How fulfilling is parenthood? How happy is it supposed to make you?

My latest article for the online magazine, Life As A Human, explores the research, myths and realities.

Some of that research says:

“numerous scholars have found some evidence that, on aggregate, parents often report statistically significantly lower levels of happiness (Alesina et al., 2004), life satisfaction (Di Tella et al., 2003), marital satisfaction (Twenge et al., 2003), and mental well-being (Clark & Oswald, 2002) compared with non-parents.”

What does that mean for you? Finish reading the article here: The Joys — And Disappointments — of Parenthood.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

I’m a regular contributor to the new online magazine, Life As A Human, and my column looks at mind-body-spirit health. In my latest article, I write:

It kind of reminds me of the way we humans treat illness. Sometimes it’s like we throw our symptoms at a doctor, the way Konan throws his shape sorter at me, and say, “What does it mean? What do I have? What do I do?” (our version of “Ahhh?!”)

Read the whole article here: Sorting it Out: The Mind-Body Connection and Your Health.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

As I wrote to  my Twitter followers today:

Happy Valentine’s Day friends – may you be with those you LOVE today, focusing on that powerful feeling that lets you achieve and overcome

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

I’ve been chosen to be a regular contributor to the new online magazine, Life As A Human. My latest article starts out:

The other day I saw an episode of The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. He’s the best I’ve seen when it comes to understanding a dog’s emotions, actions and thought processes. This time I began wondering how life could be different for us if we were more like dogs.

Read the rest of it here: If Humans Had Tails: Self-Esteem Lessons from Dog Shows.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

The other day, I saw an episode of The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. He’s the best I’ve seen when it comes to understanding a dog’s emotions, actions and thought processes, and this time I began wondering how life could be different for us if we were more like dogs.

Somebody brought him a “hopeless” case of a country dog who had moved to the city, and was scared to death every time he had to go outside for a walk. He would cower, he would run, and he would twist and strain at his leash — especially when confronted by a baby in a stroller.

Cesar will be the first to tell you that dogs NEED their walks, so stopping them altogether wasn’t an option.

Instead, Cesar did something really unique…

>>> CONTINUE READING If Humans Had Tails……

Okay, look… I like Parents magazine. And Parenting, and BabyTalk… they’re some of my favorite reading materials for getting tips, ideas and advice on raising Konan.

But sometimes I’m just amazed at what makes it into the magazines under the guise of balanced journalism. The fact that they really toe the “company line” (i.e. promote what the establishment tells them to) becomes really evident at times.

Last month, it was an article called “Chiropractors for Kids?” which seemed like it was going to be a fair examination until the author started slamming chiropractic as possible quackery, mainly based on the fact that a lot of chiropractors (and other holistic health practitioners) don’t believe that giving kids a ton of vaccinations during their first few years of life — more than ever in the history of the world — is safe.

Yes, I accept the fact that these mainstream magazines are going to be pro-vaccination, for the same reason that Konan’s pediatrician HAS TO ask about shots every time we go in for a visit. They’re strongly regulated in these areas, and we have to take it all with a grain of salt.

But I can’t believe the blurb I just read in this month’s issue:

“Dental News Flash: It’s safe for kids ages 6 and up to get metal fillings when they have cavities, finds a review of more than 200 studies by the FDA. Known as dental amalgam, the metal mixture contains a small amount of mercury, but research shows that the amount of mercury vapor that’s released during the filling process isn’t high enough to be harmful.”

WHAT??? One of the most toxic substances in the world is OKAY to put in my child’s mouth? I DON’T THINK SO!

It goes on to say that the study couldn’t confirm safety for children under 6 years old.

So first they tell us that it’s okay to inject our kids with toxins and chemicals through the form of vaccines, and now it’s okay to put it in their mouths… because only a LITTLE BIT is going to leach out and get swallowed?

I yi yi… that’s just nuts. Hopefully Konan won’t get cavities (when he ever gets around to growing teeth, that is) but if he does, he’ll be getting non-metal composite fillings.

If you’re a pro-vaccination parent who’s getting riled up over what I just wrote, consider this from Diana Fatayerji, M.S., Ph.D., in Inspired Parenting Magazine‘s Spring 2004 issue: “Adverse reactions are believed to be a result of contaminants contained in the vaccines, including viruses, bacterial toxins and chemicals used in the preparation or preserving of the vaccine.”

I just wrote an article on Vaccine Side Effects in Infants for LiveStrong.com which goes into this topic deeper. It’s a balanced and heavily-researched piece, and though the focus is infants, the same is true for all kids… and there may be some evidence there that you hadn’t considered before.

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

Ya know, when the little one’s growing like a weed, it’s hard for me to think about dressing him fashionably. After all, if he’s just going to outgrow a new outfit in a couple of months… why spend very much money on it?

Just for the photo op?

I used to bartend with a girl about 15 years ago or so, who was the first person my age I knew who got pregnant. She was a real fashion snob, and when she had her child, of course she said, “My daughter only wears Baby Gap!”

I remember smirking at the time. Hey, I’m the girl who doesn’t even get a thrill from shopping for shoes (no, really, it’s true!)

But Konan got some Baby Gap stuff at his baby shower that he’s just now growing into, and it’s pretty darned cute! Little sweat pants and collegiate-looking long-sleeve shirts… they make him look like a mini man, unlike the onesies I’ve been putting him in for the past 10 months (which his daddy calls his “fruity little dance outfits”).

I just bought Konan some similar styles to the Baby Gap collection at Wal-Mart. Hey, value always wins out over label. I also noticed they’ve got some really adorable and affordable stuff at Gap’s sister store, Old Navy, that I’ve got my eye on.

But then TwitterMoms comes along with a Gap Outlet partnership that can save you an additional 10% from Sept. 11 to 24.

Not only that, but if you write a blog post about affordable fashions for the under-5 set, you can win a $20 gift card.

So I think Konan might be getting some more Baby Gap clothes soon!

Happy shopping… and happy writing!

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

We almost take brainstorming for granted sometimes, but for kids it’s brand new. Beyond that, it’s an effective way to look beyond the obvious and find creative solutions.

This year as school begins, give your child another tool for success; discover How To Jumpstart Your Child’s Mind with Brainstorming in my article on Education.com

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

I think it’s really sad that kids don’t get taught the basic of personal development in school, and adults who discover it often act like kids — not doing what they know needs to be done, refusing to take personal responsibility, and sabotaging themselves.

If every child could learn some of the basics early on, they’d grow up to be a lot better off; more accomplished, more confident, and more emotionally intelligent; and adults wouldn’t sabotage their personal development efforts, because it would be second hat by then.

Start this new school year out right. Find out how to Teach Your Child Personal Development in my article on Education.com

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!

Last week I told you how Konan was getting out of his comfort zone by taking swimming lessons.

Yes, he was scared to try something new… like all of us are.

And it sure was hard to watch him go through it when he cried!

But by the end, he knew how to totally relax while floating on his back, and how to turn from front to back after entering the water.

At 10 months old (just today), he was the youngest in his class by far, and held his own against all the 3-year-olds.

Sure, his skill level wasn’t as advanced as theirs… but he’s a winner because he progressed beyond what he could do before.

That’s why he deserves to wear this star that was given to him for graduating from the class.

You go, Konan — you’re a star, and this is just the first of many awards, medals and trophies you’ll receive!

Daddy and I are proud of you!

Keep Unwrapping the Mysteries of Life!