We all hear about unconditional love, especially when talking about how parents feel about their children. However, unconditional love can be worn out — used up. Even though today’s podcast focuses on healthy, “good enough” parents and self-destructive and manipulative children, you can apply this to any relationship, so listen in!  (This dynamic can obviously be reversed, where parents do a poor job of providing safety and nurturance for their kids…) What are the things that use up a parent’s love? What are the things parents can do and how can they save their own relationship, when it’s threatened by differences about how to respond  — when there often is no magic answer.

The listener email today is about taking psychotropic meds. Is it necessary to continue to take medication for years? I’m a psychologist, not a medical doctor, but I’ll respond using my own clinical experience. Always consult your medical provider concerning medication issues.

Important links:

The  “good enough” parent.

Alanon, “Detach with love.”

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!