Normal vs. Abnormal Teen Behavior - By Roy Petifils
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One of the hardest aspects for parents raising teenagers is understanding the difference between normal teenager behavior and unhealthy, abnormal teenage behavior. Parents ask me: “Roy, how do I know if what my teen is doing is a ‘normal teenager thing’ or if it’s something more serious? How do I know when I’m at the point where I should get my teenager some professional help?”
It’s normal for teens to become surly, withdrawn, and — let’s be honest — obnoxious. But how can you tell if your teen is being distant or showing the warning signs of anxiety and depression? How can you distinguish typical teenage behavior from dangerous red flags? |
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5 Tips to Improve Your Finances
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Depression, Fear, and Lies… OH MY! - By Linda Padgett
In my experience, depression is often fueled by fear and at the root of fear are lies.
Depression is not an illness for the weak minded. Sin and Godlessness is not the cause of depression. Struggling with this extremely common difficulty does not make a person inferior or damaged.
Though many individuals ignorantly spout their opinions that depression is something that has a controllable cause, evidence will show that it is no respecter of persons. People of any walk of life, any faith journey, or any level of contentment with their lives can walk through the darkness of depression at any time. Love, patience, and an opportunity to process his or her thoughts is what the struggling person needs, not a judgment call from someone who has never walked that path themselves. And, may I say, having a loved one who has suffered from depression, though it may help with compassion, is not the same thing as suffering yourself.
Depression is not an illness for the weak minded. Sin and Godlessness is not the cause of depression. Struggling with this extremely common difficulty does not make a person inferior or damaged.
Though many individuals ignorantly spout their opinions that depression is something that has a controllable cause, evidence will show that it is no respecter of persons. People of any walk of life, any faith journey, or any level of contentment with their lives can walk through the darkness of depression at any time. Love, patience, and an opportunity to process his or her thoughts is what the struggling person needs, not a judgment call from someone who has never walked that path themselves. And, may I say, having a loved one who has suffered from depression, though it may help with compassion, is not the same thing as suffering yourself.
By Chris Padgett
What would you ask Jesus for if he were standing right before you? Let’s not get overly spiritual and ask for: “all the children to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace.” (Think 1991, Steve Martin SNL bit.) If Jesus were standing before you, and you could ask from him anything, what would that be?
So often, we approach God with hesitancy, especially if our request is somewhat selfish or specific to us. It is as if we have to convince God that we, of course, want what would bless others first, and so we check ourselves and don’t ask God for anything. Maybe we don’t ask because we are afraid he won’t answer.
What would you ask Jesus for if he were standing right before you? Let’s not get overly spiritual and ask for: “all the children to join hands and sing together in the spirit of harmony and peace.” (Think 1991, Steve Martin SNL bit.) If Jesus were standing before you, and you could ask from him anything, what would that be?
So often, we approach God with hesitancy, especially if our request is somewhat selfish or specific to us. It is as if we have to convince God that we, of course, want what would bless others first, and so we check ourselves and don’t ask God for anything. Maybe we don’t ask because we are afraid he won’t answer.
“Isn’t it ironic that I was the one who wanted the divorce and you’re the one who ends up happy?” I ask David while standing in the doorway of my small two-bedroom house, watching his newest girlfriend help our two young daughters into the car.
“Who says I’m happy?” The right side of David’s mouth lifts a little. I always thought that this crooked smile of his was sexy. Still do, I guess. The expression always revealed David’s vulnerability and a tenderness that he didn’t often let show. I wonder if he ever smiles that way for the skinny blond currently leaning into his car to buckle our youngest, Charlotte, into her car seat.
My chest is heavy with disappointment and jealously as the realization of David’s intimacy with this woman hits. Woman, ha—she’s basically a girl.
“Who says I’m happy?” The right side of David’s mouth lifts a little. I always thought that this crooked smile of his was sexy. Still do, I guess. The expression always revealed David’s vulnerability and a tenderness that he didn’t often let show. I wonder if he ever smiles that way for the skinny blond currently leaning into his car to buckle our youngest, Charlotte, into her car seat.
My chest is heavy with disappointment and jealously as the realization of David’s intimacy with this woman hits. Woman, ha—she’s basically a girl.
Family Chronicles Video Series - By Chris and Linda Padgett
Parenting adult children, getting your family to Mass every Sunday, allowing video games in your house… these are just a few topics that are discussed in this fun video series featuring Chris and Linda Padgett. Each week, you have an opportunity to listen in as they share their experience and knowledge about any and all topics relating to marriage and family. Find these short videos on Catholic FAM’s Facebook Page or the Catholic FAM Youtube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the good stuff.
