Teaching Kids to Live Al-Anon Slogans: Practice Self-Care

Anxiety and I go back a long way. Fear has been a constant companion, if not a friend. Panic attacks have ruled me and fight-or-flight characterized my behavior. Thanks to 12-step recovery groups like Al-Anon, I use past tense. I am learning to take care of myself so negative feelings don't control me. Kids need to be taught young how to do this, so they don't end like me (and so many others) having to relearn self-care as adults.
Here's how.

Cast out false fear. My old modus operandi was others-driven. I lived in constant fear of upsetting, angering, disappointing and failing. Fear consumed, overwhelmed and exhausted me. I got physically ill. Fear will always be my most challenging nemesis. Combating it means stepping way outside my comfort zone. But if I don't, the zone only gets smaller. Self-care means bearding my lions.  Living Al-Anon Slogans: Take Care of Yourself, Do What's Best for You

Teaching kids healthy communication, interpersonal skills by modeling

Have you ever observed a parent shouting at a child to settle down? It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. The only thing this child is learning is that mommy yells, so yelling must be the right way to communicate. Hypocritical behavior like this not only jeopardizes the parent's relationship with the child, but the child's ability to form healthy relationships. These habits doom other relationships, too. This is just one troublesome parenting communication fail. Here are some others, along with healthier ways to help kids learn to get along. Teaching kids healthy communication, interpersonal skills by modeling

Sleep Problems, Night Terrors in Children? Nix Television Before Bed

Sleep Problems, Night Terrors in Children? Nix TV Before Bed Sleeping problems are one of the most parenting woes. Developmental issues make bedtime difficult for many children. Pediatrics released a study recently linking sleep problems and night frights in children to violent TV shows and bedtime TV viewing. sleep problems and TV

Teaching Fantasy Genre Literature--Are Fantasy Books Safe for Kids?

Teaching Fantasy Genre Literature Addictive and Psychological Issues Is fantasy literature safe and healthy for children? This series explores the eight issues surrounding the fantasy literature debate. In this article, the addictive, psychological and separation issues. Read More

Self-Care for Caregivers of Special Needs Children

Probably nobody needs to practice self-care habits like caregivers for the elderly, mentally handicapped and physically impaired. Burn out in these types of care-giving can occur extremely quickly. Here are some hints. Self Care Elderly Physically Impaired caregivers