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Anger
Unloved Daughters and the Necessity of Anger

Peg Streep on March 2, 2024

Anger can become an issue for those raised in dysfunctional families. Managing it becomes part of the process of healing.

Anger can become an issue for those raised in dysfunctional families. Managing it becomes part of the process of healing.

Parenting
6 Things Estranged Parents Must Do Before Reconciliation

Peg Streep on February 6, 2024

Familial estrangement has been called an "epidemic" and a "fad" but it's likely we're just finally talking about it. Let's look at what estranged parents can do to fix things.

Familial estrangement has been called an "epidemic" and a "fad" but it's likely we're just finally talking about it. Let's look at what estranged parents can do to fix things.

Parenting
Why These 5 Myths About Motherhood Hurt Everyone

Peg Streep on January 28, 2024

The myths about motherhood are so ubiquitous that we may not even be aware that they motivate people's words and actions. What are they and how do they end up being so influential?

The myths about motherhood are so ubiquitous that we may not even be aware that they motivate people's words and actions. What are they and how do they end up being so influential?

Family Dynamics
Why Parents and Adult Children Must Maintain Boundaries

Peg Streep on January 12, 2024

Today, parents are more involved in the lives of their adult children, and familial estrangement is rising. Here are some ideas for how to troubleshoot a strained relationship.

Today, parents are more involved in the lives of their adult children, and familial estrangement is rising. Here are some ideas for how to troubleshoot a strained relationship.

Parenting
Parents and Younger Adult Kids: Defining the Word "Toxic"

Peg Streep on December 12, 2023

New attention has been paid to the family ties that don't hold up under pressure. Let's look at the word "toxic" and its impact on parents and their young adult children.

New attention has been paid to the family ties that don't hold up under pressure. Let's look at the word "toxic" and its impact on parents and their young adult children.

Child Development
Healing From Childhood: Finding Your True Self

Peg Streep on November 30, 2023

People sometimes say they lost sight of themselves, but it's not unusual for children in dysfunctional families to do just that: They may not know who they are.

People sometimes say they lost sight of themselves, but it's not unusual for children in dysfunctional families to do just that: They may not know who they are.

Stress
9 Ways to Make the Holiday Season Less Stressful

Peg Streep on November 16, 2023

Studies show that the holidays are a mixed bag for most people. These tips could make your season smoother and maybe even joyous.

Studies show that the holidays are a mixed bag for most people. These tips could make your season smoother and maybe even joyous.

Family Dynamics
8 Things to Know if You Are Thinking About Estrangement

Peg Streep on October 27, 2023

More and more attention is being paid to adult-child/parental estrangement, especially on social media. What you need to understand if this is something you're thinking about.

More and more attention is being paid to adult-child/parental estrangement, especially on social media. What you need to understand if this is something you're thinking about.

Family Dynamics
5 Myths About Adult Child-Parent Estrangement

Peg Streep on October 18, 2023

After years of being a taboo subject, family ruptures have come out of the closet. But is there really an "epidemic" of estrangement? These myths could provide the fuel.

After years of being a taboo subject, family ruptures have come out of the closet. But is there really an "epidemic" of estrangement? These myths could provide the fuel.

Relationships
6 Habits Unloved Daughters Need to Break

Peg Streep on October 1, 2023

Daughters who aren't loved and supported in their families of origin often develop maladaptive behaviors as a way of coping. These behaviors can trip you up in adulthood.

Daughters who aren't loved and supported in their families of origin often develop maladaptive behaviors as a way of coping. These behaviors can trip you up in adulthood.

Self-Esteem
Why Self-Acceptance Can Be So Tough for Unloved Daughters

Peg Streep on September 20, 2023

Do you constantly tear yourself down when things go wrong? Are you able to recover when things go south? Your emotional resilience hinges on your ability to accept yourself.

Do you constantly tear yourself down when things go wrong? Are you able to recover when things go south? Your emotional resilience hinges on your ability to accept yourself.

Family Dynamics
The Facts About Sibling Estrangement

Peg Streep on August 31, 2023

The culture idealizes sibling ties, but the reality is that many siblings report not being close, and as many as a quarter of them may experience estrangement. Here's why.

The culture idealizes sibling ties, but the reality is that many siblings report not being close, and as many as a quarter of them may experience estrangement. Here's why.

Motivation
Is a Verbal Abuser Likely to Change?

Peg Streep on August 20, 2023

Verbal abuse tends to be consistent in a toxic relationship but there are often "honeymoon" periods as well. It's at these moments that people ask: Will he/she change?

Verbal abuse tends to be consistent in a toxic relationship but there are often "honeymoon" periods as well. It's at these moments that people ask: Will he/she change?

Empathy
Why I Was Wrong to Hate Barbie Dolls

Peg Streep on July 28, 2023

She's been the subject of controversy since 1957 but perhaps it's time to take another look at the Barbie doll and why she raises such ire.

She's been the subject of controversy since 1957 but perhaps it's time to take another look at the Barbie doll and why she raises such ire.

Relationships
Why Unloving Mothers Have "I'll Fix It" Daughters

Peg Streep on July 25, 2023

Being helpful is one thing but becoming a parent's rescuer is another. Daughters of unloving mothers may find it hard to stay balanced.

Being helpful is one thing but becoming a parent's rescuer is another. Daughters of unloving mothers may find it hard to stay balanced.

Child Development
The 'Invisible Cliff' Experiment and Maternal Power

Peg Streep on July 16, 2023

An infant relies on her mother for many things pertinent to her development. One experiment revealed the surprising depth of a mother's power and influence.

An infant relies on her mother for many things pertinent to her development. One experiment revealed the surprising depth of a mother's power and influence.

Relationships
2 Kinds of Verbal Abuse and the Damage They Cause

Peg Streep on June 10, 2023

Verbal abuse need not include yelling. Going silent can be both manipulative and abusive. Take a close look at verbal abuse, the forms it takes, and the effects it has.

Verbal abuse need not include yelling. Going silent can be both manipulative and abusive. Take a close look at verbal abuse, the forms it takes, and the effects it has.