An Age-Old Problem: Helping Our Children Understand Their Grandparents’ Failing Health

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While there is a lot of focus on children and their mental health these days, it can be a very difficult situation when we've got to have a heart to heart conversation with our children about their grandparents. Whether their grandparents aren’t doing very well or they have to go into care because they're too old, these issues can eat away at us until we decide to sit down with our children and have that conversation. But when it comes to this sort of thing, how can we help our children understand what's going on, but also help them to cope?

Prepare For The Conversation

You could chew away at every word permutation in your mind, but the best thing to do is to sit down and just plan how you intend on saying it. It's important that you don't sugarcoat the language so much that it becomes almost unreal what you're saying. It at the same time, the reality of the situation needs to present itself, and it's something that your children need to know. Ultimately, it can be a very difficult thing if you have difficulties in trying to speak to your children in the first place. On www.HuffPost.com, there are some handy hints for being a parent that your child actually wants to talk to. This is something that could tip the balance firmly in your favor. Ultimately, you need to break the news, but if you're someone that they don't really take seriously, or they just ignore, it can prove to be more of a shock when you do deliver bad news.

Be Open And Receptive

They may have a million questions or they may have none. Whatever their response, it's important to be open and honest, but also be receptive to any questions they have, no matter how grizzly the details they want. This can be a very difficult thing for us to go through as parents, but it's important that our children understand exactly what's going on. If they have only half the information, they're going to walk away feeling more confused. What's happening to the grandparents? Are they been taken away? Are they not coming back ever again? It's these sorts of things that need answering in the most straightforward manner. This requires openness and honesty.

Offering Them Ways To Help

Your children will want to see them, or they may want to help. Ultimately, if it's something like your parents going into a home, if your child is old enough to have some of the responsibility, you can give them things to help with so they can contribute. Something as simple as visiting www.PegasusSeniorLiving.com  can be a great way for you to give your child the time they need to adjust. This can mean that they may be able to process the news easier. If they feel they are far away from the situation, and you're not letting them get involved, this could very easily compound their anxiety.

It's never easy, and it's an age-old problem, but by discussing with your children these difficult situations, it's going to have a more positive outcome than you realize, no matter how long you have been putting it off.

How to Help Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health

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Mental health struggles affect most families across the world. If you aren’t struggling with issues yourself, you’re likely to know someone who is. It’s important that we educate ourselves on how to help someone struggling with mental health problems. If you aren’t quite sure what to do, here are some suggestions on how you can help.

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Listen

Listening to someone doesn’t mean you are charged with having to find solutions to their problems. Sometimes, people don’t want solutions- they just want someone to listen. If you can sit and listen to someone’s problems without passing judgment, you can be a really good friend to someone suffering from mental health issues. By truly listening, you’ll be able to gauge what a person’s needs are in that moment. It could be helping to find a solution, or it could just be recognition of the difficulties they’re facing.

Don’t Assume

Some people make the mistake of assuming they know what someone with mental health problems needs. Perhaps they’ll attempt to cheer them up or bring them a glass of wine. There are times when all the effort in the world won’t get the desired result because they’ve made an assumption. Ask the person you’re supporting what they need. More often than not, someone suffering from a mental health disorder will be able to tell you what kind of support they require.

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Get Help

Supporting someone with mental health issues can be tiring work. The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out, so you’re forced to stop providing support when they need you most. It’s okay to reach out and ask for help. For example, teen bipolar disorder treatment is a great way to help a teenager suffering from bipolar without taking on too much yourself. You can also approach medical practitioners, with the sufferer’s permission, to see what help is available in your area. Whether it’s medication, therapy sessions or intermittent support, it all helps.

Avoid Arguments

When you’re supporting someone who's struggling with mental health, there will be times when things can get tense. Either one of you is likely to get frustrated at any point and it’s easy for arguments or confrontation to start. Try not to engage in arguments in order to keep a strong relationship. If you find it difficult to avoid an argument, make sure to leave the room and the other person’s presence and take some time to cool down.

If You Don’t Know the Person

If you’re in a situation where you’re trying to support someone you’ve never met before, try and stay calm. Offer as much information as you can and try to direct the person to any information or resources that could be of help. Ask the person if there’s anyone you can contact to help them further. If the person seems too distressed and you’re worried about his/her safety, always call the authorities to be on the safe side.

There are no tricks to looking after someone with mental health issues, so just do the best you can.

Could You Spot These Warning Signs In Your Teen?

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There comes a time as a parent that you realize that your little ones are no longer babies, and they are developing their own minds at an alarming rate. The things that you start to witness them going through reminds you of your adolescence, and all you want for them to do is be able to work their way through their education, there hormones raging and their new found confidence for their lives. But there can be another issue that you might not necessarily want to face? Your teen will be going through so many changes, and often they can affect them mentally. Could you spot the signs that your teen is struggling? Here are some of the things that you might want to look out for.

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Is there a change in their mood?

One of the easiest things to spot will probably be their mood. Of course, all teenagers will have their hormones raging, and this can also mean that their mood is changing. But there will be more evident things to look out for. Naturally, you may find that they are grumpy, agitated, and frustrated, which can be normal, but they could also be down, sad, emotional, teary and even recluse. Look for changes that you wouldn’t feel is normal for your child, and take it from there. Often just monitoring it to see whether there is a pattern or any other changes.

Have you noticed a change in their behavior?

A big indicator that something isn’t right is a sudden change in behavior. Are they more secretive? Are they less talkative? Do they do things differently? Are they dressing differently? Sometimes these changes are noticeable, but other times they happen gradually so being more aware can help you to spot the signs if something isn’t right. This is when things like teen depression treatment could help your child get back on track with their thoughts, feelings, and behavior towards things.

Do they respond to things differently?

Often the response from a child is a big indicator that things aren’t what they seem. So listen out for their responses to normal questions. Is there doubt? Is there use of a lot of negative language? Do they still find fun and happiness in things they used to? Such as their favorite foods or the things they used to like doing like hobbies or sports. Do they respond to family or friends in a different way? Often asking yourself these questions may help you to spot any signs that things are not as they seem.

Have there been any changes to their routine?

Finally, has there been any changes to their normal routine? Things like exercising more frequently and rigorously? Not eating as much as they would normally do or a loss of appetite? Are they quieter more recluse? Are they getting up later or sleeping for much longer? Again these things can be big warning signs that things are not right, so try and work things out. Again teenagers can sleep more, or change their routines, but it is looking out for the unhealthy habits that might be developing.

Let’s hope these questions help you to spot the signs that your teen is struggling.

Health Issues To Think About As You Get Older

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Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important at any age. But as you get older, taking care of your health can require further effort, as well as being prepared to handle a range of issues. From maintaining a healthy weight to making sure your mental health is in order, there are things to consider that can help you live a longer, healthier life, and even help the signs of ageing too.

Need to start thinking about your health as you age? Use some of the following as food for thought.

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Eating well and keeping fit

We spend a lot of our lives focusing on our weight, and while the pressure to be ‘thin’ can be unhealthy, it is important to keep your weight within a healthy range. Being overweight can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, but healthy living is considered one of the most effective ways of reducing your risk.

Get to know the basics of a healthy, balanced diet and start planning meals that are nutritious and healthy. Meanwhile, help give your cardiovascular health a boost by working out regularly and making sure you get moving during the day. It’s simple advice, but effective for keeping your health in check as you age.

Birth control

While you might have spent a large portion of your life trying not to get pregnant, your birth control needs will change as you start a family and get older. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor about appropriate birth control methods and to make sure you’re on the right type for your circumstances. You might want to consider coming off hormonal contraception altogether. A vasectomy is an option for your partner, and there are reversal vasectomy procedures available in case circumstances change. Your sexual and reproductive health is important, so don’t neglect these areas of your wellbeing.

Looking after your mental health

We focus a lot on our physical health, but mental health is just as important. You can start focusing on your mental health by learning how to manage stress, making time for yourself and relaxing. Sleep can also have a considerable effect on your mental health, so aim to get around 8 hours a night to allow your body to recharge ready for the next day.

Mental health can be a taboo subject, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk about your feelings and encourage open conversation in your family too. The sooner problems get picked up, the sooner you can get help.

Your health needs change as you get older, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect them. Self-care can help you stay healthy and happy, allowing you to enjoy the good things in life. It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself, so if you’ve been letting things slip lately, start over today and look forward to looking and feeling fabulous no matter what your age.

Easy Ways to Start Looking after your Mental Health

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If you know that your mental health is suffering because of your job, the stress of home or anything else of the sort, then you will understand how important it is for you to make a change. After all, if you don’t then the problems you are experiencing will only get worse.

Workout

There really are many advantages to exercising. It can help you to boost your energy levels and it can also help you to use up any excess energy as well. This is a fantastic way for you to regulate your sleep pattern and your fitness. Another great bonus of working out is that it can help you to manage stress, and it is also great for boosting your confidence too. This can work wonders for your mental health, and it is also great if you want to try and help yourself to be more outgoing.

Nutrition

Nothing can quite compare to having a balanced diet. When your diet is balanced, this can help you with your energy levels and it can also help with weight control. This has a knock-on effect when it comes to your self-esteem and it is also a great way for you to feel better in yourself. If you want to get some help when it comes to your mental health or if you feel as though your diet is doing nothing for your state of mind then why not consider talking with someone from Bluesky Psychology?

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Relax

It is very easy to become overwhelmed with life, to the point where you can’t seem to find time for yourself. You have to know that this is completely normal. It is essential however that you find time to look after your mental health, and that you also relax in a way that relates to your lifestyle. This can be watching a movie with your loved one, or even practicing yoga on your own. Either way, it can really help you to take back control of your life and your stress levels.

Sleep

Sleep is so crucial for your physical and your mental health. Sleep helps you to become re-energised and it also helps your body to heal. Another bonus of sleep is that it keeps your memory working properly. If you don’t feel as though you are getting enough sleep in the day then you really do need to try and avoid stimulants where possible. You also need to try and make sure that you stay in a good routine, and that you go to bed at the same time every day. When you are able to get yourself into some good habits, you can then begin to feel better and you can also make sure that you are giving your body the rest that it needs.

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Of course, sometimes the stress of life gets too much, and this happens to everyone, but by making sure that you are looking after your mental health, you can be sure to help yourself stay healthy and positive during this difficult time.

The Benefits of Keeping a Bullet Journal

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The Benefits of Keeping a Bullet Journal

Bullet journals provide an easy way to track all of your thoughts, feelings, appointments, and goals for your life, whether for today, next week, or 10 years from now. Here are some of the different benefits of having a bullet journal.

You Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety

First of all, if you struggle with a lot of stress and anxiety on a regular basis, the bullet journal can help with that. You are able to record your moods and behavior changes, which help you to determine triggers for your anxiety and panic attacks. 

Since you aren’t missing appointments or schedules and become more focused on a daily basis, you can also find great stress relief.

It Helps Keep You Organized

You can also become a more organized person with the help of a bullet journal. Perhaps you remember to get to work on time and bring your kids to their dentist appointments, but you tend to forget about your daily fitness regimen or don’t feel organized enough for meal planning. The bullet journal can help with these tasks and much more.

The Journal Replaces Your Traditional Planner

Planners are great, but there tend to be some limitations with the store-bought varieties. They aren’t very customizable, so you are forced to use whatever calendar layouts and note pages are provided to you. This limits you to how much you can include on each page and what sections there are. 

With a bullet journal, it replaces your planner and includes absolutely anything and everything that you find important.

You Get More Information About Your Personal Goals

Bullet journals can give you a better idea of what your personal goals are and what is required to reach those goals. You will start including lists, aspirations, and bucket lists. This, when looking back on it, really gives you a good idea of what you want out of life and what tasks you need to do in order to achieve them.

You Can Track Your Regular Habits

When you enter detailed information in your bullet journal about your daily life, you will then be able to track your regular habits. 

For example, if you have a food and exercise log section, it lets you see what you are eating on a regular basis, how often you eat out, and what areas of your fitness routine need work. 


You can also track your moods and resulting anxiety or stress, or track your daily expenses to see where you might be able to cut back.

4 Tips to Getting Through The Stresses And Strain Of Being A Mom

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Finding out that you’re pregnant and that you are to become a mother is one of the greatest feelings in the world. A few months beyond that, you realize that giving birth and welcoming your child into the world takes the lead as the greatest. Seeing the little human being that you created and grow inside you for months and months finally in your arms as they frown, smile, cry and laugh is a feeling that you don’t understand until the moment happens to you.

28 Day Reading Challenge - Day 10

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I've read some pretty good chick-lit lately.  Sophie Kinsella never fails to come through.  One of her new books, Surprise Me also does not disappoint.

28 Day Reading Challenge - Day 9

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I run the risk of seeming like a book reader that really only loves books that get turned into movies given that most of my other posts in this challenge fit that description.  Particularly with today's selection of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.

28 Day Reading Challenge - Day 8

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The Happiness Project was another one of my favorite books from last year.  It follows the story of Gretchen Rubin as she tries to cultivate happiness over 365 days after having the realization: "The days are long, but the years are short."

She performs a variety of different experiments incorporating the wisdom of the ages, current research, and popular new trends to try and find what makes one happier.  She tests the theory of can money buy happiness.  Turns out it can if wisely spent.  What the Kon Mari method and my mother have been telling me for years - outer organization creates inner calm.

It is hilarious and at times a little sad as Gretchen finds her way through the 365 days of grappling with what happiness means.  I loved the book and definitely considered doing a 365 day happiness project myself.  Turns out lots of other people did too and now, there's a Happiness Project Manifesto, groups, along with dozens of other resources.

Until tomorrow and the next great read!

28 Day Reading Challenge - Day 7

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The Tea Girl from Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See is by far one of the most moving books I've read in a long while. I have loved Lisa See's books since I first read Shanghai Girls which was the first encounter I had with her work. I've since read most of her books, heard her speak, and been a loyal fan for years. The Tea Girl follows an Akha through her life in Yunnan province.


The Akha people are one of the 55 minority groups that exist within China's borders. Yes, China definitely has more than just Han majority. I actually spent 3 weeks in Yunnan province in 2001 and went to some of the places mentioned in The Tea Girl. It is a beautiful province that was extremely poor both in the novel and my personal experience.


Times have changed over the past 20 years and with the growth of the tea industry, Yunnan has become famous for their Pu'er tea. Tea is at the center of this story and how it shapes the life of Liyan. It is how her peasant family made a meager living prior to the opening of China and how Liyan ultimately triumphs. It the story of loss, love, struggle, enduring and overcoming.
It is also the story of mothers and daughters - a unique bond that defines who we are as girls and women the world over no matter race, creed, religion, or background.  Read this book!

28 Day Reading Challenge - Day 6

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The Help came out several years ago and also was made into a movie. It takes place in the deep South back in the 60s when white women were expected to marry, play bridge, and have the help raise their children.