Healthy Family Connections

In this podcast Neil and Robin respond to a woman whose daughter threatens to quit going to college, or harm herself when her parents don’t give her what she wants. Neil names this syndrome as Hostile Dependency and offers this mother clear guidelines and the healthy path forward.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit  

In this podcast, Neil and Robin respond to a question from Patricia, whose daughter is isolating more and more and seems to possibly be depressed. Neil provides insight into what may be happening and a path for getting the right kind of help for this family. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit  

In this podcast Neil and Robin respond to a woman on a quest to get healthy, who wants to  have a stronger voice with her husband. She's struggling with how her husband fights with their college age son and wants the pattern to change. Neil and Robin explore the many reasons things need to change, and they offer this inquiring wife and mother a way to get her voice heard. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

In this podcast, Neil, along with co-host Robin, reviews a question that Amy Dickenson responded to in her column at the end of December entitled, "Texas native should go home again." Neil provides insights into what can lead to family estrangement and offers support for people who may find themselves dealing with estrangement or family dysfunction.

Episode Description: In this podcast, Neil and co-host Robin respond to a mother who reports having debilitating anxiety. She's just been informed by the school that her son has not been going to classes and is failing his senior year. Mom is aware that her son is a competitive gamer with significant success, and she wants to address the school responsibility issues without undermining his passion. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

In this podcast, Neil and co-host Robin discuss three ways of being: self-oriented, self-centered and other-centered. Neil provides insight into how each of us is probably a little or a lot of each in our lives depending on our circumstances. But the most effective and mature way of being is self-oriented, and Neil gives us the ability to develop this as parents so we can raise self-oriented, healthy kids. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this podcast, Neil, along with cohost Robin Holland, responds to a mom struggling with two resistant teens and their weekend father. The theme of self-doubt takes center stage, and Neil and Robin offer a way to shift into a new mindset and action plan.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: This podcast is part two in a series providing the most effective way to end chronic relationship struggles. Neil and Robin do a refresh on part one from last week, and then offer a simple 2-step approach for having others listen and support your needs, too.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: What do you do when you’re struggling in a relationship and almost anything you say, ends up in an argument?  Neil explains how the pattern is the same in many different situations, what to do about it, and why it works.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: What do you do when your adopted young adult child can’t take care of themselves, you don’t want to put them out on the street, and you’re out of options? Neil, along with co-host Robin, respond to this mother’s dilemma, and discuss how adoption conditions and accurate assessments will impact child development. But all is not lost, as critical next steps are offered up.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: This episode responds to a mom who was hoping for a better school year with her now 15 year old ADHD son. But it’s the same old story of getting him to do his work, deciphering excuses, and withdrawing privileges. In this episode, Neil and Co-Host Robin explore the difference between trying to understand what’s wrong with a youth or the situation, to trying to understand what might be missing and what to do about it. It’s moving from a pathology based model to a wellness model with lots of optimism and ideas for this mom.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a mother who is confused about whether or not to require her 13 year old daughter and 9 year old son to visit or stay with their father.  While it’s clear from Mom that neither child feels emotionally safe, supported or even wanted by their father, she has felt compelled to go by the legal order or agreement. The discussion covers when and when not to require kids to go by a schedule and why, too often, women in particular don’t trust their own judgment.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a therapist looking for ways to deal with dads who expect their kids to do what they're told -- and become angry when they don’t get the response they expect. Neil shares his best strategies.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a woman concerned about her living situation with her partner and his young adult daughter. The daughter is not working or going to school, and has chased away other girlfriends of her father. Neil and Robin discuss the phenomenon of pathological enmeshment: what it is, where it comes from, and what to do about it.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a Mom whose 17 year old son doesn’t want to talk to her, and wants to move out as soon as he turns 18. This podcast explores the cultural elements of parenting as well as ways to interpret the expressions of teenagers and the opportunities for personal growth and healing as we grow our parenting skills.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a therapist looking for guidance about when to send or not send a depressed or anxious teenager to school. Neil clarifies the roles of parents, doctors, therapists, school personnel, and most importantly, an empowered role for the youth. Neil adds that the skills in Motivational Interviewing and CBT can be powerful tools for parents.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, discuss a New York Times article by Matt Richtel. It’s titled 10 Psychiatric Drugs While in High School, And She Was Far From Alone. The discussion looks at the medicalization of emotional issues and mental health, and explores ways to create a mentally healthier society for our youth. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to questions from a mom concerned that her efforts to offer advice to her adult children has led to hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Mother is Indian and reports that advice giving from elders is expected. Neil and Robin offer a new way for this mom to think about her adult children’s emotional needs and open up the discussion of cultural transformation.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to questions from a mom about her ADHD son who resists parental limits, stays up late on devices and overall, is going in the wrong direction. Neil offers a model that focuses on helping the youth grow his executive functioning skills and seeks to build a parent/youth coalition to that end. Neil suggests Dr. Honos-Webb’s book, 6 Super Skills for Executive Functioning as a resource for parents and teens.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit.