Mommy Burnout

Elmo, the beloved character from "Sesame Street," sparked a heartfelt conversation on mental health last month by simply asking, "How is everybody doing?" on social media. With over 16,000 responses and over 200 million views, people shared their genuine feelings, ranging from struggles to despair. Elmo's empathetic responses underscore the importance of asking about others' emotional wellbeing. This highlights the growing mental health crisis and need for support and understanding.

"The Luck of the Irish" is a mindset- Your mindset is a set of beliefs that shape how you make sense of the world and yourself. It influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation. So today enjoy what it feels like to be focused on luck and festive cheer!

I recently had the pleasure of appearing on the Happy Family Club podcast, where we delved into the complexities of modern parenting. We discussed the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, the struggle to maintain a strong emotional connection in the digital age, and the isolation that can accompany parenting today. For a deep dive into these topics and practical advice, listen to the full episode and join the conversation on navigating these common yet challenging experiences.

Gentle parenting, a term gaining traction among modern parents, focuses on emotional regulation, empathy, and affection. It involves understanding and naming a child's emotions, teaching coping skills, and offering physical comfort. However, it's important to note that this approach isn't rooted in academic research and aligns more with permissive parenting styles. Experts suggest that gentle parenting, while well-intentioned, can be challenging to implement effectively. It often requires parents to delve into their own emotional experiences and traumas to be truly impactful. Additionally, setting boundaries and understanding consequences are crucial aspects that can be overlooked. As we navigate the nuances of parenting, it's essential to find a balance that works for our families, understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

I recently had an insightful conversation with my friends at 9News about a concerning trend: increasing cases of psychosis among teens who use marijuana. We delved into the latest data, exploring how and why marijuana use is linked to mental health issues in adolescents.

In a society deeply influenced by diet culture, it's vital for parents to navigate these waters thoughtfully when raising our children. The key? Shift the focus away from looks, sizes, calories, and diets. Avoid labeling foods as strictly 'healthy' or 'unhealthy,' and refrain from using terms like 'fat' or 'thin' to describe people. Remember, our children see us as perfect. It's often through our own words and actions that they learn about societal norms and perceived imperfections. To raise confident, self-loving individuals, we must embody those qualities ourselves. Embrace self-love and belief in your abilities, and your children will follow suit. This approach is especially crucial as we see a rise in disordered eating among younger kids. Let's lead by example and create a healthier, more accepting world for our children.

In a world where diet culture is pervasive, it's crucial for parents to be mindful of the messages we're sending to our children, especially around topics like food and body image. A recent viral Instagram post by @mondaydieter highlights the importance of this, particularly in scenarios like buying Girl Scout cookies. 🚫 What Not to Say: 🚫 Avoid mentioning diets, calories, or body flaws. 🚫 Don't justify not buying cookies with reasons related to weight or overeating. 🚫 A simple "no thank you" is more than enough. As parents, it's our responsibility to foster a healthy, positive environment for our children, free from the pressures of diet culture. Let's focus on teaching them about balance, health, and self-love.

Recently had another meaningful conversation with the team at 9News, where we discussed practical and compassionate ways to support children during a divorce. It's a topic that touches many families, and understanding how to navigate these changes is crucial for the well-being of our kids.

I joined the 9News team to shed light on structural vs. internalized racism. We explored how structural racism is ingrained in societal systems, while internalized racism reflects personal acceptance of societal biases. Understanding these forms is key to addressing racism effectively.

The recent TikTok trend targeting young girls at Sephora sheds light on a larger issue: the beauty industry's influence on tween self-esteem. This goes beyond shopping habits, touching on deeper concerns like mental health and the impact of social media on young minds. 👨👩👧 For Parents: 1️⃣ Stay Informed: Understand the content your child is exposed to online. 2️⃣ Manage Social Media: Consider delaying access and monitor usage. 3️⃣ Simple Skincare: Encourage basic, age-appropriate skincare routines. 4️⃣ Rethink Beauty Shopping: Limit frequent trips to beauty stores, focusing on inner beauty and self-confidence. Let's guide our children through these formative years with a focus on healthy self-image and resilience.