While some adult siblings bond more closely after the death of their parents, others find that the loss brings unresolved tensions and old rivalries to the surface.

Fathers involved in their children's lives add value to their kids' development in a number of areas, including social relationships and self-esteem. With a dynamic dad in your kids' lives you want to make his birthday extraordinary.

Sibling rivalry traces its roots back to early childhood when siblings compete with each other for their parents' love and attention. Although it is common to feel threatened by this competition in childhood, it often continues unresolved into adulthood, according to Elizabeth Bernstein, author of "

Having a controlling parent can leave you struggling to break free and gain your own independence. You may feel stuck between what you want and what your parent wants for you. If you find yourself dealing with a controlling parent, there are steps you can take to help you escape the grasp of their controlling ways.

When you smoke, it’s not just your health that suffers: Your family's health suffers as well. Your loved ones can be harmed by breathing secondhand smoke, which consists of the mainstream smoke that you exhale and the sidestream smoke that wafts from your cigarette.

Although the average person typically thinks of sibling rivalry as school-age children arguing over toys, sharing a bedroom, and who gets more of mom's and dad’s attention, the feuds and jealousy often spill into individuals’ adult lives.

Looking for a lost relative requires dedication and willingness to spend time researching a variety of options and resources, many of which are free but require time and diligence.

Alfred Adler (1870-1937) developed theories of personality that focused on a therapist's need to understand an individual within the context of social environment. According to Adler, character traits and behaviors derive primarily from developmental issues, including birth order.

Effective communication within the family can lead to better relationships between the members of the family. It must be built on a foundation of trust, listening and understanding. The more effectively your family can communicate together, the better.

A mother-in-law that bullies you goes far beyond a difficult one. At one time or another, most daughter-in-laws struggle with their husband's mothers. Your mother-in-law likely learned her behavior in childhood.

Living to 100 years old is rare, and it deserves to be celebrated in a special way. If your grandma is the woman of honor, determine what type of celebration or gifts would be appropriate for her, based on what she would be most comfortable with, concerning her health and what is feasible.

Although every family is different, there are certain characteristics that healthy families share.The quality of the relationship is more important than family configuration. A healthy family relationship provides members with the support, encouragement and empathy that they need.