Hitting the playground with your preschooler? It’s a great way for your little one to have fun, sure, but with every jump, slide, and seesaw they are exercising and working on important gross motor skills. In particular, the swings are a great way for a child to practice their coordination as well as hone the large muscles in their arms and legs‐not by being pushed, of course, but by learning how to pump themselves....
Many child experts agree that children shouldn’t be forced to say “sorry” when they do something wrong. However, that does not mean kids should be let off for bad behavior. Adults should take the opportunity to teach kids about why their behavior was wrong and learn about good manners at the same time. Forcing a young child to say sorry after he bites or hits another child, for example, simply forces a lame, insincere “sorry” statement without changing any behavior....
An exercise ball—sometimes referred to as a stability ball or Swiss ball—is a classic piece of fitness equipment you can find in nearly every gym setting as well as Pilates and yoga studios, and HIIT classes. Traditionally made with PVC, exercise balls can be easily inflated with either a hand or foot pump and used to supplement bodyweight workouts or improve posture and balance by using one in place of your desk chair....
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing everything from get-togethers to doctors appointments online, those with less knowledge of or trust in technology are at a disadvantage. A new study from the JAMA Network Open found that older people were among those who reported fewer telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways Older people may not have the access or know-how to use technology for online therapy.About 15% of people over 60 years old have a mental disorder....
Are mental illnesses caused by physical differences in the brain? The medical model of mental illness is rooted in the belief that mental disorders have physical causes. Based on this model, mental illness should be treated—at least in part—as a medical condition, typically through the use of prescription medications. Medications for mental illness change brain chemistry. In most cases, these medications add or modify a chemical that is responsible for problems with mood, perception, anxiety, or other issues....
Historically most schools haven’t recognized mental health as a legitimate reason to miss classes. But this position is slowly changing as more and more children are struggling with psychological issues that are impacting their ability to show up to school as their best selves in the same way as physical illness would. One by one states are allowing students to take time for themselves on days when the weight of the world becomes a little too much to carry....
What Is a Cult of Personality? A cult of personality, sometimes referred to as a personality cult, is defined as “exaggerated devotion to a charismatic political, religious, or other leader.” Authoritarian figures, such as Benito Mussolini of Italy and Vladimir Putin of Russia, are often associated with cults of personality, as are totalitarian regimes such as the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Germany under Adolf Hitler, and North Korea under Kim Jong-Un....
What Is Allostatic Load? Allostatic load refers to the cumulative effects that chronic stress has on mental and physical health. More simply, it refers to the ‘wear and tear’ on the body that life events and environmental stressors create. When events occur that exceed an individual’s capacity to cope, allostatic overload may occur. Allostatic load was introduced by neuroendocrinologist Bruce McEwen and psychological psychologist Eliot Stellar in 1993. McEwen described allostatic load as the price people pay for adapting to stress....
What Is Crisis Intervention? Although crisis intervention can be used in therapy if a client presents in an emergency, crisis hotlines also offer this service using appropriately trained volunteers or employees. Crisis Intervention Crisis intervention is a short-term (usually single session) technique used to address an immediate mental health emergency, stabilize the individual in crisis, and create and implement a safe, appropriate plan for next steps and future treatment. What Causes a Crisis?...
While all queer people deal with the pressures of heteronormativity, there are other challenges that may only affect some members of the LGBTQ+ community. Individuals who are also BIPOC, have larger bodies, are disabled, etc, have an experience of pride and queerness that isn’t as vibrantly displayed under the rainbow banners. Key Takeaways June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate queer folks and all that they’ve accomplished.In addition to being queer, many individuals also encompass other identities that may not be as affirmed in all Pride spaces....
Although some families make jokes about having a favorite kid, most parents will publicly deny liking one child better than the rest. But the truth is, deep down, many parents do have a favorite child. One study examined 384 families in which siblings were born within four years of each other. It found that 74% of mothers and 70% of fathers exhibited preferential treatment toward one child. It makes sense psychologically to develop a stronger bond with one of your children, particularly with the one that is most similar to you, says Paul Hokemeyer, LMFT, PhD, a marriage and family therapist practicing in California....
If you aren’t planning for an epidural, there’s always a chance you could change your mind and your birth plan once labor starts. It’s also possible your labor could stall, leaving you uncomfortable for much longer than you expected, or that you could even need a surprise c-section. And, of course, your original birth plan could already involve an epidural. Whatever your birth plan might be right now, it could always change....
Just like babies crawl before they walk, it’s usually how they first start to conquer the stairs, too. And it’s the way you should encourage your child to take the stairs until she is more confident on her feet. At this stage (which could start as early as the day your child starts to crawl if stairs are nearby) you should keep stairs protected with gates. When your child is attempting stairs, you should always offer close supervision....
People with panic disorder, panic attacks, and other anxiety disorders are often susceptible to sleep issues. These can include insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or both), panic attacks, or other sleep problems. Since lack of sleep may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, it is important to try to treat these sleep problems. Insomnia Many people with anxiety disorders have a difficult time managing negative thoughts and worries. People with panic disorder are often all too accustomed to the uncomfortable feeling of frequent worrying....
By now, you’ve most likely heard about the non-fiction classics to read during pregnancy, which lend advice about the gestational period and raising children. While these books can be helpful, sometimes an escape is just what you need to relax your mind. Reading fictional books provides you with just that, allowing you to get lost in the characters and the storylines while also giving you the ability to unwind. Of course, babies are on your brain right now, so it’s expected that stories about pregnancy are currently piquing your interest....
It’s common for kids (and adults) to lie sometimes and occasional dishonesty usually shouldn’t be cause for alarm. However, when lying becomes a regular occurrence, it can turn into a significant problem. One big issue is that if your child is known to lie, then you may not believe them when they are telling the truth. Teaching your child the value of telling the truth establishes the importance of personal responsibility, trust, and caring....
Failing to manage your anger can lead to a variety of problems like saying things you regret, yelling at your kids, threatening your co-workers, sending rash emails, developing health problems, or even resorting to physical violence. But not all anger issues are that serious. Instead, your anger might involve wasting time thinking about upsetting events, getting frustrated in traffic, or venting about work. Managing anger doesn’t mean never getting angry. Instead, it involves learning how to recognize, cope with, and express your anger in healthy and productive ways....
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about flowers, sweet treats, and cute crafts. For a party or family fun, get kids’ hearts pumping with active games instead. Hearts and Showers Make paper hearts and mark some with a special drawing, stamp, or sticker. Pile them all on a blanket or bedsheet. Players stand around the edges of the sheet and hold it in the air. Show them how moving the sheet (gently at first) gets the hearts moving, too....
Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold.” And now there is another reason it’s being lauded as the perfect food—it has been linked to additional heart health benefits, a new study reveals. Key Takeaways A new study connects breastfeeding with lower blood pressure readings at age 3.Length of time being breastfed did not impact the lower blood pressure readings meaning even babies breastfed only a few days benefited.Colostrum, a parent’s “early milk,” contains extra nutrients and components that could have been the reason for the lower blood pressure....
Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Every Friday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, shares the “Friday Fix”—a short episode featuring a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern. Friday Fix: Episode 187 A lot of people enter my therapy office not because they’re looking to change themselves but because they want to change someone else....
