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Articles by Phyllis Goldberg

Browse published articles attributed to Phyllis Goldberg, with full-archive search.

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By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Singles and Valentine's Day: Ten Tips for Less Stress

Valentine's Day is a romantic time for couples - a special day to express love. But it can also put pressure on people who, every other day of the year, are perfectly fine with their single status. Are you one of the millions of singles who is lonely on this day? Feeling alienated or insecure may leave you depressed - and worried that you don't have the energy or motivation to do what is in your best interests. But you don't have to react like that. Although you can't control whether or not you have a romantic attachment at this time, you can control how you handle Valentine's Day.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,611 views★ 4.0 (6)

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

AMOUR: Lessons from the 2013 Best Foreign Film

Although the 2013 Academy Awards are history, one gem - Amour - will continue to shine. This heartbreaking and unflinching movie was painful to watch but it stimulated conversations with more questions than answers. As the people we love decline, how do we deal with the inevitable suffering? Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke tackled this subject and won the 2013 Academy Award for best foreign language film. The leads, vetera French actors Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva, play a vital Parisian couple in their 80s whose happy marriage gradually unravels.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,700 views★ 1.7 (6)

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Millennials and the Holiday Spirit

Although it may be the holiday season, as far as presents go that doesn't mean a whole lot to Millennials. Like so many other issues, they have their own ideas about gift giving. Apparently what they want is cash, mostly to pay down college costs and other debt.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,992 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

How Rihanna Can Be a Positive Role Model for Teenagers

Children today are caught in the crosshairs of modern media. Technology has become their babysitter – reality TV, nude photos on the Internet, bizarre videos on YouTube, seductive text messages. It's time for these young people to be exposed instead to role models who have the potential to ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,889 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Costa Rica: New Ways to Nurture Family

I recently traveled through Costa Rica, a small Central American country where peace of mind is a natural commodity. Visiting felt like a breath of fresh air with the slow pace of living and ecological mindfulness. The country has no need for a military presence and family life is a top priority.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,700 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Kids on Summer Vacation: A Working Parent's Dilemma

For families, June is a busy time with graduation parties, little league championships and music recitals. And we all know that right around the corner is summer vacation - lazy days for kids but often stressful for working parents. So if you haven't nailed down your plans yet, here are some ideas that can help with your work/life balance:

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,296 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

The Obama Family and Family Values

In a recent letter to his girls, President Barack Obama wrote: "I want you to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach....." Now that's a strong message from a father to his daughters. Some say that the Obamas are the kind of family they would like ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,293 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Three Cheers for the Sandwich Generation

July is Sandwich Generation Month, a chance to pay tribute to adult children who are juggling the demands of raising kids while taking care of aging parents. The number of Americans 65 and older is projected to increase from 40 million in 2010 to over 88 million by 2050, doubling the ranks of those experiencing this stressful combination of responsibilities.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,258 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Michael Jackson and the High Cost of Fame

Coming from a family of entertainers with a demanding stage-dad, Michael Jackson had been in the limelight since he was a young boy. Super stardom was all he knew. Although talented, famous and adored, his was a lonely life - one full of contradictions. He tried to create his own private reality around castles, theme parks and pet chimpanzees. In his own mind he was a modern-day Peter Pan.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,055 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Why Sleep-away Camp Can Be Good for Your Family

The thought of sleep-away camp may stir up anxiety and ambivalence for you and your kids. As in any new situation there are unknowns, and it's easy to let them get the best of you. Yet camp can be a great opportunity for kids to develop their strengths, interests and independence.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

2,016 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Are You a Helicopter Parent?

If you’re a 'Helicopter Parent,' hovering and rarely out of touch, think about joining the grassroots movement that advocates giving teens space.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,923 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

The Masks We All Wear

Don't we all wear masks at one time or another, pretending that everything is OK? There are many reasons people may act out this charade. It's not uncommon to hide personal pain, because putting it on display for all to see can be embarrassing and even destabilize relationships. Yet studies show that using denial as an emotional defense and 'acting as if' everything is fine can actually shift your feelings in a more positive direction. And keeping a 'stiff upper lip' when you feel powerless may, in fact, result in your having more control over a difficult situation.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,911 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

2012 College Graduates Are Moving Back Home

This year over 1.75 million college students walked across the stage to pick up their diplomas. Seniors everywhere were excited to graduate as parents were thinking about words of wisdom to impart. With the scarcity of jobs and school loans due, it’s going to be harder than ever for these kidults to engage in adult roles. If your brand new graduates are boomeranging back home, here’s some practical insight to share with them:

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,882 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Ten Tips for Keeping Peace in the Family during the Holidays

Ten Tips for Keeping Peace in the Family during the Holidays By Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D. and Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D. Media images of the holidays are often exaggerated and, before you know it, you're trying to conform to unrealistic ideals. Combined with the added pressures and demands on your time, this can lead to emotional overload. Just remember that nothing is perfect. Now that the holiday season is swiftly approaching, perhaps you're worried that your dysfunctional family dynamics will surface as soon as you get together.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,823 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

The Haitian Tragedy: Healing after the Death of Loved Ones

Days after a 7.0 earthquake devastated Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, family members battled for a proper burial of their loved ones. Time and again, tragedy followed moments of hope. Yet, despite the deaths and destruction, the people struggled to survive. And hundreds took to the streets, singing and chanting amid huge mounds of rubble - a clear sign of the resilience of the human spirit. While not in such desperate circumstances, perhaps you too have suffered the death of a loved one.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,700 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Elizabeth Edwards: Lessons About Resilience

Elizabeth Edwards, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, died 12/7/10 at the age of 61. She ended an extraordinary struggle, having lived with the death of her teenage son, high political ambition, marital betrayal and advancing disease. She often said that she didn't want to be defined by cancer or her husband's affair.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,683 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

The New Normal After Separation

Do you want to know an unexpected finding from the Framingham Heart Study, a research project that has been conducted over six decades? Happiness is contagious and the secret may very well be in the connection. Social relationships correlate positively with happiness. That is, if your friend is happy, that increases your probability by 15%.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,653 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

New Freedom as Baby Boomers Embrace the Empty Nest

Now that autumn is here and your college-aged kids have moved out, you may be feeling unsettled, even melancholy. So what is it that you're more worried about - how they'll get along in school or how you'll adjust to the empty nest? For some parents 'no kids at home' represents a fresh start. After her youngest child went away to college, Mira realized "This is the only time I've been completely free since my daughter was born. I spent months after she went away to college just relaxing and doing whatever I wanted, until I got bored.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,645 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Captain Sullenberger: Heroes and Lessons Learned

Bravery and humility - often at the heart of fairy tales – are qualities that can inspire all of us to be the best that we can be. And, with the doom and gloom of the economic crisis, we were primed and about ready for a miracle. People want to feel hopeful again. Chesley B. "Sully" ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,616 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

7 Tips to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions Going Strong

The idea of New Year's resolutions is not really new. In Roman mythology, Janus was the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings and endings. Janus was usually shown with two heads facing in opposite directions. According to legend, one of his heads was looking backwards into the old year and the other was looking forwards into the new one. Two thousand years ago the Romans ended the year by reviewing it.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,609 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

When Boomerang Kids Move Back Home

Not since the Great Depression have so many fledgling adults moved into the empty nest with mom and dad. This cyclical trend has accelerated along with the economic crisis. Faced with school loans, debts or no job, it makes sense to head for home - with its emotional security and financial safety net. If you're a member of the Sandwich Generation, caring for parents growing older as well as kids growing up, adding a boomerang kid to that mix can increase your stress level.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,571 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Joannie Rochette: Olympic Courage Despite Tragic Loss

Just hours after learning that her mother had died of a sudden massive heart attack, Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette was back on the ice. One of the favorites to win an Olympic medal, she practiced her jumps over and over again while her father watched with tears in his eyes. Joannie's fellow athletes concurred that she was doing the right thing by staying in the competition. They spoke about her inner strength, remarkable courage and determined attitude. Fans around the world appreciated that, with a heavy heart, she was facing the most difficult skates of her life.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,566 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Happily Ever After: Tips for Prince William and Kate

The 19th century English poet, Lord Alfred Tennyson, put this universal truth in writing: "In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turn to thoughts of love." And there's no better time of the year for a royal wedding! Apparently the April 29, 2011 marriage of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton, at Westminster Abbey with 1900 guests, will be watched by almost 2 billion people worldwide. Their long walk to the altar will be one of the most viewed TV events of the century.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,555 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Sandwiched Boomers: 7 Tips On Fighting Inertia

On almost a daily basis, as Sandwiched Boomers, you are bombarded by a variety of tasks involving aging parents and growing children. In addition, you're balancing a myriad of responsibilities at home with those that confront you at work. And that's without mentioning your ongoing commitment to ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,554 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

A College Lesson for Parents

When you dropped your kids off at college, were you the one dragging your heels? This generation of parents has been described as clinging, especially when they refuse to leave the campus. In fact, a number of college administrators have introduced blunt language into orientation schedules, including a specific time to say goodbye. The message is clear: release your anxieties and your adult children to this adventure, and enjoy the ride yourself. The lesson, not taught in the traditional curriculum, is about letting go.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,548 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

How to Make a Good Marriage Better

You know what they say if something is moving along without any major hurdles - ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ But your marriage may not yet have reached its full potential. Believe it or not, you can change boring routines and improve your relationship. According to the field of interpersonal neurobiology, our brains are constantly changing. And that is impacted by how we interact daily. Loving relationships can alter the brain circuits that shape memories and emotions.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,534 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

The Real Face of the Beijing Olympics

The anticipation of the Beijing Olympics was palpable - and the spectacular opening ceremonies, at the impressive Bird's Nest, proved it was well worth the wait. Yet the ideals of the summer games are also well represented behind the scenes: 1. Lopez Lomong was elected by his teammates to be ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,534 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

What Bhutan Can Teach Us About Happiness

It has been over ten years since I retired from my full-time practice and spent three months doing volunteer work and traveling in Southeast Asia. One of the best parts of my trip was spending time in the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. It was their monarch who defined the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) to measure quality of life. And Bhutan is the only country in the world that puts happiness and general well-being at the heart of its government policy.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,530 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

GEMS for Working Moms

Is your life an endless cycle, revolving around work and taking care of the kids? If so, you’re not alone. In a recent study by the Families and Work Institute, ½ of American women say they don’t have enough time to spend on themselves and to choose the activities they enjoy. We all know that saying ‘yes’ to more responsibility can make us feel safer with the boss and help us avoid conflict in the family. But too often ‘yes’ is our default mode with just about everything.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,515 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Baby Boomers as Grandparents: the Club Sandwich Generation

As the offspring of Boomers marry and start their own families, the responsibilities of the Sandwich Generation grow. You're already in the middle of your family in flux – squeezed between children growing up and parents growing older. Now the sandwich adds another layer, the ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,506 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

How to Bypass the Road to Divorce

Are you and your partner worried about money in these uncertain times? During any economic crisis, couples have to face tough financial decisions. This can lead to an increase in stress and aggravate problems that already exist in your marriage.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,472 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

How to Keep Your Relationship Resolutions for 2010

Now that we're well into 2010, how are you doing with your New Year's resolutions? Setting goals in the love department is just as important as losing weight or getting your finances in shape. So even though you may already be working on other resolutions, don't put your relationship on the back burner. Instead of accentuating the positives, the advice from couples' research often focuses on minimizing the negatives - don't nag, don't withhold sex, don't overreact, don't try to control. But why not focus your love resolutions on the do's instead of don'ts?

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,461 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Susan Boyle's Beauty on the Inside

Thanks to the Internet, we all had a chance to learn a lesson from Susan Boyle when she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" before judges of the TV show, "Britain has Talent." What a surreal and thrilling moment for her. And what a wake-up call for the rest of us. Her 15 minutes of fame aren't over yet. ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,453 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

7 Ways to Delay Gratification in a Troubled Economy

In years of plenty, American society operated largely on the pleasure principal – embracing the notion that ‘I want what I want when I want it.’ Accustomed to instant gratification and a sense of entitlement, people were emotionally conditioned to have it all. The average American carries nine ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,442 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Women and the Art of Play

We all know about the importance of play for the emotional growth and development of children. It can enhance their imagination, increase social skills and boost self-confidence. So why don't we place more value on play for ourselves? According to a recent study by the Families and Work Institute, one half of American women don’t have enough time to spend on themselves and the activities they enjoy.

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,435 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

How to Manage Depression Short of Having Octuplets

Nadya Suleman is a 33 year old unemployed single mother who recently gave birth to octuplets, conceived through in vitro fertilization. She grew up as an only child and had always dreamed of having a large family. Reporters, pundits and bloggers have called her irresponsible and selfish, as she ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,325 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Marital Harmony Despite Financial Woes

A perfect marriage would be free of financial controversy. But during this economic crisis, the reality is that couples need to learn new money management skills and face tough financial decisions – while at the same time making their relationship work. Not an easy task. When you use these five ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,309 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Boomer Couples: 5 Tips For Fighting Fair

All couples get angry and have arguments, so know that you're not alone. But remember, when resolving conflict, to keep your words sweet - you may have to eat them. When in conflict, you can minimize emotional overload by focusing only on the issue at hand. And try not to blame your partner ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,308 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Eliot Spitzer's Morality Lessons For Sandwiched Boomers

The media spotlight the past few days has been on Eliot Spitzer, the Governor of New York, and his link to the Emperor's Club VIP prostitution ring. Whether his damaging behavior is related to an inflated sense of entitlement, the dark side of his self righteous attitude, a feeling that he's ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,290 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

7 Stops On The Less Stress Express

Would you like to spend less time racking up emotional debt and more time receiving dividends from your 'feeling better' bank account? Research findings show that the complex demands of family and work can really get you down. When inundated with a myriad of responsibilities, daydreaming ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,285 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Celebrate the Holidays with the Gift of Time

The meltdown in the economy and the crisis in confidence couldn't have come at a worse time. Have you been feeling stretched by the financial pressure? If you're facing tough buying decisions, the responsibilities of the holiday season may even be getting you down. These are challenging times. ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,274 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Boomer Women And Friendship: The Gift You Give Yourself

We can say without a doubt that intimate friendships have always been important to women. But have you noticed that they've become even more so as you face the transitions of children growing up and parents growing older? Findings from a recent MacArthur Foundation Study indicate that the ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,265 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Five Ways Sandwiched Boomers Can Think Positive in Tough Times

These are unprecedented times. With the breakdown of traditional financial institutions, the wildly fluctuating stock market and the 700 million dollar government bailout, Americans are confused about how to respond. Some are in denial, not prepared to grasp the problems and potential ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,242 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

What Sandwiched Boomers Can Learn From Tim Russert

There have been non-stop tributes to Tim Russert - from erudite political friends to strangers traveling long distances to pay their respects. He was the toughest interviewer in broadcast jou alism and few had come even close to rattling him. He clearly understood how the media game is ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,241 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Male Sandwiched Boomers: A New Trend In Caregiving

With 2008 in full swing, perhaps you've already had your fill of economic and political predictions by experts and clairvoyants. However, if you happen to be a Sandwiched Boomer, the following quietly growing trend may surprise you. The results of recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,233 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

The Relationship Between Madonna’s Divorce And Sandwiched Boomers

As a Sandwiched Boomer with changing family responsibilities, you have the toughest of balancing acts - attending to kids, parents and personal needs while still nurturing your marriage. You may envy celebrities like Madonna who seem to have it all - a personality that draws people in, the ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,213 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Recover from Financial Panic by Investing in Yourself

The financial crisis has affected many people and involved losses on many levels –jobs, income, money in the stock market, a certain comfort level, retirement funds, a sense of security, dreams for the future. And, inevitably, these feelings of loss are accompanied by a period of grieving. Ever ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,203 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

What the Sandwich Generation Can Bring to the Holiday Table

Are you wondering whether your longstanding family dynamics at the holiday dinners are going to scare off your daughter's new boyfriend? Do you want to take the family conversation up a notch or two this year and talk more than turkey? Are you tired of stuffing the bird and ready to pass the ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,196 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

Sandwiched Boomers: 6 Ways To Beat The Blues

Your thoughts are mental products although they don't necessarily reflect an absolute reality. However, for you, they do represent how you feel. Some people can't help but wear their hearts on their sleeves. Others are more able to manage their emotions and function as if everything is fine. ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,176 views

By Phyllis GoldbergRecently published1 topic

How Boomers Can Sing Rock & Roll Instead Of The Blues

The new Pew Research Center Social and Demographic Trends survey measured dissatisfaction and pessimism in close to 2500 participants. The data indicates that Baby Boomers worry more than any other generation. And a recent study from the University of Chicago suggests that the boomer ...

Primary topic: Women's Issues

1,160 views

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