As a fairly new mom, my son is 2, I highly recommend encouraging your children to explore their creative side with art.  My Mother did the same with my brother and I, and I believe that led me to my art career!

 

Not every child may necessarily show an interest in art right away, but if you offer it as a daily activity especially at a young age it just might catch on. Some parents say, I can't get him to pick up a crayon, or, she doesn't like paint on her hands. Tailor the activity to what they like or don't like. If they don't like to get messy, then just pull out some coloring books and crayons. If they like to get messy, let them go to town on some acrylic paints.

 

The point is to get them involved in art. Why? When children paint & draw it gets them using the right side of their brain, the creative/feeling side. If children at a young age can learn to express themselves, this leads to maturing and growing into healthy young adults down the road. Our society seems to be most interested in signing our kids up for physical activities, which is definitely important. Or we do the opposite; sit them in front of videogames, ipads, & iphones.  But we cannot forget to make art a part of their activities. Art opens up a part of ourselves that can become forgotten and lost as we get older. Art has a precious innocence that can be cultivated now into something they will carry with them the rest of their lives. No matter what occupation they choose down the road, by offering them this form of expression, it will help mold and shape them into strong, confident individuals.

 

Children paint and draw in an abandoned state. They have no fear of the big blank paper staring back at them. They don't feel the pressure we feel as adults to draw a perfect tree or a perfect horse. They try and draw anything they want with no…

This month is Postpartum Depression Awareness month and as someone who once suffered from this misunderstood disorder, I started thinking about the stigma associated with it. Is there anything pregnant and soon to be pregnant women can to do avoid it? Since I am not an expert on the subject I decided I would do some research to find out. But I think first I need to address some of the common misconceptions associated with the disorder.



Myth #1

Women who suffer from PPD do not love their babies and should be protected from them.



I think the biggest myth is also the number one reason why many women refuse to get help or do not talk about it because they are afraid they will be judged as bad mothers. Women who have PPD DO love their babies, may feel not quite like themselves. Some may even feel disconnected from their child. Others feel a deep connection for their little ones but long for their old uncomplicated life. Having a child is such a huge change and really no book, or research can prepare you for the huge responsibly you are taking on. Sleep deprivation, lack of support, financial worries can all contribute to the stress and exhaustion new mothers may be feeling.  The Media often report on bizarre and rare cases where women actually hurt their children. This is not PPD but another rare disorder known as postpartum psychosis. Symptoms of this disorder include thoughts of suicide, hallucinations and delusions. This disorder requires immediate medical attention but is different from PPD.



Myth #2

There is nothing you can…