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Time of India
28-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Raising emotionally stronger kids starts with THIS one habit most parents often overlook
Each year on May 15, celebrating the International Day of Families reminds us of the essential role families play—not only in our social fabric but also in the emotional development of individuals, especially children. An often underestimated aspect of this influence is the power of family conversations in building resilience in children. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It is not a trait we're born with, but one nurtured through experiences, relationships, and communication. Research increasingly shows that everyday parent–child communication plays a key role in helping children cope with stress, process emotions, and adapt to life's inevitable challenges. Communication within families does far more than pass information. According to Theiss (2018), families are fundamental in helping children build personal coping strategies. Through conversation, parents model how to navigate distressing events, teaching children not only what to think but how to think and respond during adversity. These verbal and non-verbal exchanges serve as templates for children to understand and regulate their emotions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en San Antonio De Areco (ver precio) Verisure Undo Two important psychological frameworks help explain this further. Gottman's Emotion Coaching theory (2001) emphasizes that when parents acknowledge and guide their children through emotional experiences, they promote emotional intelligence and resilience. On the other hand, parents who dismiss or criticize emotional expression may inadvertently teach children to suppress feelings, often resulting in poor coping mechanisms. Baumrind's parenting dimensions (1991) add another layer. They show how responsiveness (warmth and support) fosters emotional regulation in adolescents, while excessive control can lead to impulsivity and emotional volatility. In other words, resilience is more likely to flourish in an environment where children feel heard, validated, and supported rather than controlled or silenced. Beyond individual interactions, the family unit as a whole also plays a significant role in cultivating resilience. From a systems perspective, as Patterson (2002) outlines, resilient families adapt together to crises—be it financial hardship, illness, or other disruptions—by maintaining strong connections, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose. One powerful method families can use to foster this collective resilience is storytelling. According to researchers like Saltzman et al. (2013) and Robyn Fivush (2022), families that openly share stories—both joyous and difficult—tend to create a 'co-constructed family narrative' that helps children make sense of the world and their place in it. These stories become emotional anchors, building identity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of intergenerational strength. Even if adolescents seem disinterested, they are often absorbing more than we realize. As Fivush notes, teens frequently recall family stories and find them meaningful. These narratives help them understand their lineage, values, and the resilience embedded in their family's past. So, on this International Day of Families, let us reflect on the conversations we have at home. A simple story at the dinner table, an honest talk during a difficult time, or a shared moment of reflection can equip children with the emotional tools they need to face life with confidence and courage. Let us celebrate the power of conversation. By fostering dialogue that is supportive, responsive, and rich with shared narratives, families can raise children who are not only resilient but also equipped to face an unpredictable world. Keep talking. Keep listening. Keep telling stories. Resilience grows one conversation at a time. By: Dr. Vishal Ghule, Associate Professor of Psychology, Dean, School of Liberal Arts, MIT-WPU, Pune. How to ensure your teen's emotional well-being One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why So Many Marriages Fall Apart After the Kids Leave
No one tells you that 'empty nest' might also mean empty house, empty schedule—and, sometimes, empty marriage. For many couples, the departure of the last child marks not just a milestone, but a reckoning. Without the structure of school pickups, college prep, and daily distractions, some relationships are forced to look each other in the eye for the first time in years. And what they see isn't always love—it's distance. The kids leave. The silence grows. And suddenly, there's nowhere left to hide. Here's why so many marriages quietly unravel just when you'd think they'd be strongest. As highlighted in a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, couples often experience changes in marital closeness and identity when transitioning to the empty nest phase. For years, 'Mom' and 'Dad' came before everything, including the couple underneath. Their roles were clear, their days were full, and their connection was often sidelined for survival. When the kids leave, those titles vanish, and what's left can feel like a void. Without the shared purpose of raising children, some couples feel unmoored, even invisible. Rebuilding an identity as partners, not parents, requires time and intentional effort. But many discover they've forgotten how to be a couple without an audience. What once brought them together is now gone, and nothing new has taken its place. It's not that the marriage broke—it just atrophied. When children are in the house, a lot of couples hit pause on the hard stuff. Big issues get shelved. Tensions get swallowed. The home becomes a stage for peace at all costs. But conflict doesn't disappear—it waits. And when the kids leave, all those quiet resentments come rushing to the surface, raw and unresolved. Couples suddenly face years of detours they never took. And without distraction, there's nowhere to turn but toward the mess they postponed. Research published in Developmental Psychology by Katz and Gottman (1993) explores how marital dynamics can lead couples to outsource their emotional lives to their children, with long-term consequences for family relationships. In many marriages, kids become the emotional center. They're the source of joy, intimacy, and even validation. One partner (or both) channels their energy into the children instead of into each other. It feels noble at the time—selfless, even. But the long-term cost is disconnection. When the children are no longer there to absorb all the emotional energy, a void is left behind. Partners often realize they haven't been emotionally present for each other in years. And the distance is too wide to cross overnight. Marriage isn't static. People change—new dreams, new disappointments, new versions of the self. The strongest couples learn how to grow alongside each other, not apart. But many are so focused on the family unit that they forget to nurture the one-on-one bond. The departure of children acts like a spotlight on that forgotten space. Suddenly, they're sitting across the dinner table with someone who feels like a stranger. Not because either person did something wrong, but because they stopped doing the work. Love isn't lost—it's just outdated. For years, routine carried them: soccer games, work commutes, family dinners, homework help. It felt like connection—but it was often logistics. The rhythm masked the absence of true intimacy. They weren't necessarily in love; they were in sync. According to an article on couples often mistake routine and shared daily activities for true intimacy, which can mask the absence of a deeper emotional connection. When that rhythm disappears, so does the illusion of closeness. With no schedule to follow, they realize how little they know each other. The marriage wasn't sustained by love—it was sustained by movement. And now that it's quiet, the silence is deafening. The empty nest doesn't just create space—it triggers reflection. For many, it marks the halfway point of life, and questions start to echo: Is this it? Am I happy? Do I still want this? The answers aren't always easy—or aligned. In a comprehensive review published by midlife is described as a time when many parents experience empty nest syndrome, which often triggers reflection on life satisfaction and personal identity. Some realize they stayed together for the kids. Others realize they don't recognize the person they've become inside the marriage. Midlife isn't a crisis—it's a confrontation. And sometimes the most honest thing a person can do is admit they've outgrown what once fit. When children dominate a household, physical affection can take a backseat. Touch becomes practical—hugs for the kids, a pat on the back, a quick kiss goodbye. Over time, physical intimacy fades, sometimes to the point of extinction. It's easy not to notice when everyone's busy. As noted in a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, affection deprivation—such as the decline in physical closeness and touch in relationships when children dominate family life—can lead to increased stress, loneliness, and depression over time. But when the kids are gone, the absence of physical closeness becomes undeniable. There's no longer a buffer between their bodies and their silence. Reigniting touch after years of absence feels foreign. And without it, many realize how long it's been since they felt truly desired. Many couples learn how to manage a household, not how to communicate as adults. They talk about schedules, bills, and school calendars—but not about their feelings, their fears, or what they need. That worked while life was noisy. But in quiet seasons, shallow communication doesn't cut it. Without kids to orbit, conversations dry up. Some couples feel like roommates—efficient, functional, emotionally distant. And without deeper dialogue, there's no intimacy to fall back on. They don't fight because they don't talk. Behind many marriages is an unspoken imbalance. One person carries the mental and emotional weight—remembering birthdays, smoothing over conflict, checking in on feelings. The other coasts, often unaware it's happening. This dynamic can hold for decades—until the emotional laborer burns out. The kids leave, and the person who's been holding everything together decides they're done. Done carrying the weight. Done fixing the disconnection. And without that invisible glue, the whole thing cracks. Whether for religious reasons, financial reasons, or cultural pressure, many couples stay because leaving feels unthinkable. The kids provide cover—a reason to endure. The hope is often: It'll get better once we have time again. But time doesn't always bring healing. When the last child leaves, obligation isn't enough. It becomes clear that what held them together was duty, not desire. And that's not a sustainable foundation for what's supposed to be the next chapter. Between bedtime routines and grocery runs, many couples forget how to simply have fun together. Shared joy becomes a distant memory, replaced by teamwork and task management. Once the house is quiet, they have time—but not the muscle memory—for lightness. And sitting across from each other at dinner feels more like a performance than a pleasure. Enjoyment isn't just a luxury—it's an essential relationship. But too often, it's neglected in the name of responsibility. When there's nothing left to manage, many couples realize they forgot how to laugh, flirt, or dream. And without that, the relationship starts to feel more like an arrangement than a connection. While the family stayed centered, their ambitions may have quietly drifted apart. One leaned into their job, the other sacrificed their career—or maybe both changed in ways the other never really noticed. Success in one area sometimes masks growing emotional distance. And when there's no longer a shared mission, the separation becomes impossible to ignore. It's not about blame—it's about misalignment. People evolve, and sometimes the person they become isn't the one their partner signed up to grow old with. When the kids are gone, they finally have the bandwidth to look at each other and ask, 'Do we even want the same life anymore?' Too often, the answer is no. It's easy to mistake longevity for intimacy. A 25-year marriage looks impressive, but inside, it might be emotionally starved. Stability can create a kind of complacency, where showing up becomes the only thing expected. But presence doesn't equal partnership. When the scaffolding of parenting falls away, many couples are left with just the shell. No rituals, no shared dreams, no emotional glue. They've lasted—but they haven't grown. And in the stillness, that becomes impossible to deny. Today, leaving a marriage in your 50s or 60s is no longer shocking—it's almost expected. The term 'gray divorce' exists for a reason, and for many, it's liberating. Once the kids are grown, some realize they stayed far longer than they wanted to. Now, they have freedom, perspective, and fewer reasons to keep performing. Society has shifted. Starting over isn't shameful—it's often seen as brave. And for people who sacrificed their own needs for decades, the post-kid chapter becomes a second chance. For some, leaving isn't failure—it's finally choosing themselves. In some marriages, the truth is quietly brutal: the emotional connection never ran deep. Parenting masked the gap. Daily life filled in the silence. And over time, they convinced themselves it was enough. But when the kids leave, the emptiness becomes too loud to ignore. What held them together wasn't love—it was shared logistics, external focus, and sheer momentum. And faced with the rest of their lives, many people finally stop pretending that's enough.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Psychologist names the number one predictor of divorce: 'It is 93.6 per cent accurate every time'
A leading psychologist has revealed the four toxic behaviours that can destroy a relationship - and one small facial expression that could be a clear predictor of divorce. Dr John Gottman, a marriage and family counsellor and founder of the Gottman Institute, conducted one of the largest long-term studies on relationships ever undertaken. Through his extensive research, he identified criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling as the key conversation patterns that consistently ruin romantic relationships - calling them the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.' His research became the centre of a conversation on the popular Unplanned Podcast, where body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards told hosts Matt and Abbey Howard that Gottman could predict divorce with an astonishing 93.6 per cent accuracy, just by watching a silent video of a couple. 'Dr John Gottman is a marriage and family counsellor, and he did the largest marriage experiment ever done,' she explained. 'He brought couples into his lab, and if one member of the couple shows a one-sided mouth raise towards the other, he can tell you if they're going to get divorced - because he's looking for contempt.' According to Van Edwards, contempt is the most dangerous of the four behaviours because it lingers. 'Fear comes in a burst, and then you calm down. Happiness comes, and then you go back to normal. Anger comes, and then you calm down,' she said. 'But not contempt. If you feel scorn or disdain for someone else, and if it is not addressed, it festers and it grows. 'That is why at the end of a marriage you have two people who can't even look at each other.' She urged listeners to be on alert for signs of contempt and recommended a direct approach to diffusing it before it takes hold. 'Ask, "What's going on? Are you okay? What are you feeling? I want to be here for it." Because then you're giving air to whatever that contempt is so that it can be addressed,' she said. 'And then you can either fix it or become the enemy against it.' Van Edwards also shared her belief that all couples have the same three arguments, and learning to identify them can defuse tension before it escalates. 'You have to sit with your partner and figure out what are your basic root-level three arguments. 'That way when you're in an argument, even if you feel like you still disagree, you can say 'this is argument number 2 - we're in a stalemate on this one',' she said. In a 2019 article, Dr David M. Schneer of The Merrill Institute echoed Gottman's warnings, stating: 'Disgust and contempt are to a relationship what gasoline and matches are to a fire.' Dr Schneer outlined the subtle but unmistakable signs of contempt, from eye-rolling to mouth crimping. The professional also called attention to the 'Lint Picker' - someone who fidgets with their clothes or cleans their fingers while you're speaking, silently signalling disdain. He offered several strategies for de-escalating contempt, including: changing the topic to something more pleasurable, seeking common ground, using humour to lighten the mood. Dr Schneer also suggested disengaging entirely if the situation turns toxic. While love may be built on trust and communication, experts agree that it can be quietly undone by the creeping presence of contempt, often visible long before a single word is spoken.
Associated Press
27-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Path 2 Alignment Expands Offerings with Exclusive Therapy Services for High-Performers
Path 2 Alignment, LLC, a leading peak performance coaching and consulting company, has announced the expansion of its services to include exclusive therapy programs tailored for high-performing professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. United States, February 27, 2025 -- Founded by Dr. Nina Jefferson, a board-certified clinical psychologist and master-level NLP practitioner, Path 2 Alignment is now offering specialized therapeutic treatments alongside its successful coaching programs, offering a comprehensive approach to mental resilience and success. Bridging the Gap Between Coaching and Therapy for High-Achievers Recognizing a critical need in the entrepreneurial and executive space, Path 2 Alignment is pioneering an integrated approach using scientific methods including but not limited to psychology, behavioral modification, neurolinguistic programming, and peak performance methods. Dr. Jefferson, who has over two decades of expertise in clinical psychology and mindset coaching, designed this expansion to address the unique psychological challenges faced by high-performers—many of whom struggle with stress, burnout, and the pressure of always being the one others depend on. 'In the world of high-achievers, seeking help is often viewed as a weakness. However, real success comes from building mental resilience, breaking limiting beliefs, and aligning personal well-being with professional goals,' said Dr. Jefferson. Specialized Therapy Services Now Available In addition to its flagship coaching programs, Dr. Nina now offers therapy services specifically designed for high-performers seeking exclusivity, privacy, and scientifically backed treatments. These services include: Advanced Therapy for High-Performers – Tailored one-on-one sessions that address mental resilience, emotional regulation, and work-life integration. Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 3 Certified) – Evidence-based relationship therapy for high-achieving couples looking to strengthen their partnerships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) & Nightmares (CBT-N) – Specialized treatment for sleep-related challenges often faced by entrepreneurs and executives under extreme pressure. Exclusive Private Therapy for Executives & Entrepreneurs – Confidential, high-level therapeutic support designed for those in leadership positions who require a discrete and effective mental wellness solution. By introducing these offerings, Dr. Jefferson aims to bridge the gap between business success and mental health, ensuring that high-performers have access to the tools needed to sustain long-term excellence. Existing Coaching Programs Continue to Transform Entrepreneurs While expanding into therapy services, Path 2 Alignment will continue to offer its core coaching programs, which have already helped countless entrepreneurs overcome mindset challenges and achieve lasting success and peak performance. These include: Mind Your Business Program – A 12-week virtual coaching experience combining mindset training, entrepreneurial habit-building, and self-care practices. Breakthrough Immersions – A three-month intensive program, including a two-day transformational experience in Georgia, designed to eliminate limiting beliefs and negative emotions. Entrepreneur Evolution Community – A membership-based program providing ongoing learning, expert-led trainings, and accountability to help high-performers sustain success and work-life balance. With this holistic approach, Path 2 Alignment continues to redefine success by ensuring that entrepreneurs and executives not only excel professionally but also thrive personally. Addressing a Major Cause of Business Failure: The Mindset Factor Dr. Jefferson's journey from clinical psychologist to high-performance coach was deeply personal. Following a divorce that led her into entrepreneurship, she witnessed firsthand the struggles that many business owners face—not due to lack of skill, but because of poor mindset habits, low resilience, and burnout. If I didn't have this level of training, I may have quit from the push and pull of balancing life, adjusting to a divorce with children and building a business. 'I kept seeing talented entrepreneurs fail, not because they lacked knowledge or expertise, but because their mindset and habits were working against them. Your mindset can be your shackles or your freedom,' said Dr. Jefferson. This realization fueled her mission to create Path 2 Alignment, a company dedicated to reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape by integrating mental well-being with business success strategies. Shaping the Future of High-Performance Coaching & Therapy With the introduction of exclusive therapy services, Path 2 Alignment sets a new standard in mental resilience training for high-achievers. This expansion ensures that entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals no longer have to choose between personal well-being and career success—they can have both. 'Procrastination is not laziness; it's fear in disguise. When you remove fear and develop success-oriented habits, you unlock your full potential,' Dr. Jefferson added. With this innovative approach, Path 2 Alignment is not only transforming individual success stories but also reshaping the culture of entrepreneurship, where mental strength and business excellence go hand in hand. For more information or to schedule a free strategy call, visit About Path 2 Alignment Path 2 Alignment, LLC, founded by Dr. Nina Jefferson, is a premier peak performance coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, executives, and high-performers develop mental resilience, success habits, and work-life harmony. Combining clinical psychology, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), and entrepreneurial coaching, Path 2 Alignment provides a transformative experience that bridges the gap between personal growth and business success. The company's core services include the Mind Your Business Program, Breakthrough Immersions, the Entrepreneur Evolution Community, and newly introduced exclusive therapy services. Media Contact Owner, Path 2 Alignment Email: [email protected] Website: Social Media: Contact Info: Name: Dr. Nina Jefferson Email: Send Email Organization: Path 2 Alignment Release ID: 89154064 Should there be any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arising from the content provided in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our efficient team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is central to our commitment.
