Dear Maxy ,
My daughter, who is in fifth grade, has two suitors . No, I'm not kidding . She came home to tell me how uncomfortable she was because she wasn't sure how to talk to both boys at the same time . They were all at a birthday party recently and the boys were vying for her attention. She says it was fun, but also a little weird because she likes one boy but doesn't want to hurt the other one's feelings . I felt so happy she came to me with this situation . I want to be able to help her, but I also know that she has to learn for herself how to handle boys' attention . What should I tell Her ?
Growing Up
Dear growing Up ,
While you cannot give your daughter a prescription for how to navigate these two boys as they talk to her, you can give your guidance . First, let her know that it is very nice that the boys find her interesting . She should consider that a positive . She should remember to treat them and others as she would like to be treated . That may mean paying attention when one is talking to her, responding to questions when asked, participating in dialogue ... basically being present .
When one boy interrupts another, she can attempt to manage that by saying "Hold on let X finish what he was saying ."
Then she can turn to the other after he is finished . Let her know that it is much easier to communicate one-on-one with the boys, especially when they are attracted to her .
Maxy
Dear Maxy ,
Recently I haven't been felt like getting out of bed or doing anything . I just feel blah . I have been struggling for so long to recover from losing my job two years ago . I do freelance work, but often I am broke . I can hardly pay my bills, and I am always negotiating with a creditor to not cut me off because I'm late .
I am tired of all of it and just want to hide . I feel like I just want to move back home with my parents even thogh I'm an adult . Maybe if I don't have the pressure of so many bills, it might be easier for me to get my act together . They offered , but I'm afraid . What should I do ?
Near the Brink
Dear Near the Brink ,
You may be suffering from depression . I highly recommend that you get some mental health support right now, before you pick up and do anything . Talk to a professional who can help you sort through your thoughts . You can call Crisis Clinic at 1-866-4-CRISIS (1-866-427-4747) .
The struggle with losing a job and attempting unsuccessfully to rebuild your life can take a toll . I wouldn't rule out moving back home, even if it is temporary .
Maxy
Dear Maxy ,
Forty-two years ago, I married a kind gentle man, caring man . Over the years however, he became hateful and mean . I spent the last twenty years trying to make it through one more day without spurring his anger, often unsuccessfully.
Finally I asked his doctor to check my husband for depression . His doctor prescribed a mild antidepressant. What a change I am seeing ! I love my husband like I did forty years ago and look forward to growing old with him . Please continue to encourage people to see their doctor about depression .
Things can be better .
His Wife .
Dear Wife ,
Thank you for the testimonial . Sometimes depression manifests itself as anger, withdrawal, mood swings or other behavioral problems that are not recognized as depression . I am glad you asked your doctor for help and that he took action which helped .
Maxy
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