Valentine's Day date prospect & awkwardness after arguments
Hey, Mary Jo, I saw this girl I like and I was wondering what would be the best way to ask her out for Valentine’s Day? Thanks, Donny Hi, Mary Jo, When I get into an argument with my husband, what is the quickest way to bridge this gap of awkwardness without always having to say I’m sorry when it’s not my fault? Thanks, Vivianna
Going home shouldn't hurt
For many, going home for the holidays is a happy time including laughter, intimate discussions, fond memories and the warmth of being together. Unfortunately, for some this is not their experience. Instead, they recall fights, caustic words yelled carelessly and rough touches. They dread the holidays, they dread leaving work and they dread the conversations forced upon them.
Tired fathers & self-centered spouses
Hi Mary Jo, How does a mom deal when her husband works hard all day long, but when he gets home he doesn’t want to help with the children or responsibilities? Thank you, Sherry Hi Mary Jo, Is there any hope for a marriage with a self-centered spouse? Thank you, Tina
What if Santa can't afford Christmas?
Not wanting to lie to your children but also not wanting to scare them, it’s important that parents be honest and explain that times are tough right now. Many families are trying to restore their homes and get back on track financially, while their children have holiday wish lists as big as the bills.
Finding gratitude during hard times
When you were growing up, your parents may have reminded you of all the things you have to be grateful for – a roof over your head, a warm bed at night, and dinner at the table with your family. When Harvey came to Houston, many of the basics most of us never thought about losing were swept away with the water, leaving a mess of debris we once called home.
Does falling out of love mean it's over?
Divorce happens in approximately one out of two marriages. That number has fluctuated and, although we are currently seeing fewer divorces, many people still choose divorce over working on their marriage. Roughly half of divorced couples say they split up because they “fell out of love” with their partner. Is falling out of love the end of your relationship? Is it possible to fall...
Las Vegas Shooting - a call for compassion at home
How do we talk to our children when senseless, horrific killings happen? This is one of those situations that parents find so difficult. When random violence, it’s hard to imagine having no control over the situation. When someone wants to kill and is prepared to die themselves then the best anyone can do is to protect themselves from the person’s rage.
Trust issues; spending little time with family
Hi Mary Jo, I have a boyfriend but before him I was dating someone else, and now he has trust issues. How can I fix that? Thanks, Dom Hi Mary Jo, I’m a busy college student, and I always feel guilty when I hang out with my friends over my family. How do I deal with that? Thanks, Alina
Importance of making time for your marriage
No time for your marriage? We all feel it: work pressure, financial stress, the kids, the aftermath of Harvey and feeling as though from morning to night there’s no time. If and when you do get a moment, rarely is it alone. Couples feel guilty for taking precious time away from their children to relax and enjoy each other.
Cyberbullying & working mother guilt
Hi Mary Jo, I want to know - as a parent - what we can do to help our kids when they’re being cyber bullied on social media. Thank you, Kim Hi Mary Jo, I’m a pageant queen and working mom of three, and I want to know how do you get over the guilt of not being everything to everyone all the time? Thank you, Misty
Successful school year begins at home
Preparing for the school year begins at home prior to the first day of school. Kids get excited to shop for new clothes and meet up with friends, but their worries and concerns often go unnoticed in the excitement. Parents are a powerful influence on their child’s school year experience because a parent’s attitude directly affects their child’s.
Ending relationships; gossip about you
Hi Mary Jo, How do I help my good friends know when it’s time to let go of a relationship? Thank you, Meoka Hi Mary Jo, How do you respond when you overhear people gossiping about you? Thank you, Jamareya
Importance of play in your child's emotional well-being
If you take a walk around the neighborhood, you’ll notice the absence of children playing. Many of them are in school, but even on weekends you may find yourself asking where the kids are. Growing up, you may remember playing with neighborhood friends after school, but that’s been replaced with after-school programs and video games inside.
'Respect jar' & healthy spousal boundaries
Hi Mary Jo, I’m a teacher. What is the best way to impress upon parents teaching their kids respect? Thank you, Jamie Hi Mary Jo, How do you maintain healthy boundaries when you work with your spouse, open their mail, and are with them 24/7? Thank you, Karen
Conflict as an opportunity for a better relationship
No matter where you work or who you live with, you’ll experience conflict. This is especially true mid-summer; as temperatures rise, so do our tempers. Not to mention there are new transitions happening at home. In mid to late summer you begin thinking about the kids going back to school and new work schedules; often there is accompanying guilt that comes from trying to be all things to...
Spending time together, de-stressing
Hi Mary Jo, I just started a new relationship and we love each other, but we’re both overwhelmed with our work schedules. How can we find more time to spend together? Thank you, Mo Hey Mary Jo, As a single working mom, how do we de-stress from everyday tasks and life instead of having a few glasses of wine when we come home? Thanks, Crystal
Exchanging post-vacation blues for an improved everyday life
You just got back from your summer vacation and now it’s time to go back to “real life.” Post-summer vacation blues are a real thing. The excitement, the lazy mornings, and late evenings are over. Feelings of urgency and stress begin moments after you get back.
Children who lie, gaining trust while dating
Dear Mary Jo, What do you do with an 8-year-old daughter who becomes untruthful with a teacher at school? She didn’t learn this at home. Thank you, Joe Hi, Mary Jo, I quit doing social media but currently am dating a girl who is really into social media. How can I increase my ability to trust her? Thank you, Mario
Work/parenting balance, marriage money talk
Hi Mary Jo, I recently went back to work full-time and have young kids at home. Do you have any advice about how to balance work time vs. family time? Thank you, Lillie Hi Mary Jo, We’re getting married in December and have practiced abstinence until marriage. At what point do you become intimate with money, monthly income, and credit scores? Thanks, Samuel and Monica
Surviving the summer slump
If you feel stuck in a summer slump, you’re not alone. The kids are out of school, programs have summer hours, and friends and coworkers are on vacation. Even your relationship seems to be in a slump. The plans you had to get in shape or spend more time with your partner have slipped away because it’s too hot or you couldn’t find a babysitter. You begin feeling less motivated.