Separation and Divorce: The First Seven Steps

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The decision to separate from your spouse is a difficult one. These 7 steps will help you to start moving forward.

We wait our entire lives to find "the one" - and at some point most of us find it. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out. Many factors can contribute to the decision to separate and it is one of the most gut-wrenching decisions, especially when kids are involved.  Will they be okay? Am I being selfish? Have I tried hard enough? Will I regret this?  There are so many questions and, ultimately, only time will provide those answers. Once the choice has been made, one major question seems ... Continue Reading

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Empower Yourself Into a New Relationship

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Four ways to put yourself first in a healthy relationship.

Whether you are single, one half of a couple, or somewhere in the middle - you have probably felt, at some point, that your needs are not being met.  Maybe you feel like what you want takes a backseat, or that your voice isn’t being heard.  While it's true that your partner (if you are in a relationship) may be taking you for granted, it's also possible that you aren't making your requirements clear.  People treat us now we allow them to treat us. If you want to feel more valued, you may ... Continue Reading

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After the Divorce: Helping Kids Accept Stepparents

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Learn how to navigate the addition of a stepparent to the family.

Separating and going through a divorce is hard for everyone involved.  Letting go of the dreams we had for our families is heartbreaking and the transitional period that immediately follows is typically pretty rocky.  Fortunately most families are able to find some stability in their new lives and, eventually, parents start dating again.  This can be hard for several reasons, most notably because moms and dads worry their children will feel as if they are trying to replace the other parent. ... Continue Reading

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Relationship Limbo: 5 Signs That You Should End It

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Five signs that you and your significant other may be on the outs.

No one likes talking about this - but not every relationship is meant to last forever.  That doesn't mean we should throw in the towel at the first signs of trouble - but there are some red flags that could signify taking a closer look at your relationship. Here are five signs that you and your significant other may be on the outs. Fighting More Than Ever Every couple has their moments, and most of us know what it's like to have some really bad arguments, especially if something stressful ... Continue Reading

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5 Step Plan For Children During A Divorce

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5 steps to guide you in protecting your child from divorce.

Divorces happen. Statistics report that almost 50% of marriages in America end in divorce. And many of those spouses have children ... children that can get lost in the shuffle and who suffer as much as, if not more than, their parents. Unfortunately, children who suffer during divorces can continue on a downward spiral into the future. They may indulge in unhealthy behaviors. They may seclude themselves from others and are often quiet and sad. Their performance in school may be poor. And ... Continue Reading

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7 Ways to De-Stress After Divorce

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Divorce is one of the more stressful life changes you can go through. Here are seven easy tips to help you de-stress after divorce.

Are you feeling battered, bruised and like you were just run over by a mack truck? Either you just had a monster work out or got divorced. Stress after divorce puts a huge strain on the mind, body and soul. And, let’s face it, if you don’t take care of yourself now, no one else will. How do you de-stress after your relationship ends in divorce? Here are 7 surefire tips that will allow you to let go and breathe easier so you can parent, function and get through the trying times and on the ... Continue Reading

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A New Trend … Divorce Ceremonies

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Do divorce ceremonies offer the chance to mourn and provide closure to a couple?

You’re invited. Come one, come all, to watch us end our marriage. There might even be wine and a buffet. It’s a party y’all! Sound like fun? Yes, there is a new trend emerging in Japan, called the Divorce Ceremony. It might sound like a joke, or maybe even a Saturday Night Live skit, but it’s happening and it’s real. The ceremony to mark a couple's ending of their marriage costs 55,000 yen ($690) and it includes a buffet meal, where the now exes sit at separate tables and ... Continue Reading