Discover the surprising psychology behind gift-giving—why we give, how gifts impact relationships, and what emotions often surface on both sides of the exchange. From the hidden motivations that shape our choices to the cultural forces that influence generosity, this article explores how gift-giving can spark joy, create pressure, or deepen connection. Learn how to navigate the season of giving with more awareness, intention, and compassion.

Struggling with winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? You’re not alone. Winter SAD often begins in late fall and can quietly drain your energy, motivation, and sense of connection. From increased couch time and carb cravings to withdrawal and isolation, its symptoms can sneak into your routine before you even notice. The good news? With intentional habits—like building structure, using accountability, getting sunlight or UVB light, and reconnecting with people—you can interrupt SAD’s grip and reclaim your well-being. This article breaks down subtle warning signs, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you manage seasonal depression and move through the darker months with greater clarity and resilience.

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, nostalgia, stress, and emotional overload as families gather and old dynamics resurface. Many adults find themselves regressing into familiar patterns, navigating guilt, expectations, and the pressure to keep everyone happy. This guide offers practical “emotional PPE” to help you manage holiday stress with healthier boundaries, mindful coping strategies, and compassionate self-care. Learn how to set limits, reduce avoidance behaviors, create new traditions, manage expectations, and support your mood during a season that can be as overwhelming as it is meaningful. Discover tools to stay grounded, protect your emotional well-being, and move through the holidays with greater clarity, connection, and resilience.

Depression affects moms in very different ways depending on the season of motherhood they’re in. Postpartum moms may face hormone-driven mood shifts, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming exhaustion, while stay-at-home moms often struggle to recognize when normal chaos crosses into emotional depletion. For moms of teens or empty nesters, changing roles and identity shifts can trigger sadness, anxiety, or a loss of purpose. This article breaks down how depression can look at each stage, why it’s often overlooked, and the key questions every mom can use to better understand her mental health. No matter where you are in your parenting journey, recognizing these signs is the first step toward compassionate, meaningful support.

There are quite a few details people fail to share about parenthood with soon-to-be parents.  Like, for example, the fact that you will be required to make ALL KINDS of decisions.  Too many decisions, quite frankly. 

Many of us start summer with high hopes.  The days are longer, pool covers come off, and there’s a carefree vibe as school gets put on hold.  But summer can also present unique parenting challenges for those with high school and college-age kids.

Boundaries are an effective relationship tool — one that I became especially reliant upon after becoming a parent.

Guilt is an unavoidable part of parenting, but it doesn’t need to consume us.