Why kids cut and self abuse

Self-abuse is a touchy, uncomfortable subject. Kids cutting can be terrifying for parents. Cutting refers to a form of self abuse in which the skin, typically near the wrist, is sliced or pierced. It's scary for kids, too, particularly those who cut or know someone who does. Cutting behavior is dangerous--it spreads infection and causes scarring. Most upsetting of all is that such acts may stem from underlying depression and thoughts of suicide. From personal experience as a mom and childhood self-abuser, here are thoughts on cutting behavior.  Why kids cut and self abuse 

Enforcing Rules with Kids--Easier Said Than Done

I'm going to admit something that I'm not too proud of--sometimes, I'm a hypocrite. I dispense parenting advice that I have trouble following myself. Don't get me wrong--I believe in what I say. I just don't always practice what I preach.

Take the issue of enforcing rules--I'm not a total failure, but let's just say my batting average is pretty low. <---this mom is a pushover (shh-don't tell my husband or kids). I find it much easy to set forth the boundaries than to follow through on consequences. Several factors contribute to this shortcoming.  Enforcing Rules with Kids--Easier Said Than Done 

For best parenting practices, nix frequent cellphone texts

During most of my early parenting, cellphones weren't so common and texting was virtually unheard of. Though I've had a mobile device for about 12 years, I still don't have a texting plan. In parenting, I can think of few good outcomes and lots of negative ones from frequent cellphone texting. I'm not referring to business cellphone use, but casual chat.  This isn't multitasking--it's an accident waiting to happen. Here's why texting and parenting don't mix. For best parenting practices, nix frequent cellphone texts 

Biggest parenting time-wasters with better alternatives

Wasting time is something we all need to do now and then. Continually working at maximum productivity isn't good for machines, let alone humans. We parents are especially notorious for working ourselves to the edge and over. When I work too hard for too long, the quality of my work suffers (I'm also freakishly grouchy). Having said that, there are more and less healthy ways to waste time. Here are some not-so-great ones, with better alternatives. (Picture shows us wasting time at a gazebo at Myrtle's Plantation in St. Francisville, La. For tips on how to waste time, click here Biggest parenting time-wasters (with better alternatives)

Parenting Overweight Kids and Maintaining Healthy Weight-- Don't Let Them Get Too Hungry

This article gives tips for parenting kids with eating disorders, obesity or weight problems. It also helps moms and dads maintain good nutrition habits. One of the biggest mistakes dieters (and parents) make is to lets themselves (or their kids) get too hungry. Either by intentional fasting or simply by not taking time to eat, being over hungry is a diet and weight loss disaster. Eat small meals regularly. When the body is not given enough fuel to sustain activity, the blood sugar level drops. Tiredness, lethargy, confusion and extreme hunger take over.  Diet and Weight Loss Tips: Don't Let Yourself Get Too Hungry

Bullying Parents Get Kids' Easter Egg Hunt Canceled

The Associated Press story of bullying Easter egg hunt parents in Colorado Springs, Colo., who got their event canceled for egg-snatching doesn't surprise me. I've been a mom for 23 years; those guerrilla parents were around then, too. It's why I stopped taking the children to some of those kiddie-freebies. Extreme Easter Egg Hunting Parent-Style is Scary

How to treat mono symptoms in kids, teens

Your teen is cranky and tired. She sleeps all the time and complains of a sore throat, fever, achy muscles and belly pains. It could be the flu, but there's a good chance that she has mononucleosis, usually shortened to "mono." We've been through three bouts of it in our family, with one child getting a reinfection a few years later. Here are some tips to prevent mono infections and care for a teenager who has it. Read more at How to treat mono symptoms in teens

Exergaming, Yoga Good Fitness, Exercise for Obese Teen Girls

A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics finds that obese teen girls respond positively to medical weight loss interventions and health education from their doctors and in clinical settings. Here is information for parents about study findings. I'm loving the emphasis on interactiver exergaming. Instead of fighting with kids to exercise and not play video games, this presents the perfect compromise. Read more at Obese Teen Girls Respond Well to Diet, Exercise Intervention

American Heart Association Tips for Parents to Combat Childhood Obesity

Parents Are Key in Helping Obese Kids Lose Weight, AHA Says The key to combating juvenile obesity lies with parents, the American Heart Association says. Amid concerns about school nutrition, junk food in school vending machines and other external sources of obesity, the AHA says parents are the primary gatekeeper for weight loss and kids. The AHA released a scientific statement in its most recent issue of "Circulation" journal. Here are tips for parents to curb weight problems in kids, based on that report. Read on...

6.8 Earthquake Hits Alaska: Quake-Ready Emergency Preparedness for Families

6.8 Earthquake Hits Alaska: Quake-Ready Emergency Preparedness for Families Along with hurricane season, it's earthquake time in the U.S. In August, Colorado and Virginia were rocked with 5 plus quakes. Yesterday, Los Angeles felt 4.1 rumblings and today, a 7.1 earthquake shook Alaska. Parents, is your family earthquake-ready? Earthquakes are dangerous enough. When they set off a tsunami, like the 9.0 Tohoku earthquake (also called "Great East Japan"), on March 11, they become one of nature's most deadly weapons. To get your family earthquake ready, here are some steps to take. Read more

Genetic Testing for Mood Disorders

With the Arizona shooting deaths on January 9, 2011, discussion is focused on mental health issues that may trigger violent events. Profiles of shooters often reveal a history of psychiatric issues. Are there genetic

tests that demonstrate a predisposition to mental health issues? Let's look at one commonly diagnosed mental health condition: bipolar or manic-depressive disorder. Read on...