Advice for Parents by Doris Smeltzer

We stand for...

In a previous post I mentioned Georgia's misguided and harmful Strong4Life Campaign where the focus is on shaming fat children through posters and ads that send stigmatizing messages with words and pictures.

A dentist tale

I changed dentists about 15 years ago when a molar on my lower jaw, that had been cracked and injured, needed to be removed. This professional insisted that he had to also pull the corresponding tooth on the upper jaw as well. If not, this tooth would grow to fill the gap, causing all sorts of problems.

A student asks...

We presented a number of talks at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire last week. During the morning assembly we were able to speak to about 1,000 students. Our first experience with over a thousand students in attendance was at the Coast Guard Academy a number of years ago. Our Exeter audience was as polite and attentive--a relief to us as speakers.

HAES reminders

I wrote an explanation of a Health At Every Size® (HAES^(sm)) approach today that was beyond the grasp of the youthful audience for which it was intended. Although they will not hear these words, I decided to share them with you:

For 2012 ...

May you know ...

With love and blessings,

Doris

 

Wishing you....

....during the holidays.

Blessings,

Doris

Photo taken this AM of our family room mantel

Making room at the table for grief

A few days ago a friend, who recently lost a family member, emailed to ask about how we incorporate Andrea into the holidays...hoping for guidance on how to do the same for her loved one.

An opportunity for mindfulness

Yesterday I found myself feeling sick inside. I had to trace the day's events to arrive at what had triggered my nausea (this was not a physical response, but an emotional one). By the time I'd readied for bed, my limbs felt heavy and I knew I was allowing myself to sink into worry and despair. 

Open to the self-discovery

A couple of years ago a young woman contacted me to see if I'd be willing to answer some questions for a book project on which she was working. I sent my responses off and heard from her again last week letting me know that the project is entering its final stages. I needed to sign a form giving her permission to use my responses. Before signing, I thought it best that I go back and re-read what I wrote. I was mortified. Some of my responses actually embarrassed me...I've learned a lot in two years.

Overcoming holiday struggles with Food and Weight

Our family's Thanksgiving celebration was small and sweet. Our daughter Jocelyn and son-in-law Tracy invited us to their home to spend time with them and our grandchildren. Tracy, an accomplished home chef, generously prepared the major traditionals (turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, et al) and we made the pies, devilled eggs and a couple small side dishes. Yes, it was quite a feast, but because I have spent the dozen years since Andrea's death re-learning how to eat mindfully, I was able to enjoy the variety of foods without overdoing as in my pre-intuitive eating years--something for which I am truly grateful.