Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

The closer to nature, the healthier, right? Drugs, chemicals, cleaning products, household items, cosmetics, disposable items, kids products--we try to use natural ingredients as much as possible. Note I said "as possible." It's virtually impossible to avoid all. And my naturalista friends are going to gasp, but I say balance is healthier parenting that rigid obsession with health. Too much obsession becomes dangerous in itself. Sometimes it leads to weird behaviors like smother mothering, helicopter parenting, bubble-wrapped kids, MBPS (Munchausen by proxy syndrome). Think I'm exaggerating?

Take food for example. Organic, raw foods may be physically healthier, though with the chemical saturation of our environment, I'm not sure. I know myself. I over think everything. it would make me a crazy (crazier) wreck trying serve perfectly pure foods all the time. Raising four kids, I couldn't afford all natural foods, even if we ate only vegan. That food is super expensive! And even if I had one child, or no kids, I couldn't afford it. We live in the city--I couldn't grow all my own food if I wanted to. Our soil is toxic. I'd feel anxious and guilty that I'm a bad mom. Constantly worrying, makes me nervous and grouchy. And then I'm not a good mom. And THAT is my main priority.

So why am I giving all this rationale? Because group think nowdays says, EVERY thing must be done to excess, even health foods. And you know darn well, most people are struggling just to keep afloat in this crazy-hectic world. Whether with money, relationships, work, keeping up the Jones, it's a constant battle. Let me tell you a little secret: lighten up. Do the best you can. Don't aim for rigid perfection. You and your family will be a lot healthier. Better a meal of hot dogs together than the perfect vegan meal eaten alone. Balance is Healthier Parenting Than Health Obsession

2012-2013 Flu Season Hits Hard

In health news, the 2012-2013 flu season is shaping up to be a rough one. The Detroit Free Press reports that yet another child has died in southwest Michigan from flu-related illness, bringing the number to three this year. Two adults have died from similar flu illnesses, and the number of cases in Michigan continues to rise. Despite this, I still urge caution when considering whether to get the flu shot or not. For all the hype about it, remember that it only protects against three strains and which ones will be virulent each year is hard to predict. Also, once vaccinated, you pretty much have to be vaccinated every year thereafter (that's from health care providers). Lastly, the best offense is a good defense. Eating healthy, taking care of yourself and your kids, keeping sick ones away from others, washing hands and covering your mouth--those are worth more than any vaccine. Michigan 2012-2013 Flu Shot Options

Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

I'm always saddened when I hear parents say that their kids don't like each other. I'm not bragging (well, not much), but our four kids all get along great and always have. I don't say that to be self-righteous. I don't know exactly why our family has so little sibling rivalry. We may just be lucky. If it had anything to do with our parenting, here's what we did. Sibling rivalry: Parenting tips to help kids get along

Frankenstorm Prompts Emergency Preparedness Reminders

Some nasty weather is pommeling the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Meteorologists are calling for a trifecta of Hurricane Sandy, snow storms and other bad weather. They've dubbed this perfect storm "Frankenstorm" as it's scheduled to make landfall on Halloween--October 31, 2012. This article was written about earthquake emergency preparedness, but these safety tips are similar to bad weather advisories. Use these to get your family storm ready. Read on  Emergency Preparedness for Hurricane Sandy, "Frankenstorm"

CPSC Releases Toy Safety Guide

CPSC Releases Toy Safety Guide The Consumer Product Safety Commission and other safety watchdog organizations have released a toy safety guide for parents. Here are facts about toy-related injuries. In 2010, the CPSC reports 251,700 toy-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms, of which 181,500 were younger than 15 years old. Thirty-five percent of toy-related injuries were by children younger than 5. Those numbers have not changed significantly from the 2006 to 2009 totals. Non-motorized scooters, small balls, magnets and balloons are the toys children most commonly injure themselves on. Read more....

How to Stay Healthy and Survive the Holidays

How to Stay Healthy and Survive the Holidays
Emotional health help tips for holidays and year-round.

Baby Monitors Recalled for Burn, Strangulation Hazard

Baby Monitors Recalled for Burn, Strangulation Hazard
Baby monitors are unsafe? I thought they were supposed to protect and save children, not harm them? Most do, but several baby monitors are failing the child safety test. Momma Doc says practice safety and child -proof your baby's sleeping environment. Consider co-sleeping with your child in a baby-safe bed or drop-sided crib next to mom.

Fire Safety and Family Emergency Preparedness

Pa. Farmhouse Fire Sparks Emergency Preparedness Concerns
The recent fire that killed seven children in Pa. raises issues about home fire safety. The Japan Earthquake and tsunami raises further concern about family emergency preparedness. Is your family fire safe and emergency ready. Check out these communication tips and family resources.

Common Denture Problems and How to Correct Them

Momma Doc cares about the whole family: in utero to the old folks. Dentures can be a real pain, literally and figuratively. My poor grand-dad was plagued with denture drama. Got dentures hassles? Check out these Doctor Momma tips. Common Denture Problems and How to Correct Them

Risks of Homemade Teeth Whiteners

If you are deciding whether to make your own teeth whitener, purchase one at the store or see your dentist for professional whitening service, consider the risks of homemade teeth whiteners. What could be risky about  something you make yourself, you ask? There are three risk factors involved with homemade teeth whiteners: ineffective cleaning agents, improperly handled chemicals and potentially harmful ingredients. We'll look at them in order of risk level. Read more...

Bedbugs Are Major Health Concern in Many Communities: How Inspect and Treat

Bedbugs have been a hot topic in health, parenting and local communities. Just the mention of beg bugs conjures up images of disease and unsanitary conditions. How can parents avoid bedbugs and treat infestation? The facts about bedbugs may surprise and reassure you. Read on...

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles? What's Best for Kids

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles
Family dynamics are complicated to say the least. Parents have relationships with each other as lovers, as partners and as caregivers for their children. It's vital that parents keep personal power struggles out of their parenting decisions.
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Parent-Child Role Reversal: Emotional Blackmail

Parent-Child Role Reversal: How Children Emotionally Blackmailed into Parenting Their Parents
Parent-child role reversal occurs when parents make their children responsible for their behavior and happiness. The child becomes the parent and the parent acts the child.  How do parents make children sway roles?
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Parent-Child Role Reversal:Shame-Based Behavior

Parent-Child Role Reversal and Shame-Based Behavior
Alcoholism and sexual abuse are obvious causes of shame-based behavior in children. Other parenting behaviors shame children also. Parent child role reversal causes shame-based behavior in children. It breaks down a child's self-care boundaries.
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Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: 'Off the Meds' Side Effects and Coping

Tips for Coping with SSRI Antidepressant Discontinuation Sydrome: Withdrawal Dizziness
Are you trying to get off from anti-depressants? Did you know that coming off SSRI antidepressants like Paxil can cause withdrawal symptoms? If you are feeling dizzy, you may be experiencing Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome.
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ADD/ ADHD Attention-Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity History

History and Medical Model of Attention-Deficit Disorder
"Hyperactivity" was first diagnosed in the late 1960s. DSM II called it MBD (Minimal Brain Damage). These terms were later changed to ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD. Feingold.org offers non-drug solutions to ADD.
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Restaurant Food: Diet and Health Issues

Restaurants: A Health Conscious Dieter's Worst Enemy
Dining out has always been a recipe for health and dieting disaster. If you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy eating habits, dining in restaurants can be your worst enemy.
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Tweens: Understanding is the Key

Tweens: What is a Tween?
Tween is a buzzword that defines the 9-12 year old child, caught be-'tween' childhood and teenager. Lower ages of puberty have caused a social, cultural and educational push-down. We need to understand our tween to best help them.
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Diabetic Children: Parenting Issues

Diabetes: Parenting a Diabetic Child
We generally think of diabetes in relation to adults. Genetic predisposition, family history and obesity are the typical causes of diabetes. Higher rates of childhood obesity is causing a higher incidence of juvenile diabetes. Here's how you can help.
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Obese Children; Parenting Tips

The Ultimate Guide for Parents of Obese Children
Parenting obese children. Health info, nutrition tips, emotional help, lifestyle issues.
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