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15 Ways a Lack of Affection in Childhood Affects Adulthood

December 10, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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What happens when children grow up feeling unloved? Research shows that a steady stream of love is one of the most important things a child needs. Sadly, for all sorts of reasons, it’s not always what happens. Not getting the right care, attention, and encouragement can have a damaging knock-on effect in adulthood. Here are 15 traits commonly observed in adults who grew up with little affection: 1. Emotional Dysregulation Feelings are complicated to navigate for adults, let alone kids. When a child doesn’t receive the emotional support and guidance needed, they can struggle with emotional intelligence as an adult. …

10 Toxic Parenting Patterns That Harm Children for Life

December 1, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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Toxic parenting leaves a lasting imprint on children, shaping their self-esteem and emotional well-being long into adulthood. In the U.S., countless individuals grapple with the effects of these harmful behaviors, underscoring the urgency of breaking the cycle. Understanding these 10 toxic patterns is the first step to fostering healthier relationships and ensuring future generations grow up in supportive, nurturing environments. 1. Prioritizing Personal Needs Parents who prioritize their needs consistently place their desires, comfort, and preferences above their children’s basic requirements. They might spend money on luxury items while neglecting their children’s educational or medical needs or pursue their own …

15 Unusual Parenting Rules That Actually Had a Positive Impact

November 1, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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Growing up, many of us faced some strange rules set by our parents. These rules might have seemed odd at the time, but they often had a purpose. They helped shape your character, taught you important lessons, and prepared you for the world. As you reflect on your childhood, think about how these “rules” influenced your values and behavior. Were these quirky family rules part of your childhood? 1. You Had to Replace Curse Words with Euphemisms Using nice words instead of bad ones teaches you to communicate respectfully. It helps you think before you speak and find better ways …

13 Subtles Signs of Toxic Family Patterns You Might Have Thought Were Normal

October 21, 2024 by Martha A. Lavallie

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Growing up in a toxic family environment can leave lasting scars that may not be immediately apparent. While some signs of familial toxicity are obvious, others can be more subtle and insidious. Studies showed that nearly 80% of prison inmates had experienced toxic family environments by adolescence, while only a small fraction of university students reported similar experiences.1 Here are the 13 hidden indicators that often go unnoticed, yet they can profoundly impact a person’s emotional well-being and relationships well into adulthood. 1. Constant Apologizing Do you find yourself saying “sorry” for things that aren’t your fault? This habit often …

From January to December: The 12 Birth Month Colors & Their Meanings

October 17, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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Have you ever wondered if the month you were born has a special color associated with it? According to the book “Colorstrology: What Your Birthday Color Says about You” by astrologer Michele Bernhardt, each month is linked to a unique hue that reflects the personality traits of those born during that time.1 So, what does your birth month color reveal about you? 1. January: Caramel Characteristics: Intellectual, grounded, mature Meaning: Caramel promotes perseverance and a down-to-earth perspective. When to use it: Incorporate caramel shades when you need to buckle down and focus on a big project or goal. January babies …

8 Ways to Know if Your Child’s IEP is Working for Them

October 12, 2024 by Nancy Maffia

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If you have a child with special needs, you might have heard about an Individualized Education Program (IEP) An IEP is a plan created by the school that outlines your child’s learning needs and the support they will receive to help them succeed. It includes specific goals and services tailored just for your child. Here are ways to know if your child’s IEP is effective and helping them thrive in school. 1. Progress toward Goals Check if your child is making progress on the goals set in their IEP. You should receive regular updates from teachers or the school about …