Friday, April 5, 2013
The local psychologists provides advice to readers in his monthly column.
Merging His and Hers Financial Planning Dr. Mike, I work for the government and the Sequestration is something that is very real to me. My husband is completely oblivious to our reality and is still spending like everything is okay. For him it is life as usual as he continues to purchase electronics and plan for a pricey family summer vacation. How do I knock some sense into him that the Sequestration is real? R in Loudoun County R, Perhaps your husband is oblivious to your shared financial situation, or he may be in denial over it because it is consciously too much for him to handle. Moreover, our financial situation as a nation just does not seem to make sense, which may also be influencing his response to you. Think about it, …
Monday, February 4, 2013
The doctor takes on this month’s string of questions and offers of advice.
Harnessing Political Headwinds in the Family Dr. Mike, I really enjoyed your interview with CNN reporter, Moni Basu, last week. I think your views on President Obama and Congress were very balanced and respectful. I am writing because I could use your help. My husband and I voted for Mitt Romney, and while I have moved on to accept Mr. Obama as my president, my husband remains bitter. He refers to Mr. Obama as “Captain Clueless,” “Obamanation,” “The Socialist,” etc. I am concerned since our 10-year-old son is now repeating some of those derogatory nicknames, and, to my embarrassment, in public. I’ve told my husband that he needs to curtail his negative, political statements around the kids, but he is adamant in his position that our …
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The doctor answers questions that often come up at the holidays.
Debating the Santa ‘Lie’ Dr. Mike, My husband feels that we should not lie to our 3-year-old child about Santa Claus. He is concerned that our child will resent us for it later and that it will compromise her trust in us as parents. He says he “wants to prepare her for life” as soon as possible. I, however, can’t stand the idea of raising our child in a Santa free environment. He and I grew up with childhoods that included Santa at Christmas, so his over the top pragmatism just doesn’t make any sense to me. I also have such fond memories of Christmas and want the same for our children. Thoughts? S in Loudoun County S, I do not think your husband is seeing the forest for the trees, as the old saying goes. I suppose Santa is “a lie,” and for…
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Readers ask about a range of concerns from hairdos for 4-year-olds and family travel to loaning baby clothes and diagnosing our children.
Dr. Mike, Our son is 4 years old, and I would like to grow out his hair since I think it would be a great look for him. I’d also like to do some streaks or highlights for added effect. My husband, on the other hand, doesn’t want our son to have long hair since he fears others will think he looks like a girl or is different. I keep trying—unsuccessfully—to convince my husband that it’s the 21st century and that he is being old-fashioned. What do you think? I in Loudoun County I, I don’t think either of you are right or wrong in your positions, but I would ask you to think through your motivation for why you want your son to have long and color-treated hair at age 4. Whenever we as parents do anything to make our children appear noticeably…
Monday, March 5, 2012
The doctor tackles an array of topics that many Loudoun residents likely face.
Divided Over LCPS' Excessive Tardy Policy Dr. Mike, What is your position on Loudoun County Public School’s action to take parents to court for their children’s excessive tardiness? My husband thinks it was the right decision; that all parents have a duty and obligation to make sure their children get to school on time. He refers to the two families who have been charged as being “special” since these parents do not appear to feel they have to abide to the same rules the rest of us need to. I see his point but feel that the Loudoun County Courthouse isn’t the forum to settle the matter. It seems extreme and aggressive on the part of the school system. O in Loudoun County O, As you likely know, the story was recently hot in the media with …
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The doctor offers advice on a range of issues facing families in Loudoun County.
Frustrated by “Mr. Jones’” Commute to DC Dr. Mike, My neighbor and I commute to the D.C. area for work. He feels that it is perfectly fine to illegally use the airport lane on the Dulles Toll Road to speed up his commute. I, on the other hand, am honest and my commute time is always so much longer than his. I want to tell him how I feel, but I don’t think he will get it. I see him almost every morning when we leave for work, and it drives me crazy knowing what he is getting away with. O in Loudoun County O, You choose to live your life by a moral code that your neighbor does not follow to your liking. The bottom line is, however, that you are going to come across people in life that do not live up to your same moral standards or code. …
