Parenting Tips--Hows Dads Help Prevent Mom Burnout

 Let's talk mom burnout. It's a dark depression that can incapacitate. We hide it from kids, spouse, friends, family, ourselves. We're terrified lest anyone see and think we're the rotten parents we believe we are. From 25 years parenting four children, let me assure you--mom-burnout is normal and manageable. But dads, we need your help. Here's how. Parenting Tips--Hows Dads Help Prevent Mom Burnout 

Quit Letting People Take Advantage of You, Manipulate You

I've always let people take advantage of me. I've been embarrassingly easy to manipulate. I have what IFS Growth Patterns calls "people pleaser pattern" personality. It stems from low self-esteem and an over-active conscience. I'm an empath. I can't divorce others' pain from mine. This weird melange has destroyed my mental health and ruined relationships. But I'm not letting it anymore. To heal, I'm getting out of the passenger seat and taking over the wheel of my life. This heals relationships, too. Here's how.  Quit Letting People Take Advantage of You, Manipulate You

Free (or Cheap) Mood Lifters, Stress Busters, Pick-Me-Ups

Depression. It's everywhere I look. Medicated or not, more people seem to getting less satisfaction from life. Here are free (or cheap) mood lifters and stress busters.

* Avoid drugs. I don't say this pedantically, but from painful experience. I took Paxil for several years. It caused health problems, didn't help depression and left me dull and listless. I believe it caused me to give birth to a stillborn baby. It was mentally addictive. I put on 100 pounds taking it. If you take antidepressants, get brand facts and don't expect a panacea.  Read more