Help for Parents Coping with Divorce, Adoption, Teenager and Relationship Issues

If the holidays depress you, you’re not alone.  And, more importantly, you can do something about it.
Many of us feel depressed around the holidays.  The passing of time becomes more evident, often we’re separated from our friends and loved ones, financial crisis is harder to manage, and expectations can be hard to satisfy.  What can [...]

Are you coping with eating problems?  Loss of appetite due to illness?  If you are helping a loved one recover from cancer, or you have it yourself and are looking for ways to improve your appetite, here are a few suggestions.

Eating Problems
If you have loss of appetite, or eating problems, either because of cancer or other [...]

Depression.  Don’t you hate the word and the feeling?  We all have it now and then, and often it is just situational.  And, that’s good, because it’s within our ability and control to make some improvement in our mood.  Let’s talk about depression.
Major depression is potentially life-threatening physical and mental illness.  The classic symptoms are [...]

Taking care of you so that you can be your healthiest and best and most energetic, is a very important part of parenting or being a solid partner in a loving relationship with your spouse, partner, or other family members.  If you neglect yourself, you are sending a message to others that you are not [...]

By Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction: If we’re not in control of most of our happiness and attitude, then who is? We CAN change how we think and react to life. We CANNOT always control what life gives us. Our hope, lies in our own thoughts and actions. And always remember the quote from Abraham Lincoln, “Most people [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction:  Do you know people who always seem to be in a good mood, no matter what?  You think “They’re lucky!  I wish I had their life!”  But, wait.  Take a closer look.  It’s not luck.  It’s choice.  Everyone has a back story. 
Learning From Your History
During my 18 years of parenting foster kids I [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
The secret to guilt free holiday eating is in our mind and approach to mealtime.  Temptations and overeating surrounds us from Thanksgiving to New Years. Meals are brimming with mashed potatoes, turkey and yummy stuffing, sending out a powerful call to one and all. Pies, cakes and creamy fudge can leave us frighteningly full. [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Introduction:  Do you have someone close to you who is in grief?  Are you struggling trying to talk to those in pain? I know you want to help. Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing much.  Please avoid giving well meaning advice.  Listen.  Make comforting sounds.  Hug or don’t hug.  Be there.  [...]

Marisue says:  “Happiness seems elusive, but it’s gotta be easier than we think, or act.  It’s got to be something we have control over, because my experience has shown that if we’re waiting on someone to give it to us….we’re outta luck.  It’s about choices, and action, not re-action.  Choosing to be in a different mood [...]

“One of my pet peeves is when someone who is probably intending to give me a compliment says something like ‘You’re always so up.  Nothing ever seems to get you down, I don’t know how you do it.  You’re so lucky.’  Well, what looks like luck to them is actually another four letter word:  W O [...]