Family doesn't hold still. The kid who needed help with their shoelaces is suddenly asking for the car keys. The sibling you shared a bunk bed with now lives a life you barely recognize. The spouse you've been doing the same dance with for twenty years? Still doing the … [Read more...] about Family Changes. So Do We. A Roundup for Every Season of Family Life
About Allison Schoonmaker
What the Research Actually Says About Raising an Only Child
We didn't set out to be the parents of only one child. We figured we'd have two or three, like everyone else. But after a myriad of medical issues, it became obvious that we wouldn't be having any more. Raising an only kid? I hadn't really planned on that. So, as is my way, I set … [Read more...] about What the Research Actually Says About Raising an Only Child
What Are You Doing Here, Elijah? A Bible Story About Burnout and the Nervous System
You might be surprised to know that there are many people in the Bible who I would describe as a total basket case. We've got David, who can seem manic and dances around in his underwear, and other times seems depressed and wishing for death. Samson has such a bad breakup … [Read more...] about What Are You Doing Here, Elijah? A Bible Story About Burnout and the Nervous System
Therapy in Pictures: Family Systems
Recently I saw a couple who gave me one of those moments therapists live for: when something finally changes. We’ve been working for weeks towards getting out of their well-worn patterns when it comes to conflict. Inching toward doing things in a new and better … [Read more...] about Therapy in Pictures: Family Systems
How I Keep My Kid From Brain Rot Over the Summer
Summer is here and I can’t be the only one who wasn’t prepared. We have a few weeks planned (sports camp, youth camp, volunteering, grandparent trip), but there’s still an abundance of unstructured free time where my son will be happy to embody Newton’s first law of … [Read more...] about How I Keep My Kid From Brain Rot Over the Summer
Choosing Adoration in Middle Marriage
Listen to the blog: I walked a different route to our usual pew at church on Sunday, which caused me to quite literally run into my friend. After a quick rebound from our collision, he said, "Man, Allison, you really had me messed up this week." "Why is … [Read more...] about Choosing Adoration in Middle Marriage
