Healthy Family Connections

How do you fight it when your 16-year-old son has several reasons to justify his smoking weed? In this week's podcast episode, Linda from LA shares her concern about her son's marijuana use and how he wants to keep using it because of it's perceived benefits. Listen in for: An examination of the Control Battle between Linda and her son Some advice for starting the conversation about weed with your teen How to make decisions as an empowered parent ... and more!   Visit our website for the full show notes: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/3-reasons-my-16-year-old-smokes-weed/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do when your husband criticizes you when you set limits with your teenage daughter? In this week's podcast episode, Denise from Kentucky writes to ask if her daughter will end up with an unhealthy view of marriage and is there something she should do about that. So this week on the podcast, I examine: How to become an empowered parent that's focused on your child's needs How to have an empowered conversation with your partner The importance of becoming an empowered leader in your family so that you can initiate and lead important conversations ... and more! For full show notes, visit our website: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/my-husband-pits-my-daughter-against-me/

What do you do, when your 15 year old son, turns even a simple request into an argument? Before we get to the question we’re answering today, I want to acknowledge the unbelievably difficult time we’re in. Between COVID-19 and the limitations it’s placing on our lives and the havoc it’s wreaking on the economy and the latest evidence of gross police brutality against Blacks, and the divisive behavior and lack of leadership from the President, it’s a horrible time. There’s lots of opportunity here to engage your teenagers and young adults in discussions of racism, institutional racism and with the whole subject of coping with crisis. Since we all know that it’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness, talk with your teenagers about lighting a candle. Is there a way they can reach out and help someone? Do they want to join the protest and how? What experiences have they had with racism? All white people need to know that being Black in America, means being seen suspiciously by Whites virtually

What do you do when your teenage daughter abuses everyone in the family and puts herself at serious risk? This week, I answer a question from a mom who is in a very dire situation with her teenage daughter. Her daughter, who is the oldest of four, is abusing everyone in the family and makes for a very uncomfortable living situation. No matter what Mom does, nothing seems to be working and she's at a loss for her next steps. Listen in for:  How to address abuse in the home How one person's behavior can put the whole family at risk Tips on how to make changes that last   Visit our website for the full show notes: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/abuse-trauma-and-risk/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do when your teenage daughter comes home from school one day and, says, “Don’t call me Janet. I’m a boy and my name is Jack”? This week, I answer a question from a psychiatrist who has had a handful of parents come to her sharing that their child has revealed they are transgendered. She sought out my advice on how to work with these parents and families. Listen in for:  Why coming out as transgender is a realization, not a choice Tips for how parents can react to this news in a positive manner   How to avoid the wrong kind of therapy and get it right   Visit our website for the full show notes: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/dont-call-me-janet-im-a-boy-now/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do when your autistic teenager wants to help anyone who comes up to him, breaking social distancing and putting himself at risk? This week, I answer a question from a mom who taught her son to be kind and generous. With the current pandemic, Mom is struggling to get her autistic son to understand why he can't help everyone and to keep himself safe. Listen in for:  How to teach kids to keep themselves safe Tips for explaining why social distancing is important How to use role-play to prepare your teen to set limits and stay safe    Visit our website for the full show notes: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/my-special-needs-teenager-isnt-safe/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

Given the current pandemic, counselors and counseling agencies are using video platforms rather than seeing clients in the office. But, is video counseling a less pleasant, compromised experience? For many years now, in addition to seeing folks in my office, I’ve been seeing people all over the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond. This week on the podcast, I share how video conferencing can be beneficial. Listen in for:  What the ultimate goal is for attending family counseling The advantages families have in using video How to overcome challenges with video counseling   Visit our website for the full show notes: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/does-zoom-therapy-really-work/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do, when your 12-year-old son has an undiagnosed neurological disorder that causes him to be angry, hostile, and has everyone in the household walking on eggshells? Today, we answer a question from a dad who is feeling defeated after trying everything he can think of to resolve the issue. Listen in for:  Understanding why humans thrive in a safe environment  The biology behind Control Battles How childhood trauma affects parenting and how to resolve it   Visit our website for the full show notes: https://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/your-control-battle-is-in-your-dna/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do when your daughter is hostile towards you and blames you for keeping her from her father? This week, I answer a question from a mom who is undermined by her ex-husband causing a strained relationship with her nine-year-old daughter. Listen in for:  How to recognize and accept different temperaments in your children Ways to make your difficult child feel loved and supported The importance of valuing yourself as a parent   Visit our website for the full show notes: http://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/disneyland-dad-undermines-my-parenting   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do when your teenage son, who is a talented athlete, handsome, and popular with friends, has turned hostile and taken up drugs and vaping? This week, we answer a question from a concerned father who is feeling frustrated with his son and doesn't know what steps to take next. Listen in for:  Signs of ineffective accountability in the home How to set an example for your kids to follow your lead The importance of setting the right tone with your teen   Visit our website for the full show notes: http://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/your-son-has-been-in-decline-for-too-long   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

With children, teens, and young adults out of school and home with their families, parents are facing unprecedented challenges. This week, I answer a question from a mom who is dealing with her son’s angry and oppositional behavior that is affecting the entire family.  Listen in for:  Effective strategies teachers use that you can implement at home The power of changing the tone in your household How to make everyone in the family feel valued   Visit our website for the full show notes: http://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/can-a-crisis-make-our-family-better/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

We're facing a difficult time right now. Many parents are wondering how best to get their teenagers to understand our current climate without instilling fear and worry. Today, I answer a question from a mom whose teenage daughter is treating her school closure like a vacation and expects to be able to hang out with friends. Listen in for:  Tips on setting limits during this time How we can make our teenagers feel empowered The opportunity we have to keep our family healthy   Visit our website for the full show notes: http://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/in-national-crisis-we-need-our-teenagers-best/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw

What do you do when you when your teenager suddenly goes from being close with Mom and Dad to exhibiting destructive behavior and a disrespectful attitude? Today, I answer a question from a mom whose 15-year-old daughter's behavior has been spiraling and she doesn't know what to do next. Listen in for:  The delicate journey teenagers take, especially at age 15 The importance of self-esteem and a positive identity for adolescent success Understanding teenagers' needs for limits and tips for how best to set them.   Visit our website for the full show notes: http://neildbrown.com/17-blog/podcast/mom-help-i-need-limits/   Follow us on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/NeilDBrownLCSW/ https://twitter.com/neildbrownlcsw https://instagram.com/neildbrownlcsw  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilbrownlcsw    

What do you do when you when your 15 year old, picks at the healthy foods you serve, and then pigs out on junk? We’ll talk about this and more on this week’s podcast: My Son Is A Junk Food Junkie.

In this episode Neil responds to a question from a single mother of four, and the oldest and youngest have a contemptuous relationship. She has tried to deal with it but her interventions have been unsuccessful and she’s wondering what if anything more she should do. Neil offers some approaches to family healing but most importantly, wants to empower this Mom to have her standards and values in the family respected and adhered to. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

In this episode Neil responds to a Mom struggling to limit her daughters’ cell phone use. She is frustrated that they always have a reason to have them since the cell phones serve so many functions. Neil explains the many documented down sides and risk factors from smart phone overuse and misuse and offers guidelines and a way to talk with teens to establish them. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

n this episode Neil responds to a Mom whose 18 year-old daughter has anger issues and is refusing to follow advice and go to counseling. Neil explains to Mom in explicit detail why sending her daughter for individual counseling will change very little and why and how going to counseling as a family will provide a healthy direction and hope for real change. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

In this episode Neil responds to a Mom wanting to implement a New Year’s Resolution in her family, that they demonstrate an attitude of kindness. She knows what she wants, but doesn’t know how to get through to the others. Neil applauds the goal and speaks to the virtues of goal setting, and then moves to help this Mom create a strategy to accomplish it. Neil helps Mom see how her default way of dealing with others and her husband’s way, are creating tension in the family that is the root of the family competition and stress. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

In this episode Neil responds to a Dad who has shared custody with an X-partner who is extremely emotionally unstable. He wants to know how having an emotionally unstable parent will affect his daughter and how to respond to her questions about her mother, without turning her against her mother. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit