At their recent wedding, my niece and her new husband included a beautiful poem by Mr. Fred Rogers (yes, that Mr. Rogers), in the ceremony called "It’s You I Like".  Can you say that you like yourself?  Need some help with that?  Partners in Healing offers individual, couples, and family therapy.  Give us a call at 763-546-5797. 

It's You I Like

by Fred M. Rogers

It's you I like,
It's not the things you wear,
It's not the way you do your hair--
But it's you I like.
The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you--
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys--
They're just beside you.

But it's you I like--
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.
I hope that you'll remember
Even when you're feeling blue
That it's you I like,
It's you yourself,
It's you, it's you I like.

It's You I Like
By Fred M. Rogers
© 1970

     (Authored by Harriet Kohen, LICSW)

I recently learned about an amazing web site for parents written by teens that I’ve shared with a number of parents.  Vanessa Van Petten, along with teen writers, created a blog called Radical Parenting that provides perspectives and advice about a variety of topics that affect teen-parent communication.  I found this material full of helpful and reasonable information, and loaded with communication techniques. Topics addressed include how to convey worry, how to convey love, and getting tweens and teens to listen. Radical Parenting also addresses computer use, sex, drugs and rock and roll too, along with advice about the “hard stuff .” The blog is highly readable and pertinent to modern family communication. The web address is  www.radicalparenting.com. You can access the blog from the web site. You can also sign up to receive their informative newsletter along with an e-book download, How To Communicate With Tweens and Teens 101. Let me know what you think at 763-546-5797. Need a therapist for your family? I'm glad to help.