Questions and Answers

You might have a question, a query or a dilemma that you and your family are currently dealing with.
Look through the list below. We have already provided hundreds of new insights and inspirations that have helped build stronger relationships between family members. Fill in the form so we can send you the full article. If you do not find a title that adequately describes your question, you are welcome to fill in the form and we will do our best to help with your inquiry.
Many of our "Q and A" have been published in Australian and New Zealand media. If the topic you are interested in has been published, we will refer you to that publication.
Look through the list below. We have already provided hundreds of new insights and inspirations that have helped build stronger relationships between family members. Fill in the form so we can send you the full article. If you do not find a title that adequately describes your question, you are welcome to fill in the form and we will do our best to help with your inquiry.
Many of our "Q and A" have been published in Australian and New Zealand media. If the topic you are interested in has been published, we will refer you to that publication.
Falling asleep crying can damage the baby’s brain
Research has shown that using techniques that let your baby fall asleep crying, such as “control crying” can result in serious neuroses.
Aggressive games
What is the limit? When do we have to say stop if the children are playing aggressive games?
Single mum or super mum?
Single mums are fighting against myths and a lot of prejudice. But what is true and what is false?
Everything for the kids?
The most important aspect of a child’s further development is that the parents treat each other with decency.
When the children have conflicts
It can be challenging for the parents when their children argue and fight with each other. Harmony, peace and calm is preferred. But conflicts are a very important part of their development, personally as well as socially.
Grown-up treated like a child
A father still sees his 50 year old daughter as a child. Now they cannot reconcile.
Interactions between the parents is the heart and nourishment of the family
A loving relationship between two adults is very much like a friendship or a long lasting business relationship. It is really about the chemistry between them. Yet, a loving relationship differs from all other relationships because it goes much deeper.
The evil mother-in-law
Her partner’s son has moved in. This has brought out some of her previously unseen and irrational sides.
The busy mother and wife
Mum is a busy career woman. She feels guilty because she is not able to pay as much attention to her husband as to her child. He is jealous but what can she do?
Chaos when shopping
What can mum or dad do when their little ones throw tantrums and turn into a monsters in the supermarket?
Dramas at the dining table
What can you do about a four year old who refuses to show proper manners at the dining table?
Taking sides
What is the solution if mum always sides with her son against dad?
Painfully honest
Children say things the way they are. This might be difficult listening to!
Nervous about starting school?
Supporting a worried and cautious child can be a balancing act between necessary support and overprotection.
Unfortunate experiences
Small things that happen every day might have serious consequences later on.
What is the difference between children and dogs?
Modern child raising and dog training have lots in common - but only to a certain extend.
Am I a bad mum?
Most children “demand” much more than they really need.
One child - two realities
When parents disagree with the teacher some good advice comes in handy.
A single parent has met a new partner
When a single parent falls in love again it is a good idea to wait at least 12 months moving in together.
Is dad present or absent?
What do you do if your child misses their dad who is never there?
Father and daughter in the new land
The daughter has to live up to our requirements in regards to education, work and independence. She also has to live up to dads demands regarding cultural customs. It wears her down.
Grandfather considerations
What happens in the mind of a family therapist when he become a grandfather?
Serviced-apartment or shared home?
Are teenagers who take their parents “service” for granted ungrateful users? Or is it the parents own fault?
From falling in love to loving
It is necessary to develop as a person to be able to love another person - regardless whether it is about loving a child or another adult.
A boy in the female dominated world
Children are controlled by adults almost all day long. First and foremost by women who won’t accept natural aggression.
He misses his mum a lot
The youngest does not like that his mum works so much. How can she deal with that?
Thank God for divorce...
She grew up with a dad who had some problems. Her parent’s divorce saved her dignity.
What should step-parents be called?
Is it right if the children call dad’s new partner for “mum”?
Is it all talk?
We have become better at talking to our children. But are we saying the right things?
How can you love a victim?
Your partner is still bitter with his ex-wife’s affair.
Not easy being a dad
Fathers often feel helpless in relations with their children.
Don’t run yourself down bringing up a teenager
Should we continue bringing up our children when they become teenagers? Yes, but in a different way.
I don’t feel loved
Is love a gift or an investment?
A battle against time
Stress is expensive - for children and for their parents’ employers.
Let your child get bored
Do parents have a responsibility to entertain and keep their children active during the holidays and weekends?
Little person - big responsibility
What to do when your child worries that something might happen to you.
“Wolf in sheep’s clothing” family
Sometimes a lot of suffering is hiding behind the perfect facade.
Do you have to be ill to be seen?
Either we take responsibility for ourselves - or we will become victims.
The wish-list is not a must
Parents are not obliged to get their children everything on their Christmas wish-list.
Amicable divorce for tall and small?
When a divorce is a relief for one or both parents it is easy to miss the children’s reactions.
The importance of shared meals
It is up to the adults to ensure that enough time is set aside for introducing proper table manners and calm around the dining table.
Between two families
He has two children and a very destructive conflict with his ex-wife. How can he save his new family?
Longing for a family
She is ready to start a family with her partner. How will she best prepare herself?
Son is a bully
Her 15 year old boy seems to be without empathy for those who are not as strong as him. As a result, he bullies them. What can his mum do about it?
Growing together
Parents and children grow through their interactions as well as through their conflicts.
Christmas in a mixed family
New family constellations require new thinking this Christmas.
When are our children adults?
Many parents continue to spoil their children even when the become adults.
When mum meets a new partner
Children need time before they will accept mum’s or dad’s new partner.
When all three children are boys
It isn’t easy to raise three boys. It isn’t impossible either.
When young people live in cyberspace
Is it a problem when children have an all absorbing interest? First and foremost, the adults must show genuine interest in whatever engages the child.
9 year old with showing midriff
Some young girls dress in provocative ways showing midriffs and wearing G-strings. Should parents and schools allow it?
A call for help from a mother with teenagers
The father is not able to deal with teenage problems. So how does the mother do it?
The upbringing which can split the family
Fathers cannot learn to be fathers from their children’s mothers.
Had enough of mum
When the mother criticises and puts down the children it might be time to cut all contact.
Dad is always angry
Dad’s anger and yelling destroys the atmosphere in the family.
Aggression - a necessary part of family life
Worries - the depressive aspect of love
Children’s need for attention
Children’s conflicts
The parents’ relationship is the heart and soul of the family
Relationships based on equal dignity
Being a children’s expert is not always a good thing
Empathy
Why is it not a good idea to praise children?
Is boredom good for you?
Fantasy, lies and silence
These are my boundaries
Whatever you want...!
What do I want to do and what do I have to do
What is “our” responsibility?
What is for dinner?
Leadership in the family
The importance of dinner
Dinner - much more than proteins
When children take responsibility
When the problem doesn’t go away
No! - a loving answer
No, I don’t want to brush my teeth
Pain in the family
The cost of co-operation
How to strengthen your feeling of self
Self-esteem and self-worth
Should children have duties?
Divorce or just separation?
Jealousy, envy and fairness
Disagreeing about how to raise the children?
How to take “good advice”
Partner first - parent second
Just 3 years old and already highly frustrated
Supporting self-responsibility is the responsible thing to do
Debunking the myths about the “terrible twos”
"Terrible twos”?
Responsible action or overprotection
Parents as “sparring partners”
The most important time to support self-responsibility
15 years old and deflated by praise
The teenage family
From loving feelings to loving behaviour
Single mum or super mum
Everything for the kids
Rewards don’t work
Always feeling guilty...?
Adopted and lonely
Setting limits for parents
Between two families
Welcome your child’s feelings
If nothing else works, try the truth
Research has shown that using techniques that let your baby fall asleep crying, such as “control crying” can result in serious neuroses.
Aggressive games
What is the limit? When do we have to say stop if the children are playing aggressive games?
Single mum or super mum?
Single mums are fighting against myths and a lot of prejudice. But what is true and what is false?
Everything for the kids?
The most important aspect of a child’s further development is that the parents treat each other with decency.
When the children have conflicts
It can be challenging for the parents when their children argue and fight with each other. Harmony, peace and calm is preferred. But conflicts are a very important part of their development, personally as well as socially.
Grown-up treated like a child
A father still sees his 50 year old daughter as a child. Now they cannot reconcile.
Interactions between the parents is the heart and nourishment of the family
A loving relationship between two adults is very much like a friendship or a long lasting business relationship. It is really about the chemistry between them. Yet, a loving relationship differs from all other relationships because it goes much deeper.
The evil mother-in-law
Her partner’s son has moved in. This has brought out some of her previously unseen and irrational sides.
The busy mother and wife
Mum is a busy career woman. She feels guilty because she is not able to pay as much attention to her husband as to her child. He is jealous but what can she do?
Chaos when shopping
What can mum or dad do when their little ones throw tantrums and turn into a monsters in the supermarket?
Dramas at the dining table
What can you do about a four year old who refuses to show proper manners at the dining table?
Taking sides
What is the solution if mum always sides with her son against dad?
Painfully honest
Children say things the way they are. This might be difficult listening to!
Nervous about starting school?
Supporting a worried and cautious child can be a balancing act between necessary support and overprotection.
Unfortunate experiences
Small things that happen every day might have serious consequences later on.
What is the difference between children and dogs?
Modern child raising and dog training have lots in common - but only to a certain extend.
Am I a bad mum?
Most children “demand” much more than they really need.
One child - two realities
When parents disagree with the teacher some good advice comes in handy.
A single parent has met a new partner
When a single parent falls in love again it is a good idea to wait at least 12 months moving in together.
Is dad present or absent?
What do you do if your child misses their dad who is never there?
Father and daughter in the new land
The daughter has to live up to our requirements in regards to education, work and independence. She also has to live up to dads demands regarding cultural customs. It wears her down.
Grandfather considerations
What happens in the mind of a family therapist when he become a grandfather?
Serviced-apartment or shared home?
Are teenagers who take their parents “service” for granted ungrateful users? Or is it the parents own fault?
From falling in love to loving
It is necessary to develop as a person to be able to love another person - regardless whether it is about loving a child or another adult.
A boy in the female dominated world
Children are controlled by adults almost all day long. First and foremost by women who won’t accept natural aggression.
He misses his mum a lot
The youngest does not like that his mum works so much. How can she deal with that?
Thank God for divorce...
She grew up with a dad who had some problems. Her parent’s divorce saved her dignity.
What should step-parents be called?
Is it right if the children call dad’s new partner for “mum”?
Is it all talk?
We have become better at talking to our children. But are we saying the right things?
How can you love a victim?
Your partner is still bitter with his ex-wife’s affair.
Not easy being a dad
Fathers often feel helpless in relations with their children.
Don’t run yourself down bringing up a teenager
Should we continue bringing up our children when they become teenagers? Yes, but in a different way.
I don’t feel loved
Is love a gift or an investment?
A battle against time
Stress is expensive - for children and for their parents’ employers.
Let your child get bored
Do parents have a responsibility to entertain and keep their children active during the holidays and weekends?
Little person - big responsibility
What to do when your child worries that something might happen to you.
“Wolf in sheep’s clothing” family
Sometimes a lot of suffering is hiding behind the perfect facade.
Do you have to be ill to be seen?
Either we take responsibility for ourselves - or we will become victims.
The wish-list is not a must
Parents are not obliged to get their children everything on their Christmas wish-list.
Amicable divorce for tall and small?
When a divorce is a relief for one or both parents it is easy to miss the children’s reactions.
The importance of shared meals
It is up to the adults to ensure that enough time is set aside for introducing proper table manners and calm around the dining table.
Between two families
He has two children and a very destructive conflict with his ex-wife. How can he save his new family?
Longing for a family
She is ready to start a family with her partner. How will she best prepare herself?
Son is a bully
Her 15 year old boy seems to be without empathy for those who are not as strong as him. As a result, he bullies them. What can his mum do about it?
Growing together
Parents and children grow through their interactions as well as through their conflicts.
Christmas in a mixed family
New family constellations require new thinking this Christmas.
When are our children adults?
Many parents continue to spoil their children even when the become adults.
When mum meets a new partner
Children need time before they will accept mum’s or dad’s new partner.
When all three children are boys
It isn’t easy to raise three boys. It isn’t impossible either.
When young people live in cyberspace
Is it a problem when children have an all absorbing interest? First and foremost, the adults must show genuine interest in whatever engages the child.
9 year old with showing midriff
Some young girls dress in provocative ways showing midriffs and wearing G-strings. Should parents and schools allow it?
A call for help from a mother with teenagers
The father is not able to deal with teenage problems. So how does the mother do it?
The upbringing which can split the family
Fathers cannot learn to be fathers from their children’s mothers.
Had enough of mum
When the mother criticises and puts down the children it might be time to cut all contact.
Dad is always angry
Dad’s anger and yelling destroys the atmosphere in the family.
Aggression - a necessary part of family life
Worries - the depressive aspect of love
Children’s need for attention
Children’s conflicts
The parents’ relationship is the heart and soul of the family
Relationships based on equal dignity
Being a children’s expert is not always a good thing
Empathy
Why is it not a good idea to praise children?
Is boredom good for you?
Fantasy, lies and silence
These are my boundaries
Whatever you want...!
What do I want to do and what do I have to do
What is “our” responsibility?
What is for dinner?
Leadership in the family
The importance of dinner
Dinner - much more than proteins
When children take responsibility
When the problem doesn’t go away
No! - a loving answer
No, I don’t want to brush my teeth
Pain in the family
The cost of co-operation
How to strengthen your feeling of self
Self-esteem and self-worth
Should children have duties?
Divorce or just separation?
Jealousy, envy and fairness
Disagreeing about how to raise the children?
How to take “good advice”
Partner first - parent second
Just 3 years old and already highly frustrated
Supporting self-responsibility is the responsible thing to do
Debunking the myths about the “terrible twos”
"Terrible twos”?
Responsible action or overprotection
Parents as “sparring partners”
The most important time to support self-responsibility
15 years old and deflated by praise
The teenage family
From loving feelings to loving behaviour
Single mum or super mum
Everything for the kids
Rewards don’t work
Always feeling guilty...?
Adopted and lonely
Setting limits for parents
Between two families
Welcome your child’s feelings
If nothing else works, try the truth
Copyright © June 2011. Reg BN98624372. ABN 40 320 317 064.