Dear Hidden Chapter, First, let me say how brave and hopeful it is that you and your boyfriend are ready to share your happiness with the world, even as his family is still navigating the waves of grief. Introducing a new relationship into a family mourning a significant loss is like introducing a new species into a delicate ecosystem. Success depends on patience, gentleness, and attentive observation. Remember, patience is not just a virtue; it's a necessity in this delicat

First, let's take a collective deep breath. If you're reading this, you've already done something incredibly brave: you've stepped into a story that began before you and hope to help write the next chapter. That takes courage, heart, and a willingness to be very uncomfortable for other people's sake. I know you have these things because I've been exactly where you are. When you're dating or married to a widower, the family's garden is already in full bloom...

By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT, published in A Parent is Born When was the last time you saw a group of kids running about outside in...

As parents, we often struggle to balance protecting our children and giving them the freedom to learn and grow independently. In our quest to raise successful and happy kids, we’ve turned to various parenting styles and methods, some of which have proven more effective than others. However, when teaching our children the most valuable life lessons, we should take a cue from the animal kingdom and look to the ultimate teacher: Mother Nature herself.