Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

Yes, Children Grieve Losses from the Pandemic, Too

Yes, Children Grieve Losses from the Pandemic, Too

Most people feel a sense of loss for their old life since the pandemic. Dealing with the uncertainty, financial and health fears, limitations of seeing friends and family members and in some cases the death of our loved ones has caused a global grieving. As we grieve, we find comfort in our friends and others going through this crisis. But, what about kids? Parents explain to them that they will not be attending summer camps, the community pool or seeing their school friends

5 Things Couples Should Know About Intimacy

5 Things Couples Should Know About Intimacy

Most of us have seen movies and read love stories about incredible love between two people and most couples strive for that sort of connection with each other. When couples have been together for a long time, they become frustrated when they feel as though their partner doesn’t connect with them on an emotional level, not understanding that there are many factors that go into a successful relationship. When you meet someone and fall in love it’s easy to become blindsided with

Memorial Day: An Important Time to Honor Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our Freedom

Memorial Day: An Important Time to Honor Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our Freedom

Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed their lives so we could enjoy freedom. It’s an important day to reflect and spend quality time with your family. This Memorial Day will be much different than those in the past. Public parades, picnics, and flying home for the long weekend will be unlikely with COVID-19, but that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating with your family. Here are some suggestions that will enhance the meaning of Memorial Day and honoring the military people

Setting Boundaries and Saying No to Others During Quarantine

Setting Boundaries and Saying No to Others During Quarantine

As restrictions are lifted and people begin a new normal, the virus is still very much out there. Many people are ready to try to normalize and pretend there is no threat, while others are reluctant and concerned that moving too fast could expose them or their loved ones. Deciding what is best for you can be exhausting, because invitations to venture outside involve decision-making. Well-meaning friends and family may try to persuade you to join them for dinner or drinks; if

COVID-19 Can’t Stop Grandma from Her Grandchildren

COVID-19 Can’t Stop Grandma from Her Grandchildren

The greatest gift children give their parents is a new life to celebrate. Grandparents will do anything for their grandchild, whether it means moving to new country, rock climbing, or researching whatever their grandchild is interested in. Before the pandemic, there were no limits on what grandma would do for her grandchildren. However, all of that changed with COVID-19. The virus stopped life as we know it and, because the virus seems particularly dangerous for older people,

Are your relationships suffering from pandemic fatigue?

Are your relationships suffering from pandemic fatigue?

Are you feeling more drained, irritable, and less motivated to do the things you normally would have done with ease? With the pandemic has come an onslaught of emotions, including fear, anger, worry, and frustration that life will never be normal again. Most of us have been sheltering since mid-March. Although restrictions are being lifted, the fear of getting sick lingers. The emotional fatigue has generalized to physical fatigue, and the people closest to us are often the o

Making Mom Feel Special During Quarantine

Making Mom Feel Special During Quarantine

Mother’s Day is Sunday and, thanks to COVID-19, if there was ever a time to celebrate mom, it’s this year. Almost overnight, mothers have had to balance teaching older children, engaging younger children, working from home, and, for many, all-day cleaning and cooking for the family. Taking one day to celebrate her dedication and all she does is important. Mother’s Day may require more creativity this year during COVID-19 to find things mom will treasure; after all, you cannot

Setting a “Teacher Tone” While Homeschooling

Setting a “Teacher Tone” While Homeschooling

Life has done a 180, and most of us are doing things we never expected to do, whether that’s working from home, wearing masks when we go outside, or becoming our children’s teacher. If you’re one of those parents who repeatedly wondered how teachers do it, you may be struggling more than you ever imagined. Not only do teachers instruct multiple, unique children on core curriculum, but they instill them with important life lessons and character values. Teachers must establish

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