Get up, get dressed, wake the kids up, get the lunches packed, wake the kids again, tidy up, get ready for work, wake the kids up for the third time, manage the whining, feed them breakfast, listen to the complaints, get them dressed to head out the door, remind them to bring their backpacks, get … [Read more...]
The 12 Emotions Of Christmas (As Told By One Stressed Mom)
Christmas is coming and guess what, friends? It’s bringing a lot of feelings along for the ride. Forget swans, golden rings, and maids-a-milking—here’s the list you really need to help process your emotions this holiday season. Excitement Ahhhh, guys, Christmas is coming! There’s so much to … [Read more...]
How To Reduce Your Child’s Anxiety Around Needles
Now that we’re all just getting back into routine, I was reminded by my paediatrician’s office that we need to get in for a scheduled vaccination. I hate needles (who doesn’t!) but like most, I’ve learned to grin and bear it. But for some kids, one look at a needle will have them running in another … [Read more...]
Sorry To Be A Party Pooper, But Social Anxiety Around Holiday Party Season Sucks
I had to laugh aloud when I read a Facebook post this morning that said; “‘I just love holiday party season!’ said no introvert with anxiety disorder ever.” I found this extremely funny because it pretty much sums up my life when it comes to parties and large gatherings. Although, being an … [Read more...]
Book Review: “Furiously Happy” By Jenny Lawson
I kid you not: I was at the gym the other day and the guy on the elliptical machine next to me was eating a candy bar and drinking a Coke. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing, and I thought to myself…well, I’m sure you can guess what I thought—you’re probably thinking the same thing right … [Read more...]
What If?
I would classify myself as a "What if?" girl. I'm sure a good therapist would have a million reasons on why I constantly ask that question to myself. This isn't a new thing, I've been doing it for years. Now that I recognize I have issues with anxiety, I'm assuming this is the cause. Or is it the … [Read more...]
Anxious? There’s a Website For That.
The best thing about pregnancy is that eventually it ends and you resolve to never, ever let a boy touch you again. The worst thing, aside from the weird new body hair and the crying, is the worrying. Every time I'd open up "What to Expect When You're Expecting" the book would automatically flip … [Read more...]
Too Scared for School
“Mommy, I’m scared. Please don’t make me go!” All over the world, moms, dads, nannies and other caregivers hear the same refrain, morning after morning. Kids who don't want to go to school. Kids who are afraid to go to school. My Facebook feed has been peppered these past few weeks with the … [Read more...]
A Young Woman of Great Promise
Any parent of a daughter (and let's face it: parents of sons, too) should be justifiably frightened by the emerging details of the Rehtaeh Parsons case. Pretty much any of us can imagine it: a fifteen year-old girl goes to a high school party, maybe even her first big party. Some booze is passed … [Read more...]
Thank You Kaitlin Hrudey
There has been a lot of media coverage lately of the youth mental health crisis, which is particularly bad here in Calgary. And it's about damn time. I've known about this crisis for a long time now, because I've been part of it. And it's getting worse, not better.My oldest daughter has anxiety. And … [Read more...]