Previously, I asked the question, “What if we did marriage the way we do divorce?” The situation was somewhat silly, as the post was meant to inspire consideration. My true intention was to introduce a new question: What if we did divorce like we do marriage? Let’s start by reviewing a traditional wedding… when a couple plans their ceremony, they consult with various professionals. It’s likely they’ll visit multiple locations before deciding where to hold the event. They’ll spend some time at a bakery. They’ll price a few potential caterers and florists. Quite often, couples meet with a spiritual leader […]
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Parental Alienation… an Interview With Dr. Jennifer J. Harman
Jennifer J. Harman, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Colorado State University. I discovered Dr. Harman when I watched her TEDx Talk about Parental Alienation. While watching, I was intrigued because, unlike many professionals, Dr. Harman didn’t focus solely on the diagnosis of parents and children. She talked broadly about the societal stereotypes and how our attitudes about mothers and fathers allow alienation to take hold. I was fascinated and wanted to know more. A few weeks ago, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Harman. She told me that Parental Alienation isn’t just a Family Issue, it’s a […]
Continue readingMy Wish For You (Divorce Season 2016)
It’s that time again: the new toys have been put away; leftovers have been devoured and decorations packed up. As the kids head back to school, moms and dads are heading to their attorneys’ offices to begin separation proceedings. It’s true. Many couples made the decision to divorce towards the end of 2015, but they didn’t want to ruin the holidays for their families. The result is a predicted 300% increase in divorce inquiries this month. For those who’ve decided to evolve, apart, in 2016, I wish you the following… Self Care– Make a regular date to take care of […]
Continue readingThanksgiving And Divorce
From the time I was very young, my closest extended family members were a minimum two-hour drive away. With the exception of vacations, I saw them only on holidays and special occasions. Before my parents divorced, we had a routine for this time of year: Thanksgiving was always spent with my dad’s family, and we alternated Christmases between my mom’s and dad’s families. After the divorce, I assumed my holiday schedule would remain the same, and it did. For me, keeping the same routine was important for two reasons: In the beginning, there was a comfort in keeping the same […]
Continue readingWhat Does an Election Have in Common With Divorce?
In the shower one morning, as I was rinsing my hair, I mentally stepped back to notice the chatter going on inside my head. To my dismay, I realized I was deeply entangled in an imaginary argument with some family members. About politics. And what’s worse is that my imaginary argument was the continuation of a real discussion that took place two weeks prior. Two. Weeks. Prior. What’s wrong with me? A billion things have happened since then. I highly doubt anyone involved in that discussion is still thinking about it now. Why am I? Why aren’t I focusing on […]
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