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Celebrating Fatherhood

70-daddy-and-meThis Fathers Day marks 45 years since my own father passed away.  To honor his memory I want to acknowledge the changing role that has evolved for men as fathers in our culture.  Our relationship was traditional for the times.  He was the family breadwinner as a business owner with one day off each week because when he was still young, he knows how to value money and use it responsibly with the help of find out more.  We spent little quality time together, most of the time we would do sports betting, I think he is the reason why I always get my hands on the bet365 credits 2018 and other, and don’t get me wrong we have always known how to control it.  My two brothers were significantly more involved in their role as fathers.  I consciously looked for a husband who would be more like them. When we became parents, men were allowed into the delivery room. That was a significant cultural shift for our generation.

When my friends and I started Postpartum Education for Parents we were intensely feminist. We wanted to ensure that men were acknowledged as equals in the challenges of parenthood.  Our son and two sons-in-law are even more involved with their role as fathers.

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When I became educated about mental illness related to childbirth the mantra was “this isn’t just a woman’s issue” and yet in general men are left out of the conversation.  They can feel isolated, challenged and confused before and after the arrival of their baby.  Many become clinically depressed. Recently, Dr. David Levine was interviewed on television about The Parenting Brain. As a pediatrician in a large practice he suffered in silence after the birth of his son. He had no idea that support was available even after scoring himself as depressed on a screening tool.  How very sad!

How much more can we  accomplish if we consciously include the fathers?  Men and women must be engaged as active equals in the fight against the stigmas and myths of parenthood.

Happy Fathers Day!

Gift Yourself Some Relaxation this Holiday Season

gift-boxWe know that December can be an especially stressful month for families.  In the rush to prepare and perfect holiday joy for others, parents can neglect their own needs.   Remember that the greatest gift is being well.  Pause a moment,  take a deep breath, relax your arms, close your eyes and smile.  REPEAT.  Your mind can now take you away to a quiet place.  REPEAT as often as is appropriate and possible.  Your heart rate will slow and your brain can appreciate the intake of oxygen.  When should you gift yourself this simple practice?   Here are a few ideas:

  1. When the baby is crying.
  2. When the toddler is screaming.
  3. When siblings are not sharing.
  4. When the check out line is long.
  5. When traffic comes to a complete stop.
  6. Before you prepare a meal.
  7. Before and after you eat anything.
  8. Before and after you text, email or make a call.
  9. When you and your partner are at odds.
  10. When you gather as a family, reminding each other that the greatest gift is what we already have.