Interpersonal and Family Relationships

Sex

Why Sex Positivity Is Key for Mothers and Sons

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on May 16, 2022

The Talk. The birds and the bees. Sex. It’s a conversation most parents don’t want to have, but a discussion that all children need.

The Talk. The birds and the bees. Sex. It’s a conversation most parents don’t want to have, but a discussion that all children need.

Relationships

The Complicated Experience of Parent-Child Estrangement During the Pandemic

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on October 30, 2021

Sad that you had to remain distant from your family during the pandemic? For some, it's been a relief.

Sad that you had to remain distant from your family during the pandemic? For some, it's been a relief.

Self-Esteem

Overwhelmed? Help Others, Help You

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on October 13, 2020

Feeling overwhelmed? Need some help? Learn how you can set yourself up to receive high-quality supportive communication.

Feeling overwhelmed? Need some help? Learn how you can set yourself up to receive high-quality supportive communication.

Resilience

Resilience During Tough Times

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on September 6, 2020

Tired of feeling helpless and overwhelmed? Here are five communication processes that can help foster resilience during difficult times.

Tired of feeling helpless and overwhelmed? Here are five communication processes that can help foster resilience during difficult times.

Relationships

Pandemic and Between-Season Relationships

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on May 1, 2020

Having difficulty relating with the people in your own home during quarantine? Here are some tips backed by relational science.

Having difficulty relating with the people in your own home during quarantine? Here are some tips backed by relational science.

Resilience

Learning to Cope With Parental Alienation

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on January 25, 2020

Has your ex-spouse turned your child against you? Consider these strategies for remaining resilient during this distressing time.

Has your ex-spouse turned your child against you? Consider these strategies for remaining resilient during this distressing time.

Parenting

How Your Communication With Your Spouse Affects Your Child

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on December 31, 2019

Ever wonder how co-parenting with your (ex)spouse influences your child's well-being? A new research study explains how the ways in which you talk to each other matter.

Ever wonder how co-parenting with your (ex)spouse influences your child's well-being? A new research study explains how the ways in which you talk to each other matter.

Relationships

Caught in the Middle of Family Estrangement

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on November 28, 2019

Thanksgiving can be a distressing time for estranged parents and children. But what about their immediate family members? What is it like to be caught in the middle?

Thanksgiving can be a distressing time for estranged parents and children. But what about their immediate family members? What is it like to be caught in the middle?

Relationships

In Praise of Voluntary Solitude

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on October 31, 2019

Overwhelmed by life? Perhaps it is time for some voluntary solitude.

Overwhelmed by life? Perhaps it is time for some voluntary solitude.

Relationships

5 Messages First-Generation College Students Find Supportive

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on September 24, 2019

Is your child the first person in your family to go to college? Learn five supportive messages you can communicate to them.

Is your child the first person in your family to go to college? Learn five supportive messages you can communicate to them.

Divorce

Living with Your New Partner After a Divorce?

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on August 31, 2019

Are you thinking about moving in with a new partner after a divorce? Here are seven important things to consider.

Are you thinking about moving in with a new partner after a divorce? Here are seven important things to consider.

Relationships

Choosing a Family for Yourself

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on July 22, 2019

What do people do when their family is absent or insufficient? They create a family for themselves.

What do people do when their family is absent or insufficient? They create a family for themselves.

Relationships

But You Can't Choose Your Family, or Can You?

Kristina M. Scharp Ph.D. on June 30, 2019

It is said that you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. Parents and children in the process of estrangement challenge that assumption.

It is said that you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. Parents and children in the process of estrangement challenge that assumption.