I’m familiar with someone who put together an excel spreadsheet so that she could track where each member of her family needed to be, on which day, at what time, and how they would get there! When I first heard about this, I had a couple of gut reactions. My first thought was– “Wow—this is the new definition of supermom!” Then, my thoughts turned to wondering how the multitude of ‘who needs to be where and by what time’ takes its toll on this family.
The reality is, with today’s opportunities for children and the variety of demands on our families, balance is often a foreign concept.
This weekend’s show takes you behind the scenes of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker.” From interviews with local dancers to a look at the costumes and sets, we have everything the audience doesn’t see!
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids, but it can also be a frightening time when kids don’t understand what’s going on around them. Here are some suggestions from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services on ways you can handle your children’s fears and anxieties during this spooky season.
The most important thing a parent can do to help their child overcome fear, is to respect what their child is feeling. Listen to your child and reassure them that they are safe.
Normalize your child’s fears, then teach them how to handle them.
Feel – “Wow, you really feel frightened of those kids in costumes.”
Felt – “I felt that way, too, when I was your age.”
Found – “I found that it was less scary when I…” Offer your kids some suggestions, and ask if they think that strategy might work for them. If they say no, ask them what they think might work better. This way, you have them focusing on a strategy to cope.
One of the best ways to “clean up” your relationships is to CARE about them. This week therapist, Michael Reiffer, broke down the acronym and how it can help you.
C – Choose
Love is an act of will
Forgiveness is a choice
Choose your time, money and resources wisely
Sleep…..we all crave it, but most of us can’t get enough of it. From naps to nightmares and mattresses to mealtimes, we’ve got what you need to know for a better night’s sleep.
Once the holidays have passed and the realities of winter set in, it’s normal to feel a certain amount of let down. How can you tell if the winter blues are more serious than that? Here are common symptoms to look out for:
· Down mood
· Feelings of hopelessness
· Loss of energy
· Social withdrawal / isolating
· Increased sleep
· Loss of interest in things usually enjoyed
· Increased carb appetite / weight gain
If you or a family member are struggling with some of these symptoms, here are some things in addition to getting them professional help that you can do to help your loved one cope.
Let there be light. Make your home sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight.
Encourage them to get out. Get outdoors on sunny days, even during winter months.
I’m familiar with someone who put together an excel spreadsheet so that she could track where each member of her family needed to be, on which day, at what time, and how they would get there! When I first heard about this, I had a couple of gut reactions. My first thought was– “Wow—this is the new definition of supermom!” Then, my thoughts turned to wondering how the multitude of ‘who needs to be where and by what time’ takes its toll on this family.
