Family Relationships

Sinkholes are where the ground sinks under you without warning. My husband and I fell into so many of these sinkholes, I felt it necessary to share a warning with other blended families in hopes of helping people avoid these.

Parents often have a favorite child, no matter how much they deny it. Favoritism impacts how parents think, feel, and act towards their offspring. It also affects the kids. Here are the signs Mom and Dad are playing favorites.

Have a friend that is estranged from one or both of their parents? Here are a few things you should avoid saying to them, as well as three things they need to hear.

This sequel to "14 Signs You Have a Toxic Mother-In-Law" reveals if the relationship with a toxic mother-in-law can change for the better after you give her grandchildren.

I helped my sister get out of Scientology when she asked for help. If you lost a family member or friend to a religious cult, my story offers a way to help them.

Daughters of absent fathers (whether through death, divorce, or emotional neglect) often make the same mistakes, causing themselves immense anguish. By ignoring their anger, not being vulnerable, and blaming themselves, they can't move beyond their victimhood.

Maternal jealousy is a taboo topic that's rarely acknowledged, let alone discussed. Yet, most daughters feel their mom's envy at some point during their relationship. Others, though, experience it continually as their moms, threatened by their youth and beauty, perceive them as rivals.

Guidelines for visiting new parents with their baby in the first few weeks. Don't turn up unannounced, don't create extra work, be helpful and admire the baby.

Genealogy is a fun and informative hobby; however, it's easy to be misled if you aren't careful.

Discourtesy is old-fashioned. Let's bring good manners into style by showing respect to our parents.

Mothers with BPD frequently oscillate between over- and under-involvement in their parenting style.

Every day, hundreds of family ties are severed, and generally it's for lack of understanding and communication. How does one come to grips with such a sad outcome, yet live a happy, peaceful life? It's hard when judgment, misunderstanding, or societal expectations destroy a family's bond.

Unidentified photos of mystery ancestors are tempting to toss. Don't do it. Here are suggestions for those.

My Aunt's wishes were to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in the ocean. This is a visual detailed account of the burial ceremony carrying out her wishes.

Does your mother-in-law suck the joy out of your life and make you feel powerless? Then it's time to take your power back.

Your sisters are your first friends, but after you grow up and move away, how do you stay close? Here are a few ideas to help you keep your sisterly ties strong as you juggle life.