Look Thinner: Break Fat Posture Habits

 I'm about halfway through my goal to lose 100 pounds. Looking at pictures of myself, I can see why I still look like I did with 50 extra pounds. I sometimes have fat posture. Just as certain things make me look younger or older, some habits make me look thinner or fatter. Here's why and how.

* Find "fat attitude" roots: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy teaches us that actions and emotions stem from thinking patterns. "Fat posture" for me stems from shame. As a kid I was chubby. Read more Look Thinner: Stop Fat Posture Habits

Cybersafe: Why Teachers, Students, and Social Networking Don't Mix om

 As technology advances, kids are being exposed to increasing amounts of digital interaction. Cyber communication is even supplanting face to face. While there are advantages to social networking, there are times when it's not appropriate. Speaking as a teacher and parent, I'm concerned about adults and specifically teachers communicating with students via text and social sites. Here's why, plus suggestions for parents.  Cybersafe: Why Teachers, Students, and Social Networking Don't Mix

Coping with teen anger, teenage mood swings

Clinical teen depression is relatively uncommon, but tell that to parents of teens and they may not agree. Bouts of moodiness are hallmarks of teen behavior and one of the most worrisome for parents. Here's a parent survival kit for dealing with teen mood swings.  Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

Natural Depression Therapies for Parents

"Octomom" Nadya Suleman, the single mother of 14 (including octuplets) routinely provides us with glaring examples of what not to do as a parent. Suleman checked herself into mental health rehab for stress and anxiety stemming from a Xanax addiction, says ABC Good Morning, America. Depression affects most parents at some point, but powerful mood-altering drugs like Xanax aren't a solution. From experience, I can say that they only make things worse. For seven years I took antidepressants, but weaned myself two and a half years ago. To treat depression symptoms, I use these methods.  Holistic Mood Therapies

Parent Competition Makes for Unhealthy Relationships

I've long heard it said that parents can (and should) be able to do it all--keep a nice home, raise great kids, work full time, stay financially solvent, be healthy, etc. In 24 years of parenting four kids, I've realized that not only is that thinking flawed, it's dangerous. You can't have it all--something gives somewhere, often where you least expect it. We shouldn't expect perfection of ourselves or other parents. And most intolerable of all, is when one parent capitalize on another parent's failures to highlight her own apparently successful parenting. It's easy to pass judgement on someone else, more difficult to see our own flaws. What that boils down to is competition. And competition among parents is particularly toxic. Here's why.  Competition Among Parents is Unhealthy

Tribute to My Big-Hearted Little Hero

This was written by my friend and fellow freelancer Sherry Delauder Wright in memory of her son Logan who passed away. Please read it and be blessed by it. Spread the love. Like the old campfire song says "it only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around can warm up to its glowing. That's how it is with God's love. Once you've experienced it, you want to pass it on."

"I lost my hero on Saturday. My sweet Logan was five-and-a-half years old when, in my arms, he drew his final ragged breaths and went home to Jesus.

His passing followed a brutal 18-month battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer known as Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor, or AT/RT. The journey began back in August of 2010, when his right eye suddenly turned inward during dinner."  Read more

Sandy Hook School Shootings--Mental Health Resources for Kids, Disaster Victims

In light of the school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn., it's important to address emotional health issues for parents and kids. In fact, all of us, as a nation are grieving. We need to examine our response to crisis and protect ourselves. Part of that involves guarding our minds against excessive fear. Parents particularly need to be mindful of how they discuss the deaths with their children. We have to be sensitive and open, but not reactionary.  Here are mental health resources for disaster victims and all of us as we recover. Read more

Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

Clinical teen depression and adolescent major mood disorder are relatively uncommon, but tell that to parents of teens and they may not agree. Bouts of moodiness are hallmarks of teen behavior and one of the most worrisome for parents. Here's a parent survival kit for dealing with teen mood swings. read more

Curb Holiday Cravings, Christmas Weight Gain with Low Sugar Switches

Tis' the season to be snacking! The holidays are about sweets. But I will be fa-la-la-fatter, if I'm not careful. I can't abstain from Christmas goodies all season long, but I will make simple food swaps to curb my inner Christmas Cookie (Candy, Cake, Pie) Monster. Here are easy, low-sugar holiday switcheroos. Wondering why an article on holiday diet tips is on my emotional health blog? Several reasons. First, when I blow my diet I get depressed. When I get depressed, I sometimes eat more or I eat too much bad stuff. It's a vicious, circular downward spiral. Second, I believe (based on experience and observation) that many holiday blues bouts are caused by not tending to basic needs, like nutrition. Too many holiday sweets and not enough veggues make for emotional meltdowns. So my solution is to control holiday sugar intake. Christmas  depression may not disappear, but it will be easier to manage. Curb Christmas Cookie Monster Cravings with Low Sugar Switches 

Understanding teen depression and adolescent mood swings

Teenage depression can be frightening for kids and parents. Clinical teen depression is relatively rare, but mood swings aren't. They're part and parcel of growing up. Mood swings affect adolescents across the spectrum, regardless of background, upbringing, personality or gender. Here are things to keep in mind about teen mood swings. Understanding teen depression and adolescent mood swings