties. Men will resist mental health treatment due to concerns with the stigma that it could damage their career or lose the respect of their family and friends. If you know a male that is struggling with depression encourage him to seek treatment with a physician or mental health professional. He may need support from medication management and to learn healthy coping skills in counseling to elevate his mood when struggling with depressive symptoms. There are many effective treatments for depression today so don’t think that you have to “tough” it out on your own. Choose today to get help and have a better quality of life.
The National Institute of Mental health reports that 6 million men and 12 million women are affected by depression each year. While it may seem that males are less affected by depression they may be just undiagnosed due to repressing their symptoms. Symptoms of male depression can include violent or abusive behavior, over involvement in work or sports, inappropriate rage and risky behaviors. Men also have a tendency to mask their symptoms with alcohol or substance abuse. Depression has been known to affect the male sexual desire and performance. They also report physical symptoms of headaches, digestive problems and chronic pain.
Untreated depression can lead to personal, family and financial difficulties. Men will resist mental health treatment due to concerns with the stigma that it could damage their career or lose the respect of their family and friends. If you know a male that is struggling with depression encourage him to seek treatment with a physician or mental health professional. He may need support from medication management and to learn healthy coping skills in counseling to elevate his mood when struggling with depressive symptoms. There are many effective treatments for depression today so don’t think that you have to “tough” it out on your own. Choose today to get help and have a better quality of life.
Monday, October 12, 2009
The spanking debate
Spanking children has always been a controversial issue in parenting. You can find experts that will support each side of the debate. Research has previously reported that 90% of the families in America have spanked their child at sometime in their life. A new study released in the September 2009 journal Child Development reports that early and frequent spanking before the age of one will increase aggression in a child by two years old. At three years of age you will see a delay in the child’s socio-emotional development. The study was performed by researchers at Duke University with 2,573 toddlers from a Head Start program that worked with young mothers from a low socioeconomic group.
Lawrence Diller author of The Last Normal Child argues that more parents should consider spanking to expedite behavior improvements in young children. Other experts will say the best use of spanking is between ages 2 to 6 when milder discipline tactics like time-out fail. All experts agree that spanking under the age of 2 years is inappropriate as it could cause physical injury, hurt the relationship, increase aggression and is not effective with this age group.
The good news for parents is that when you praise the positive behaviors seen in your children it has consistently worked better than punishment when trying to change or correct behaviors. Your praise should be meaningful and specific about the behavior you want to reinforce. Make sure your praise is frequent and is reinforced with a smile or hug. You can also reward positive choices with an extra bedtime story, delay bedtime for a half hour, prepare a special snack or allow a special privilege. Parenting each child can be a challenge but positive discipline will keep your relationship strong and make your children feel unconditionally loved by their parents.
Lawrence Diller author of The Last Normal Child argues that more parents should consider spanking to expedite behavior improvements in young children. Other experts will say the best use of spanking is between ages 2 to 6 when milder discipline tactics like time-out fail. All experts agree that spanking under the age of 2 years is inappropriate as it could cause physical injury, hurt the relationship, increase aggression and is not effective with this age group.
The good news for parents is that when you praise the positive behaviors seen in your children it has consistently worked better than punishment when trying to change or correct behaviors. Your praise should be meaningful and specific about the behavior you want to reinforce. Make sure your praise is frequent and is reinforced with a smile or hug. You can also reward positive choices with an extra bedtime story, delay bedtime for a half hour, prepare a special snack or allow a special privilege. Parenting each child can be a challenge but positive discipline will keep your relationship strong and make your children feel unconditionally loved by their parents.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Parenting and fairy tales
Disney is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. Generations have grown up watching their classic movies that appeal to all ages. Watching the creations of Disney can be entertaining but also leave us with many myths to ponder. Most females in our culture grew up believing there is a prince for each of us to find and then we will live happily ever after together. There is also the villain step-mother that is portrayed as evil and only wanting to hurt her step-children. In the movies, as the characters face a problem they would just sing a song and then happiness would return.
Disney is currently re-releasing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Blu-Ray which has been restored for today’s audience. This story is centered on Snow White who is the step-daughter to the Queen. The Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty so she orders her huntsman to kill Snow White. Snow White discovers the wicked plot against her and runs away into the forest and lives with the Seven Dwarfs. She takes care of them until the Queen finds her and tricks her into taking a bite of a poisonous apple. Snow White then falls asleep until her Prince gives her a kiss and carries her off to live happily ever after with him.
Watching these videos with your children can give you the opportunity to discuss these myths and clarify any questions that they may have. As you discuss the story you can point out how the Queen’s jealousy eventually killed her. You could also talk about what other strengths Snow White had besides her beauty. Snow White’s role in the story was to take care of all the dwarfs. Today women have the opportunity to pursue any career of their choice and finding happiness isn’t centered on finding your prince charming. Blended families can discuss the villain of the story the “wicked stepmother,” and reassure the children that it is only a story. You can then converse about all the things that they appreciate about their step-mother.
Movies are entertaining and fun for families to watch together. Disney movies have memorable characters, music and animated features to enjoy. Helping your children understand the difference between fantasy and reality will help clarify “who is the fairest of them all.”
Disney is currently re-releasing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Blu-Ray which has been restored for today’s audience. This story is centered on Snow White who is the step-daughter to the Queen. The Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty so she orders her huntsman to kill Snow White. Snow White discovers the wicked plot against her and runs away into the forest and lives with the Seven Dwarfs. She takes care of them until the Queen finds her and tricks her into taking a bite of a poisonous apple. Snow White then falls asleep until her Prince gives her a kiss and carries her off to live happily ever after with him.
Watching these videos with your children can give you the opportunity to discuss these myths and clarify any questions that they may have. As you discuss the story you can point out how the Queen’s jealousy eventually killed her. You could also talk about what other strengths Snow White had besides her beauty. Snow White’s role in the story was to take care of all the dwarfs. Today women have the opportunity to pursue any career of their choice and finding happiness isn’t centered on finding your prince charming. Blended families can discuss the villain of the story the “wicked stepmother,” and reassure the children that it is only a story. You can then converse about all the things that they appreciate about their step-mother.
Movies are entertaining and fun for families to watch together. Disney movies have memorable characters, music and animated features to enjoy. Helping your children understand the difference between fantasy and reality will help clarify “who is the fairest of them all.”
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Impulsive spending
Millions of Americans today overspend to give themselves a momentary emotional lift or escape from the stress they experience in their day to day life. If you have engaged in an impulsive purchase, you have also experienced that moment of happiness later turn into remorse and guilt.
Financial troubles are known to trigger or exacerbate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. The impulsivity of purchases often occurs with individuals who have suffered a traumatic loss and are searching for a way to fill the emptiness that they feel. Scientists identify this impulsive behavior as an “activity addiction” like gambling, eating or sexual disorders. These activities can affect the brain chemistry the same way that alcohol and drugs do to give you a brief “high” that alleviates the stress when overspending. This continued self-destructive behavior can result in a large credit card debt, unpaid bills and marital distress.
When you decide to make a purchase stop and ask yourself if this purchase is a “need or want”. If the purchase is a need then determine how the purchase will effect your budget or current lifestyle. After you have answered these questions, then research the product so that you will receive the ultimate quality for your dollar. This process will help you from making the decision impulsively and without regret. When reviewing your finances you may determine a need for professional assistance to discuss your options. Consumer Credit Counseling has helped many individuals and families regain control of their finances. There is also Debtors Anonymous that has support group meetings or there are mental health professionals that specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and change the self-destructive behavior patterns that have been identified. Seek the help that you need so that you can have the quality of life that you deserve.
Financial troubles are known to trigger or exacerbate mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. The impulsivity of purchases often occurs with individuals who have suffered a traumatic loss and are searching for a way to fill the emptiness that they feel. Scientists identify this impulsive behavior as an “activity addiction” like gambling, eating or sexual disorders. These activities can affect the brain chemistry the same way that alcohol and drugs do to give you a brief “high” that alleviates the stress when overspending. This continued self-destructive behavior can result in a large credit card debt, unpaid bills and marital distress.
When you decide to make a purchase stop and ask yourself if this purchase is a “need or want”. If the purchase is a need then determine how the purchase will effect your budget or current lifestyle. After you have answered these questions, then research the product so that you will receive the ultimate quality for your dollar. This process will help you from making the decision impulsively and without regret. When reviewing your finances you may determine a need for professional assistance to discuss your options. Consumer Credit Counseling has helped many individuals and families regain control of their finances. There is also Debtors Anonymous that has support group meetings or there are mental health professionals that specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and change the self-destructive behavior patterns that have been identified. Seek the help that you need so that you can have the quality of life that you deserve.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Sudden divorce syndrome
You will probably never see this diagnosis in the DSM IV (which is the diagnostic tool all clinicians use to diagnose mental health issues) but Sudden Divorce Syndrome is experienced by thousands of families every week. Married couples who have launched their children suddenly realize they no longer have anything in common with each other or have completely quit communicating and one day into the house and say “I want a divorce.”
In a 2004 poll by the AARP one in four men who were divorced stated that they “never saw it coming.” Only 14% of divorced women stated that the divorce had been unexpected for them. The U.S. Commission on Child and Family Welfare report that women will file for divorce on an average of 66% of the time. The report states that when women make up their mind that the relationship is over, they stop talking about the relationship. The confusion for men is that if there is no communication on the issue they believe everything is fine in the relationship.
No matter who ends the relationship, divorce can be devastating to the physical, mental and financial well-being of all family members. How can a person avoid Sudden Divorce Syndrome? One way is to work on your marriage while it can still be salvaged. Statistically, end-stage marriage counseling is rarely successful. Try to appreciate your partner each and every day. Find time for a date night or spend a special evening together. Most importantly communicate the love you share for each other and how it has grown or changed over the years. When you hit that bump in the road and need additional help do not hesitate to seek it. Contact your pastor or marriage and family therapist immediately for assistance.
In a 2004 poll by the AARP one in four men who were divorced stated that they “never saw it coming.” Only 14% of divorced women stated that the divorce had been unexpected for them. The U.S. Commission on Child and Family Welfare report that women will file for divorce on an average of 66% of the time. The report states that when women make up their mind that the relationship is over, they stop talking about the relationship. The confusion for men is that if there is no communication on the issue they believe everything is fine in the relationship.
No matter who ends the relationship, divorce can be devastating to the physical, mental and financial well-being of all family members. How can a person avoid Sudden Divorce Syndrome? One way is to work on your marriage while it can still be salvaged. Statistically, end-stage marriage counseling is rarely successful. Try to appreciate your partner each and every day. Find time for a date night or spend a special evening together. Most importantly communicate the love you share for each other and how it has grown or changed over the years. When you hit that bump in the road and need additional help do not hesitate to seek it. Contact your pastor or marriage and family therapist immediately for assistance.
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