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Monday, June 20, 2011

Don't be afraid of a hug

Is a hug really so bad?  I didn't grow up a hugger but I sure am one now and I wish society would join me.  Don't worry, I don't go around hugging strangers, but I do hug my family and friends every time I see them.  I have to admit to the non-huggers that I can spot you immediately.  Even my friends who know that's "what I do" have a tendency to cross their arms in front of themselves or shout hello and wave before I get close enough to move in for the hug. 

For me, a hug is just the next step after the handshake. A handshake is for the first time and every time after that deserves a hug.  Society has taught me to be aware of others personal space and body language. If a hug isn't your thing, I can respect that, everyone is different. But...I would love the day when someone would very openly bring me in for the hug first.  It doesn't even have to last long.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

If you Feel Grumpy...You are Grumpy

My gosh, it's one thing to wake up in a bad mood, but it's entirely different to be a perpetual grump. If you feel grumpy...you are grumpy.  If it's just a bad mood, you can usually shake it off without ruining your day and anybody else who is caught trolling through your wake.  Be careful if a bad mood extends beyond 4 hours, in my book that is no longer a mood and can potentially snowball into a personality trait.  If you find yourself grumpy, uptight, or fierce day after day after day, then this is now part of who you are and how people see you.

My guess is that MOST people do not WANT to be miserable and negative, they just don't know how to stop.  To get out of the funk...you have to stop the junk.  No more negative ME vs. THEM attitude.  The only one that can improve your mood is you!  It takes a lot of work, but it is possible through a hefty amount of self talk to get yourself through the hurdles of the day and pinpoint what caused this heavy burden in the first place  Foul negativity is like any other addiction.  First you have to want to change and second you have to work extremely hard to change.  Stop blaming everyone and anyone for life's woes.  Think about what YOU can do to improve your situation, talk it over with your alter ego - (yourself) or a friend or relative, look to the future and "let it go".  As you let it go, you'll feel the change...you're on your way to  a positive, blissful you!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Why do babies scream?!

I was just talking to a new dad in the office and his question was...why do babies scream?!! The poor guy was distraught! Well, this is Baby's way to communicate. Unfortunately, the louder the screech, squeal, or squawk, the faster the reaction.  Clearly, it is human nature to wonder what this demanding infant needs.  It is also human nature to react reflexively to this piercing noise.  Once Mom or Dad finds out the baby is not being mauled by a wayward cougar, the question 'why do you have to scream?' deepens.  Parents have to be trained to react to the scream in a non-urgent manner.  If it is not an emergency, the best way to approach a screaming baby is quietly and casually.  A good distraction is also helpful. 

Yelling or forcefully grabbing the baby is not the answer...then they truly do have a reason to scream!  Speak to Baby in a low, quiet tone.  Most likely they will quiet down because they need to hear what you are saying and this reaction may be so unique and new to them that they want to see what it's all about.  You may even throw in a lullabye or silly jingle. 

That being said, there is a difference between an upset scream and a loud screech. One is for attention because of a need and the other is just a form of communicating.  Get to know the decibels of scream and decide how to react to each. In any case, take a needed break as a parent.  Switch off between family members or have a friend come to your aid.  Your baby is not the first screamer and will not be the last!