Search Results for: blog stress is my middle name

Stressed Out Parents Affect Their Children’s DNA

Stress can cause a wide variety of health problems. It can make your current health issues become worse. You probably are aware that when parents are stressed out it has an effect on their children. A study finds that parents who are stressed out actually leave an imprint on their kid’s DNA. A study done by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of British Columbia finds that parents who are stressed out during their children’s early years actually affect their child’s DNA. The imprinting has been shown to last until the child reaches adolescence. More studies will … Continue reading →

Stress is my Middle Name

What a night! Single parenting is always stressful, but tonight was one of those nights that I thought I might rip my hair out. I had so much to do and my list kept getting longer and longer as the night went on. Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? When one thing gets crossed off inevitably something else goes on the list, all while your children quickly undo everything you just did. It’s hard to keep up with, especially if you are balancing work and school on top of that like so many of us are. I … Continue reading →

Gluten Free Middle Eastern Rice

As promised in my first food blog here is my recipe for Gluten Free Middle Eastern Rice. Try it I’m sure you’ll like it and have people asking for more. The recipe below serves 4. Middle Eastern Rice 1 Pound Kent or Jap pumpkin, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 Tablespoons of olive oil Sea salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper 2 gluten free vegetable stock cubes mixed with water to make 3 cups. 1 and a half cups of brown rice (brown rice gives a much better flavor though you could use white rice if you have a … Continue reading →

Five Tricks for Navigating My Mom’s Dementia-Filled Days

When my mom had her mini-stroke a few weeks back, it negatively impacted her dementia in a major way. She went from exhibiting mostly mild symptoms with a few moderate ones thrown in, to exhibiting mostly moderate symptoms with a few severe ones thrown in. If I was gulping about being a caregiver before, I’m triple gulping about it now. I had hoped some of this was related to the stroke and that in time she’d come back to me. But she’s not shown any improvement. If anything, she gets a little worse each day. This has presented major challenges … Continue reading →

What Should I Name my Child?

What should I name my baby? Whatever you want. Yes that seems like a simple question and deserves a simple answer, but it can get more involved than that when you are a single parent. Lacih8607 asked whether or not she should give her child it’s father’s last name. For some single moms this can be a very confusing, and stressful event. In my case, I knew that my son’s father was not going to be involved in his life. I knew he didn’t care what his son’s name was going to be, or even if he got a name … Continue reading →

A Hawaiian Party in the middle of January!

And a beach trip,too! When my brother returned from his Hawaiian vacation a few months ago, he brought back some shirts for the girls. Today my oldest decided that we would have a Hawaiian party! We were trying to take them out to a nearby playground and to do a little bit of shopping but they spent about half an hour naked upstairs in the bedroom, having a great old time. I gave up trying to get them dressed. Eventually the big one found the Hawaiian stuff and brought it down – she was still naked – and somehow my … Continue reading →

Fair Fighting

When my husband and I disagree on something, I don’t like to use the phrase, “We got into a fight.” That makes it sound like one of those knock-down, drag-out arguments that can quickly spiral out-of-control. Thankfully those days are long behind us. We are too mature—okay, maybe it’s really that we are too tired—as middle-aged adults to engage in that type of warfare. And I can’t even really call our disagreements “arguing” because that sounds like two people going at it verbally. We don’t even do that anymore. – Now we have what I call “discussions.” Oh sure, sometimes … Continue reading →

Six Little Rules

No one said this single parenting thing was going to be easy. Some days it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, other days I ‘m just grateful for the opportunity to raise my child the way I want. There are days, I’m sure married parent feel it too, when I have no idea what I’m doing or if I’m doing the right thing. I’ve tried to follow some basic “rules” to help my daughter and I through this transition. *Have a good attitude- your children take their lead from you so your attitude affects theirs. As hard as it is … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Holiday Cards

The holidays are quickly approaching. Have some fun this year and make your own holiday cards. You can also make thank you cards, birthday cards or whatever card you need based on the instructions below. Supplies: Plain pack of cards and envelops. You can find a pack in the scrapbook section of your craft store. Acid free card stock or scrapbook paper. You can find packs of paper in small sizes or the large size in the scrapbook section of your craft store. Scissors. For a more decorative touch you can use Fiskars Paper Edgers Scissors. Tacky Glue Embellishments: ribbon, … Continue reading →

Resisting the Urge to Interfere

All last week my 14-year-old daughter was at camp, about 3 hours away from home. It was all middle school kids who were told to not bring their cell phones. Since I was in North Carolina, I missed that information at a parent meeting. So the next morning when I dropped her off at church, she mentioned her phone was low on battery but that she couldn’t bring the charger because she wasn’t supposed to really have it. Yes, just minutes before she is leaving. I didn’t make too much of it and said my goodbyes. It was hard having … Continue reading →