The short video clip shows a father, Phil Davis of Deltona smacking his small child in the mouth on national television as part of the recent Feb. 13. episode of Supernanny. Apparently some viewers and officials with the state Department of Children & Families took issue with that treatment. The agency is investigating complaints of child abuse and neglect reported by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. DCF in its investigation is trying to make sure the family is receiving counseling, that the behavior seen on the show is not continuing and that the children are safe, Harrell said. First of all, I see nothing wrong with a pop in the mouth now and again as punishment for certain behaviors. Recently with my kids having braces, my new... [Read more]

When it comes to death and dying – there have been five stages of grief defined, however, when it comes to life experiences, I think there are a couple more transitions that much take place before the healing can begin and one can move on. Recover from Grief shares a detail of those stages as follows: 1. Shock & Denial Most people react to loss with numbed disbelief. Deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. 2. Pain & Guilt As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn’t do. 3. Anger & Bargaining Anger sets in and... [Read more]

When it comes to the people in your life, do you find it difficult to create solid boundaries or do you find yourself agreeing or committing to requests that complicate your life? What about people who make you uncomfortable in your own home? How do you alert them that you would rather they not visit or call you? I’ve always been much better with the written word than a face-to-face or phone conversation. Recently I found myself in just such a position. I had to alert a relative who makes me feel so uncomfortable that I would rather she not visit or call me – but rather if she had a message to relay, she could call my husbands cell phone and get word to us that way. I’d made my request four different times in writing. Three times directly... [Read more]

Have you heard Katy Perry’s hit Hot and Cold? It caught my attention recently when the lyrics “bipolar” popped in. When my husband heart it, he smiled and found it somewhat amusing. Whether you think it’s good or bad – the fact that the topic of mental illness is making its way into mainstream is a good thing. Take a listen – it’s actually quite catchy. The lyrics are shown below in case you’d like to sing along. You change your mind Like a girl changes clothes Yeah you, PMS Like a bitch I would know And you always think Always speak Cryptically I should know That you’re no good for me Cause you’re hot then you’re cold You’re yes then you’re no You’re in and you’re... [Read more]

Depression is nourished by a lifetime of ungrieved and unforgiven hurts. Penelope Sweet [Read more]