Family & Parenting

Potted plant with a taped piece of paper above it which says "hello, my name is (blank), and I'm a narcaholic."

A NEW TAKE ON LIFE

By Jessica Pottorff / May 10, 2023

We are born with social attachment points through how our parents try and mold us in childhood. Seeking a hit of certain neurotransmitters, children look for approval from their parents & will try to correlate their actions with positive responses. As adolescents, we replace parents with peers – oxytocin is released as a result of social belonging or validation.

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Rocks balancing on other rocks in front of the ocean

Financial Wellness

By Linda Wilcox / April 18, 2023

Money may be a little more on everyone’s minds this month with Tax Day right in the middle of April. Just like the need to eat and sleep, money is a piece of our everyday lives that plays a role in our overall wellness. Wellness is more than just physical health – it is multi-dimensional including physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, social, occupational, and financial health. Each area is interdependent and influenced by the others. When one area is out of balance or not working well, the other areas are affected, and all are vital for optimal health and well-being.

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Field of colorful, spring flowers with a circle in the center of the image to help highlight the word "mindfulness".

A New Take on Life | April Showers Bring May Flowers

By Jessica Pottorff / April 18, 2023

Mindfulness: I keep hearing this word both from my clients and on social media posts. When I think about mindfulness, I am reminded that within the span of a few minutes our human brains can have a dozen different thoughts which will cause all sorts of different emotions all at once. Depending on the type of thought, if we do not take them captive (2 Cor. 10:5) they can quickly spiral out of control and take us down paths that are not productive or healthy. Mindfulness means that we can maintain a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, body sensations and surroundings, through a gentle nurturing lens.

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Photo of a mom and child consoling each other. Text that reads, If not mom, then who?

If Not You Mom, Then Who?

By Jessica Pottorff / May 18, 2022

When a child, adolescent, or young adult is struggling with an addiction or a mental health issue, parents usually feel the need to jump in and fix the problem. While addiction is a family sickness, it seems that mothers are the most impacted by their son or daughter’s substance abuse or untreated mental health. Let’s look at how being compassionate can not only help you but also your child.

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20 Family and Parenting Books

20 Great Books about Family Dynamics and Parenting

By New Life Counseling / May 9, 2022

Do you feel lost? Are you struggling to connect with your children? Are you overwhelmed with the powerful tasks of parenting? Don’t worry. You are not alone. Whether your family is going through a huge life transition, or your teen won’t listen to you, we’ve gathered 22 great books on family dynamics and parenting. Hopefully,…

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8 Books about Emotions for Children

By New Life Counseling / May 9, 2022

The earlier we connect and understand our emotions, the better we will be able to respond to all kinds of situations. Emotions are valid. Mental health is important. Mental health matters. Let’s teach it to our children. Let’s help our teens understand mental health. When our children know how to express their emotions and speak…

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Navy and green background with gray and white circles. "Legacy Building" in large text. Text below that reads "What will you leave behind? What do you want to leave as your legacy?"

Legacy Building: What will you leave behind?

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / June 16, 2021

Your legacy is something that lasts long after you’re gone- it’s not just about money. It is the relational ideals, the intangibles, the attitudes, the Godly perspective, and principles that will guide them as they pass those qualities on to their children. What Legacy are you passing on this father’s day?

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Holiday grief at christmas New Life Counseling Blog Post

Grief at Christmas

By New Life Counseling / December 10, 2020

For many 2020 has been a year of cancellation, job loss, loss of community, and loss of loved ones. This holiday season can be a reminder of who will not be with us and traditions that won’t feel the same. Recognizing the grief you’re experiencing is important to processing and finding a path forward. Here are some tips and practical ways to deal with your grief this holiday season.

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Our-Thankful-Tree-thanksgiving-2020-family activity

Thanksgiving Gratitude

By Sarah Heimbruch / November 25, 2020

Why you too can be grateful for 2020 and a free Thankful Tree Gratitude activity download! “Reflect upon your present blessings- of which every man has many- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Charles Dickens Did you know that practicing regular gratitude not only improves your mental outlook on life,…

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suicide prevention month 2020 and helping your kids with their childhood anxiety- strategies and coping mechanisms.

You Just Have To Listen

By New Life Counseling / September 10, 2020

Child Anxiety and Suicide Prevention Month Studies show that parental depression and anxiety can have a potential long-term effect on kids; mental health problems are dramatically rising as a secondary effect of Covid19 and social distancing measures. Everyone is stressed and anxious right now, and that includes children. In this unprecedented time, we need to…

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