Chris Illuminati

Marriage

Rough Patches Are A Natural Part of Marriage. Don’t Ignore Them.

“All relationships endure ups and downs. This is normal. Remembering that takes off some of the mental pressure and fear.”

Say This, Not That

7 Things All Boys Need To Hear From Their Father

Don’t be stingy with how often you tell your son “I love you.”

Life

8 Tips for Living Alone Again After Divorce Or Separation

Here’s what helped me.

Life

How to Make The Most Of A Custody Weekend

Here's how I make the most out of our limited time together.

Behavior

When You Suddenly Feel Like a Child Around Your Parents

Our tendency to become childish when annoyed by our family is the result of a deeply-seated defensive mechanism. Here's how to help prevent the behavior.

Parenting

How I’m Breaking Away From My Parents’ Style Of Discipline

Recently, I realized the rules I was enforcing on my kids weren't my rules — they were my parents'. And I didn't even agree with them. So, I made my own.

Parenting

The Kids Are With My Ex. I’m Free. Then, the Guilt Comes

After a custody weekend with my kids, however great, I can't wait to have a moment to myself. Once they're gone, I feel nothing but guilt. Now I know what it means.

Parenting

8 Things I’ve Learned About My Kids (and Myself) Since Living Alone

Since moving out of my house, I've noticed things about my kids, and myself, that could only be seen from a distance. Here are the most crucial.

Best Buds

The 7 Types of Friends All Grown Men Need to Have

They'll shape you as a husband, father, and human being.

Life

9 Questions to Never Ask a Recently Separated or Divorced Dad  

Getting separated is hard. It's harder when I'm forced to field these questions.

Life

Divorce & Long Distance Parenting: How to Cope With Being Away

"The important thing is to give the child something to look forward to that is unfailing."

Life

How to Brag About Your Kids Without Being Insufferable

A few ground rules.

Life

9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Separated From My Wife

#1: Yes, everybody chooses a side.

Life

My New Home. My New Life. My Old Couch. Now, Time to Tell the Kids.

How do you reassemble your life after a separation? Piece by piece.