Being a better parent sounds like a massive undertaking, doesn’t it? In order to change things you need to take a class, or read a handful of books, or just spend a lot of time figuring it out. I say you can do this without nearly so much hassle.

I’m so glad to get comments from readers, on both newer and older posts. In fact, some of the most frequently read and commented-on posts are ones about difficult problems and unresolved family pain.

If you feel like you’re having more than your share of ups and downs, you may be on to something. A person’s mood can change many times during the course of a day.

If you just saw the word “meditation” in the title, you might be having second thoughts about reading this post. You don’t have time for that, you don’t

Loving Grandparents Are So Valuable

I firmly believe that one of the best things about being a kid is having grandparents.  They get to be indulged in a way parents often can’t or won’t.  You know, grandpa can get away with offering milkshakes at 10pm once in a while!  And grandmas are often better able to spend a whole afternoon with just one grandchild working on a project than parents can.

Of course, I have this opinion because mine were all very good to me and I miss them deeply since they have passed away.  One set lived halfway across the country, but they were very good about staying in touch, keeping track of our interests, and spending personal time with us when we did visit in person.  My other grandma was  a widow since before I was born.  She was my “everyday Grandma,” a wonderful consistent presence in my life.

Breathing – it’s something we often take for granted.  We can control it some of the time, but most of the work is done automatically by our beloved brain.  Have you ever gotten caught up in something exciting or stressful and suddenly notice how you are breathing?

Are you sometimes alarmed at how quick and tense your breathing becomes?  It can definitely show how relaxed or stressed you are at any given moment.  When you learn how to make your breathing work for you, you get calm and stay cool.

Many worries or emotional upsets don’t come on that strongly at once.  Sometimes it just creeps up on you, and suddenly you find yourself tense and tight.  This is a great time to try some breathing.

Today I’m introducing you to a semi-regular series called “Mental Health Quick Tips.”  I’ve discovered over the years that a person really needs to have a few important tools they can carry around with them at all times.  And I’m not talking about a hammer or pliers.

Coping With Everyday Mental Health Issues

Everyone gets nervous, sad, sleepless and angry sometimes.  Some people even get depressed or very anxious.  New moms, married people, parents with older children, retired people with extended family.  Whether you are experiencing this for a few hours or a few months, all you want to do is feel better.  And most importantly, your family is affected by the way you take care of your mental wellness.