Children contribute to our lives in so many ways. We experience fun, joy, wonder, and connectedness with them. But life with young children can also bring fatigue and frustration. You spend so much energy on their needs that it’s hard to meet your own. Over time, neglecting to keep up with your own needs—such as …
All new parents are at-risk for developing Postpartum Depression (PPD), sometimes referred to as Perinatal Mood Disorder (PMD) during pregnancy or after the birth of a new child. PMD includes postpartum anxiety and postpartum psychosis (very rare). But having a baby during a pandemic presents even more challenges for parents, as you navigate social distancing, …
You’ll hear Parenting Educators focus again and again the importance of taking care of yourself as a parent—and it’s with good reason. You can’t be on top of your parenting game when your own needs aren’t being met. But even under the best conditions—let alone a pandemic—it can be hard to put your needs above …
The data is in! Research shows that children of present, engaged fathers are less likely to drop out of school, go to jail, and avoid high risk behaviors later in their lives, such as smoking, underage drinking, or teen pregnancy. This is great news, especially as cultural roles are shifting and many families are choosing …
Have you ever stopped to wonder why we make New Year’s resolutions? It turns out that the tradition dates back all the way to the Babylonians, some 4,000 years ago. Of course, they weren’t making resolutions to eat healthier, hit the gym more, or spend less on frivolous coffee drinks. Instead, they were making promises …
Managing Parenting Stress Over the Holidays Sometimes it seems like the demands and stresses of parenting just keep building up! For some parents, it just seems like there is too much to do each day—especially during the holidays! The good news is there are ways you can handle the very real stresses of parenting through …
Life changes significantly when we have children, and it’s not uncommon for parents (especially those with newborns and infants) to feel social isolation. Between feedings, swaddling, and diaper changes to the busy toddler years of potty training, tower building, and imaginative play, weeks to months can fly by without us parents interacting with another adult. …
As parents, our focus tends to be on teaching our children healthy ways to manage (or regulate) their “big” feelings. We teach them ways to calm their breathing, slow down their thoughts, and release explosive feelings in positive outlets, such as drawing or talking a walk. But when’s the last time you checked in with …
How Are You Coping With the Challenges of Parenting? Being a parent and managing a family can be stressful at times. Sleepless nights with a newborn, toddler upsets, or a bout of illness can all test a parent’s ability to handle challenging moments with grace and ease. While these moments are generally fleeting—children eventually sleep …
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Self-Care Is Crucial For The Whole Family’s Health Self-care is a buzzword we hear a lot in the media these days—especially in parenting articles and social media. As our world gets more hurried and chaotic, medical professionals and parenting educators are encouraging parents to take care of themselves just as much as they care for …
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