Cut It Out!

Cutting is an epidemic in the United States. It has become an upward trend in middle and high schools thoughout the country.


Teens are continually struggling with their Self Worth and Self Image and trying to fit into the unrealistic expectations that media and society impose on them. 

Girls and even Boys report that they cut themselves to redirect their attention from the pain of their life to the pain of the physical wound. They use cutting as a coping mechanism and there is an increasing amount of peer pressure towards the trend. Any kind of coping mechanism; whether it be overeating, bulimia, using drugs - is just a distraction from a deeper issue. The issues should be addressed directly to try and eradicate the destructive behavior. 

If you know of any young women who are cutting, talk to them about their behavior and encourage them to get help. Whether they are doing it as a trend or because they are hurting inside, it is very damaging both to their physical and emotional health. 

According to KidsHealth, don't be surprised if your teen resists your efforts to talk about cutting. He or she might deny cutting, get angry or upset. A teen might not want to talk to you or say that you wont understand. If this does happens; be patient, don't take it personally, and don't give up. Try another time and another way to talk about it.

First Posted 3/7/12

Mother Daughter Day

With work, homework, soccer practice, ballet, band concerts, and all of the other things that are involved in raising children; life gets very hectic. During this whirlwind of everyday activity, meaningful time however is hard to come by with our growing children. As children get older, it seems even harder to manage an outing with them yet those teen years can be essential time for children to connect with their parents.


Schedule some quality time every few weeks, with that young lady in your life. Plan a fun excursion that will give you both a wonderful memory:

1. Go to a climbing gym with her
2. Take a Cooking workshop together
3. Go meet your local representative or senator
4. Paint ceramics at your local Paint-A-Plate place
5. Go get a pedicure or manicure
6. Take her to a fancy, dress up dinner
7. Go on a bike ride on a nature trail
8. Take your daughter to the theater
9. Go horseback riding
10. Bake some cookies and deliver them to an elderly neighbor
11. Have fun Go Cart Racing

If you do not have a daughter, take a niece or other young relative. The Big Brother Big Sister Program in your area is also a great way to give your time to deserving youth. 

Young girls need a positive role model during these formative years. Middle School and High School years are always a socially awkward time, when a young girl is becoming a young lady.


So put away the ipods, ipads, and text messaging & slow down ~ spend some quality time with your little girl before she grows up on you.  

It will make a difference :)