by Jeanne Faulkner, Contributing Writer

In recent years, our pets’ status in our lives has undergone a major upgrade. Americans own more pets, spend more money and take better care of them than ever.  Many owners’ now call themselves “pet parents” and their dogs, cats and other animals enjoy some of the same privileges and devotion as children. It’s not just an American thing, either. All over the world, pets are enjoying their day in the sun.

Why the upgrade?
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by The American Academy of Pediatrics

CHICAGO – Children’s mental health is an important part of their overall well-being. To help guide parents, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a collection of interviews with pediatricians about child behavior, emotions and other mental health topics.   Audio interviews with experts in children’s mental health offer families practical advice on fostering positive emotional development in their children

Listen to Sound Advice on Mental Health on the AAP parenting website http://www.healthychildren.org/SoundAdviceMentalHealth

“Studies show that about 1 in 5 children has a mental health problem,” said Robert W. Block, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP.
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by Jeanne Faulkner, Contributing Writer

We start our next part of our series focusing on OURSELF.

Why It’s Important to Take Care of Yourself

Think about your day…   You’ve probably met every responsibility and demand presented to you;  your job, family, spouse, schools, friends and most of all your children.  But what have you done for yourself lately?  If you’re like most parents, you put your needs on the bottom of the list.  After all, “me time” seems so selfish, especially when there’s so little time to spare.  But indulging in this guilty pleasure isn’t frivolous or self-indulgent.  It isn’t even optional.  Taking care of your self is mandatory.   After all, if you don’t do it, who the heck will?

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It involves Music, Wine Makers and Celebrities speaking on it.

What is -  it?     According to BringChange2mind.org 1 in 6 adults suffers from brain-related illness including depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and schizophrenia.  Psychiatric diseases can cause much suffering, both for people afflicted and those who love them, as stated at the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHO).

IMHRO.org  continues on to share that it is likely to include people you know: 1 in 5 people lives with a psychiatric disease.  IMHRO claims it is the number 1 cause of adult disability in the world.

This is significant for parents.  Parents can be impacted by it.  They can be inspired by it, too.

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Many responses about Our Mental Health Series: Part 3; WHAT ABOUT ME?!  are coming in…
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