Understanding and Coping with the Holiday Blues
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When I was a child, I was obsessed with Christmas, like I suppose most kids are. But, I knew that when the song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” came on, things would get sad very quickly. As a first generation American, all I knew were small celebratio... Read full article
Is it Rough Play or Bullying? How to See the Difference and Intervene
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Sometimes it is difficult to know when rough-and-tumble play is shifting into something more nefarious. As children grow up, they test limits, and we have to trust our judgment. When it comes to bullying, our instant reaction is to cut out any roughh... Read full article
Take it Back
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Socialization is a major component of our existence. It is a determining factor in others’ opinions of our character. Since we do not reside in Utopia, we make mistakes. These mistakes are evidenced in our conversations and physical interactions. We ... Read full article
Am I Raising a Psychopath?
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Who comes to mind when you think of the word “psychopath?” Ted Bundy? Jeffrey Dahmer? Jack the Ripper? Your child or someone else’s? While it’s a terrifying thought to even consider that your little baby boy or girl could ever display psychopathic tr... Read full article
Lessons From the Ballpark
by Cheryl Brodnax on
I’m a baseball mom. I live at the ballpark from February through July. For the last seven years, I’ve sacrificed my weekends (and sometimes sanity) to drag an unearthly amount of stuff to every ballpark imaginable so our boys can do what they love.... Read full article
Mommy, I Don’t Quit
by Kelly Carmena on
It’s been almost five years now since I jumped on the fitness train. Six weeks postpartum from a very emotional pregnancy and delivery, I took to walking daily with my newborn daughter in tow.... Read full article
It’s Hot, Baby! Keeping Little Ones Safe in the Heat
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Louisiana summers offer a unique sort of heat. And when it comes to babies, it can be downright dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), excessive heat poses the greatest danger to infants and children up to four years old.... Read full article
Teen Suicide: Personal Essay from a Teenager
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My 13-year-old cousin, Kora, passed away on January 24, 2020 due to suicide. She was found by her family when they went to make sure she was up for school. She was on life support for a few days and then her organs were donated. This is my letter to ... Read full article
My Tribe: How I Found My Motivation Again
by Kelly Carmena on
“Mommy, I need to go on a diet and I want you to go on one with me,” were the words that escaped my seven-year-old’s mouth when I realized I had fallen off the healthy wagon and re-entered the zone of “fat.” My running had tapered off, I had failed t... Read full article
Teaching Children Respect
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As a veteran teacher, I’ve been asked many questions about how to teach children over the years, and only once have I been a bit stumped. The mother asked me, “How do you teach respect?” After a moment’s thought, my response was, “Every single day.”... Read full article