Kate Gosselin feels sad but justified excluding Collin Gosselin from his birthday party

The more I think about how reality TV mom Kate Gosselin is handling her supposedly special needs son Collin Gosselin, the madder I get. You've heard of kids being excluded from other children's birthday celebrations? Well, Gosselin didn't invite her son Collin to his own birthday party. The Nov. 29 episode of TLC show "Kate Plus 8" showed the sextuplets' lavish birthday bash minus one sextuplet (Collin) who's in some kind of behavior therapy. Mom says she's sorry for herself and Collin's siblings that he couldn't attend his party but says it's best for everyone. This woman needs to do some serious growing up because excluding a child from the family is the worst thing she could do. No matter what he has done, it will not be helped by Draconian measures like this. He is a child with a child's understanding. Very likely all he did was to behave like a normal tween and question his mom. This just smacks of power struggle on Kate's part because this child is the squeaky wheel. Kate Gosselin feels sad but justified excluding Collin Gosselin from his birthday party

Mariah Carey weight loss in sexy Thanksgiving pic spurs body image, eating disorders fears

What Mariah Carey meant to say with her recent sexy Thanksgiving pic and what she actually conveyed didn't match up. Sporting dazzling cleavage (thank you, plastic surgery), skin-tight jeans and stilettos, Mariah exudes body confidence. She appears to boast massive weight loss that even pie and whipped topping can't derail. But some obvious photoshopping made folks wonder if she's as comfy with her body as she looks. Some worried that Carey has an eating disorder. Others were upset that Mimi's sending mixed message to teens about body image, weight loss and confidence. Mariah Carey weight loss in sexy Thanksgiving pic spurs body image, eating disorders fears

Jinger Duggar, Jeremy Vuolo marry in quickie wedding, molester brother Josh Duggar attends

Here comes the bride! Jinger Duggar is now officially Mrs. Jeremy Vuolo after a brief 4-month courtship and engagement. A special guest appearance was made by sex molester brother Josh Duggar, his wife Anna and their family. Jinger and her husband Jeremy are ecstatic but questions remain on how the reality show parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar feel about their daughter's whirlwind romance. Were they "#Counting On" such a speedy courtship-to-altar relationship? Jinger Duggar, Jeremy Vuolo marry in quickie wedding, molester brother Josh Duggar attends

'My 600-lb Life': Can transgender Chay stop blaming, find her weight loss mojo as Lola?

On the last season of TLC reality TV show "My 600-lb Life" Chay promised to be the weight loss wunderkind after gastric bypass surgery. That kid was on a fast track to thin but his train got off course when he revealed he was transgender. Now blaming, excuse-making Lola has derailed not only gender reassignment surgery, but also weight loss. Can Lola rediscover that mojo she exuded earlier? 'My 600-lb Life': Can transgender Chay stop blaming, find her weight loss mojo as Lola?

Farrah Abraham, Amber Portwood, Maci Bookout fight turns 'Teen Mom OG' reunion ugly

Well, Farrah Abraham managed to ruin the "#Teen Mom OG" reunion if her dad is to be believed. She picked a fight and p-o'd #Amber Portwood who came out swinging. Then Maci Bookout got into it and "threatened to kill" her co-star. Like a good dad, Michael Abraham says he stepped in to break up the fight. Portwood, Bookout and Lowell marched off the stage in protest of Abraham. So much for reality TV happy reunions.    Farrah Abraham, Amber Portwood, Maci Bookout fight turns 'Teen Mom OG' reunion ugly

'My 600-lb Life': how self-pity, pain meds nixed Pauline's weight loss post-gastric bypass

There are a lot of misunderstandings about obesity and viewers are fortunate that the obese people on TLC "My 600-lb Life" are willing to share their weight loss journeys. Some patients like Henry Foots, Melissa Morris, Ashley, Ashley D. and Olivia Cruz were able to shed massive weight. Others, like Penny, transgender Chay (Lola) and Pauline, have not, even after bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan performed gastric bypass. "Pauline's story" shows how self-pity, wrongly treated pain and lack of exercise derail weight loss. But there's hope that all these stories can end with success if folks will change some basic habits and listen to the good doctor.   'My 600-lb Life': how self-pity, pain meds nixed Pauline's weight loss post-gastric bypass

'My 600-lb Life' Chuck Turner 433-lb weight loss wows, but reasons for weight gain horrify

700-lb Chuck Turner of Beaumont, Texas lost just about everything before losing the thing that caused most all the other losses. The "My 600-lb Life" alumnus has found new life after losing darn near two-thirds of himself. And as wow-worthy as his 433-lb weight loss is, the haunting reasons behind his massive weight gain are what will stick with you. Chuck's descent into morbid obesity underscores the role food can play in coping with grief.  'My 600-lb Life' Chuck Turner 433-lb weight loss wows, but reasons for weight gain horrify

Honey Boo Boo weight loss certain in Happiness Diet: 'The Doctors' link sugar, obesity

Mama June Shannon appeared on the celebrity plastic surgery show "Botched" recently. She's enjoyed weight loss and wanted a tummy tuck. But in her makeover quest, she seems unconcerned about her obese daughter Alana Thompson from whom Shannon got her reality TV show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." Shannon bragged about the crazy sugary "pageant crack" she fed Alana (Mountain Dew and Pixie Stix). Is it any wonder with diets like this that more kids are obese, have ADD (attention deficit disorder) are depressed or suicidal? The average American kid eats 52 teaspoons of sugar daily, and "The Doctors" TV show sees links there, especially for morbidly overweight kids like Honey Boo Boo. Honey Boo Boo weight loss certain in Happiness Diet: 'The Doctors' link sugar, obesity

Alec Baldwin weight loss still wows as he and wife Hilaria Baldwin welcome baby Leonardo

Alec Baldwin showed off his new son Leonardo with wife Hilaria Baldwin, and his maintained 35-pound weight loss. Baldwin credits a sugarfree diet and his wife Hilaria's yoga and good example for his extreme makeover. As for Hilaria, folks wonder if she will drop baby fat as fast as she did with son Rafael. Mrs. Baldwin shed an eye-popping 18 pounds in just 10 weeks postpartum with baby number 2. Here's more on the Baldwins' healthy lifestyle regimen.    Alec Baldwin weight loss still wows as he and wife Hilaria Baldwin welcome baby Leonardo

Michelle Obama surprising weight loss tips: FLOTUS says health not weight trump obesity

 When first lady Michelle #Obama spoke to Ellen DeGeneres recently, she appeared to have lost weight. In fact, she seems to have gotten steadily thinner since the first inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2008. Did she heed the advice of Dr. Keith Albow who in 2014 famously suggested she shed a few pounds? He claimed the first lady's "Let's Move" and healthy school lunches initiative would seem less hypocritical if she wasn't overweight. Mrs. Obama, who advocates cleaning up kids' diets, has shared some rather shocking weight loss ideas of her own.  Michelle Obama surprising weight loss tips: FLOTUS says health not weight trump obesity

Chevy Chase goes back to rehab for 'tune-up'--Obesity down to drugs, alcohol addiction?

Comedian #Chevy Chase went back to rehab for "tune-up" work on his alcohol addiction. The "Community" actor is still showing signs of morbid obesity that shocked everyone at the SNL 40 reunion in 2015. His weight gain (or bloating as it appeared) was so startling that one doctor suggested Chase was on steroids or had Cushing syndrome. His extreme obesity in connection to booze prompts a discussion substance abuse, recovery, and weight loss.    Chevy Chase goes back to rehab for 'tune-up'--Obesity down to drugs, alcohol addiction?

Khloe Kardashian weight gain worry: was 40-lb weight loss from diet or plastic surgery?

In on-going Kardashian tabloid wars, Khloe Kardashian is grabbing headlines again. Not to let brother Rob Kardashian and pregnant girlfriend Blac Chyna or naked-in-public Kim Kardashian get all the notice, Khloe bemoaned she's gaining back her 40-lb weight loss. At least that's what her caption "miss my in-shape body" on a throwback pic seemed to suggest. Was it just a ploy for attention or is she having trouble keeping weight off? For one who claims not to get on the scale she sure knows her weight pretty well. And that brings up another question about how much of her painstakingly well-documented "Revenge Body" transformation is down to plastic surgery?    Khloe Kardashian weight gain worry: was 40-lb weight loss from diet or plastic surgery?

'Dance Moms' Abby Lee Miller weight loss shocker: no drugs, surgery, diet, exercise

Abby Lee Miller might be the most controversial reality TV star ever. Every episode of Lifetime network's "Dance Moms" ends in tears, tantrums, or some kind of drama with the bombastic dance coach. But love her or hate her, there's no denying Miller's massive weight loss. When you hear how Abby Lee Miller lost weight without drugs, surgery, diet, or even exercise, you might be jealous. The real story of the "Dance Moms" coach's weight loss isn't one to envy, however.    'Dance Moms' Abby Lee Miller weight loss shocker: no drugs, surgery, diet, exercise

Lindsay Lohan pregnancy reveal reveals deep emotional issues

Lindsay Lohan shocked fans announcing that she's pregnant. Her dad confirms it, her friend denies it and Lindsay herself has been seen holiday smoking and drinking--things you obviously wouldn't and shouldn't do if you were pregnant. So either she's pregnant and taking and awful risk or lying for attention. Either way, this weird pregnancy reveal of Lohan's reveals even more emotional problems in the already pretty screwy "Mean Girls" star.  LIndsay Lohan pregnancy: pal denies, dad affirms, 'pregnant' LiLo smokes and drinks

Family bonding activities: Relationship tips for parents and children to bond

In 25 years as a mom, my best parenting advice centers on building family bonding activities. Connected parents and children means doing things together. It has little to do with money spent and much to do with togetherness. These relationship tips have seen us through adversity and kept us connected in strife. Life's getting more frenetic and disjointed daily. Parents and children, take time, now, to grow habits that will see your family through. You can read all the parenting advice you want, but it's those simple family bonding activities that will "happy" in family.   Family bonding activities: Relationship tips for parents and children to bond | Examiner.com

Literature based movies: Psychology, PTSD, abuse, mental illness, schizophrenia

May is Mental Health Month and important part of understanding mental health is understanding emotional and mental illness. That's what abnormal psychology studies. General psychology explores "normal" or standard development and behavior that works. Abnormal psychology explores behavior that doesn't work--emotional and mental illness, personality disorder, schizophrenia, dysfunctional behavior, addiction, child abuse, past trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  Literature based movies: Psychology, PTSD, abuse, mental illness, schizophrenia | Examiner.com

Mothers Day gifts for women, distinctively different presents to impress | Examiner.com

 Sick of the stereotypical Valentines Day gifts of card, candy and flowers? Want to get your lady something really special? Here are distinctively different Valentines Day presents for women. These are presents to impress her plus win you brownie points for being cultured and creative. First, ditch mainstream stores, Go off the beaten path to local antiques stores, consignment shops, secondhand retailers, even Good Will. Seriously, you'll find distinctive Valentines Day gifts reasonably priced. Valentines Day gifts for women, distinctively different presents to impress | Examiner.com

Relationship glue recipes learned from epic fails for Romance Awareness Month

Going into marriage, most people are ignorant, idealistic and ridiculously romantic. Some stay that way and that's what keeps those relationships strong. That youthful naivete glues relationships and so do these other relationship glue recipes, learned from epic fails, for Romance Awareness Month.   Relationship glue recipes learned from epic fails for Romance Awareness Month | Examiner.com

Free printable Inside Out coloring pages, Disney activities, emotions games | Examiner.com

 How did you feel about the new Disney movie Inside Out? Inside Out is all about feelings, as the characters were the emotions of a little girl. Inside Out was well-received at the 2016 Oscars, where Disney won Best Cartoon for Inside Out. Childhood emotions--fear, disgust, joy, sadness and anger--resonate with adults, too. To celebrate Inside Out and being in touch with feelings, here are free printable Inside Out coloring pages, Disney activities and emotions games.  Free printable Inside Out coloring pages, Disney activities, emotions games | Examiner.com

Free printable Highlights hidden pictures, I Spy hidden object picture puzzles | Examiner.com

Jan. 29 is National Puzzles Day and some of the most enjoyable puzzle games are hidden pictures, like those in Highlights magazine. This might sound like a strange theme for a blog on emotional health, but as any puzzles addict will tell you, doing a puzzle is most therapeutic! So, remember Highlights magazine with those awesome hidden pictures puzzles? Hidden object picture puzzles have an image with little pictures hidden inside. Here are free printable hidden object picture puzzles from Highlights magazine and other websites. Highlights magazine hidden pictures puzzles are similar to Scholastic I Spy books.   Free printable Highlights hidden pictures, I Spy hidden object picture puzzles | Examiner.com

Texas dad Ronald Jackson jailed for keeping daughter's cellphone to punish her

Texas dad Ronald Jackson was jailed for keeping his daughter's cellphone to punish her. Yahoo News reported Jan. 27 that Texas police arrested the father for theft of his daughter's phone. On first glance, this story reads like a case of state trampling on parental rights. Or it may sound like another example of entitled kids' and their obsession with cellphones. After all, Ronald Jackson was just exercising his fatherly duties disciplining his child, right? But read on because it's a little more complicated.    Texas dad Ronald Jackson jailed for keeping daughter's cellphone to punish her | Examiner.com

Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving, prayer and fasting: Live simply and at peace | Examiner.com

The Catholic penitential season of Lent starts early in 2016, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. Through acts of prayer, fasting, meditation, a Catholic seeks to imitate Christ's suffering and passion. Those acts give back, too, in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. They're the deepest Christian expression, but they aren't exclusively Christian. Most major religions have similar elements. No human could really imitate the divine. But it shouldn't prevent trying. Here's how a Catholic family can observe Lenten sacrifice from a world religions perspective.  Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving, prayer and fasting: Live simply and at peace | Examiner.com

Lenten fasting: Give up for Lent, lose weight, illness, debt, depression

Mardi Gras is a Catholic festival season that culminates on Fat Tuesday and takes the faithful into Ash Wednesday and the penitential season of Lent, The commonly known practice is Lenten fasting or choosing something to give up for Lent and it's not just for the Catholic. Everyone, Catholic or not, should quit feasting on Fat Tuesday and pick an addiction to give up for Lent. Don't worry, that's no religious agenda, just common sense. Lenten fasting is healthy for everyone! Give up junk food for Lent and you might lose weight, illness, debt, and depression! You don't have to fast for religious reasons but a spiritual fast can be very healing.   Lenten fasting: Give up for Lent, lose weight, illness, debt, depression | Examiner.com

'Pretty Little Liars' Ashley Benson 'too fat' at size 2? Body shaming dangers

You want to hear some seriously bass-ackwards body shaming? E! Online reported on Jan. 4 that "Pretty Little Liars" star Ashley Benson was told she was "too fat"to play a role--at size 2! Benson isn't borderline obese or even overweight. If anything, Ashley Benson might be underweight! But in one part she auditioned for, size 2 was too big. She didn't say exactly what the casting agent considered just right. Apparently nothing is good enough for some folks--literally--because the only size smaller than 2 is zero or double zero!  'Pretty Little Liars' Ashley Benson 'too fat' at size 2? Body shaming dangers | Examiner.com