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Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ilana Glazer Is Not a Chill Mom—but She's Working on It
Fact checked by Sarah Scott You'd be forgiven for thinking comedian Ilana Glazer is a chill mom given her most famous role as stoner Ilana Wexler on the popular Comedy Central series Broad City. But the real Ilana, the one with a 4-year-old daughter, is quick to recount the many ways in which she's decidedly not chill: 'When I have expectations of how a trip is supposed to go, how bedtime is supposed to go, how a nap is supposed to go…' The list goes on, reminding me that Ilana, much like the rest of us, is doing her best. And unlike her free-spirited character, she isn't using as many substances as she once did. 'Although it's nice to have a little break from reality sometimes," she jokes. What she is doing is embracing those things within her control and letting go of the rest. My childhood best friend and I had our kids around the same time and we're still tight. It's so much easier to be gentle with my close friends than it is when I'm alone in my own head. So, thinking it out loud and then feeling the compassion I give outwardly makes it possible to point that compassion back toward myself. I learned to slow down and be gentle with myself in the past five years, including during my pregnancy. It's a muscle that needs exercise and breath. I was just texting my husband because the afternoon didn't go as planned. When you have kids, they're not a plan to be executed. They're little magical human beings who need support. My husband has beautiful instincts to make space for our daughter to have whatever process she's having. And it's so much more delightful than making my kid my little employee, whose job it is to do what I need her to do. I like to plan for things and produce, so it's been a gift to see our combined parenting unfold. It's shown me how much I've been holding on to that I need to let go of. I want my daughter to make room inside of herself for whatever feelings come up. I want her to gently pay attention to them and, over time, accept them. I've spent a lot of time and money going to therapy to build this practice. At 4 years old, she's embodying this in the most beautiful way by naming her feelings. It's astounding! She's already 30 years ahead of me. I'm able to separate the private and personal from the public and professional. My career has a lot of function around it, whereas my art is driven from a need, and then my parenting—gosh, what do you even call it—is a pre-need. It's just primal. Not necessarily the conscious ways we raise our kids but the instinct to have a kid. Those moments with my daughter reward my heart in a way that's different from my career and art. I love Ilana's description of motherhood as primal. It speaks to our deepest desire to care for and protect another person however necessary. Because being a parent is not always neat and organized. Oftentimes, it's raw and messy. And we're here for it all. Until next time, Grace Read the original article on Parents
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Viral Video Shares 3 Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse—Experts Say It Shouldn't Stop There
Fact checked by Sarah Scott Parents are the anxious types for good reason. Our job is to protect our children, not just from bumps and bruises, but also from much serious abuse that can occur right under our noses, sometimes even at school or from people we think we can trust. Ever vigilant, parents are always on the lookout for tips to help put a stop to this kind of abuse before it can even occur. As the author of Punishment-Free Parenting: The Brain-Based Way to Raise Kids Without Raising Your Voice, parenting expert Jon Fogel (@wholeparent) regularly shares insights on social media that many parents find both useful and relatable. In one recent video, Fogel includes tips parents can implement in their everyday lives to help prevent children from experiencing sexual abuse—and while his advice is a solid start, experts say it doesn't cover everything kids need to stay safe. Here, we'll break down what the video gets right, and where experts say parents need to take further steps in order to help prevent abuse. Fogel lays out three succinct points about preventing sexual abuse in children, offering examples from how he parents his eight-year-old: Not teaching blind obedience: Using the phrase, 'Because I said so,' is putting children at risk for manipulation, he says, adding, 'Kids who are trained to not question authority are easy targets.' Avoiding punishment: Fogel states that he does not punish or shame for certain behavior or mistakes. He notes that the threat of getting in trouble with their parents is one of the ways abusers gain control over their victims. Talking openly about bodies: 'Bodies are not taboo,' he says, adding that he will never make his child feel ashamed of their bodily functions or body parts. Generally speaking, Fogel provides helpful parenting advice, says Wendy Lane, MD, Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Medical Director at the Lifebridge Health Center for Hope, which provides intervention for and prevention of child abuse. 'I think they're generally good parenting tips,' she says. 'These are great tips for developing a strong connection to your kids and making [them] feel comfortable talking to you about anything, including challenging subjects.' That said, she explains that these three tips alone, although valuable, are not enough to prevent child sexual abuse. '[Parents] can also expand on [these tips] by doing other things to make sure that their environment is protective,' she adds. Fogel mentions that preventing sexual abuse is not just about 'one-off talks' or teaching phrases like 'see something, say something,' but rather consistently showing up as a safe and secure presence. While being a present and engaged parent is essential, preventing abuse requires more concrete action, according to experts. Here are a few expert-backed ways parents can help prevent abuse: This doesn't necessarily mean physical safety or self defense skills, but rather teaching kids to say 'no' when they feel uncomfortable, even to authority figures, and to make their boundaries clear. 'As far as abuse prevention, we talk about teaching personal safety skills to both kids who don't have traumatic events in their history and for those who do,' says George (Tripp) Ake, PhD, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, and Training and Implementation Program Director for the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. He offers a few examples of how to teach these skills to your kids, including: Practice saying no: Encourage your child to practice how they might say 'no' in different situations—like if someone asks them to do something that feels uncomfortable, or if a stranger tries to get them to go somewhere. Encourage physical boundaries: Use role-playing to help your child practice stepping back or moving away when someone makes them feel uncomfortable. Emphasize consent: Let your child decide when (and if) they want to hug or show affection, even with friends and family. Teach them how to speak up in unsafe situations: For example, teaching your child to yell, 'I don't know this person!' or 'This isn't my parent!' if someone tries to lead them away while in a public place (and then having them practice it.) Given that nearly 90 percent of child sexual abuse involves a family member or trusted adult, Dr. Lane highlights the need for close supervision and ongoing awareness of the people in your child's life. 'Supervision is important,' she says. 'You can't watch your child 24/7, but there are things that you can look out for that may raise a level of concern.' Some of the warning signs she shares include: Another caregiver constantly or frequently wants to be alone with your child Another adult buying your child expensive gifts An adult or other caregiver trying to persuade your child to keep secrets 'There should be no secrets between parents and kids,' she adds. 'If somebody asks them to keep a secret, that's not okay.' In a similar vein, it is also vital to stay on top of your child's screen habits, she says. This includes keeping devices in public spaces such as the family room or kitchen, not allowing your child to use screens behind closed doors, and staying aware of the games, apps, and social media platforms they are using—especially because predators can use any of these platforms to discreetly message minors. Fogel highlights the importance of talking openly about bodies, and Dr. Lane expands on that by emphasizing the need for teaching bodily autonomy. 'Beyond just open conversation about your body is a clear message to kids that their body is their body, and if they feel uncomfortable with how somebody is approaching them or approaching their body, they should tell somebody,' she explains. 'They have a right to decide who touches them. If they're uncomfortable, they should tell a parent or a trusted adult.' She suggests having these discussions early on, explaining, 'Once [your child] can speak in full sentences, you can talk to them about their bodies, give them names for their private parts, talk to them about about bodily autonomy, what's okay and what's not okay, and that [they] can always come to you if something's not okay.' While Fogel's no-punishment tip is somewhat vague, Dr. Ake offers his take, focusing on developmentally appropriate consequences without invoking fear. He explains, 'We don't want to scare kids to behave, to make sure they're compliant, or [to make sure] they're listening, because that's not good for [parents] either, or for the [parent-child] relationship. It's [about] praising what you want to see more of, ignoring [minor] behavior, and then providing consequences that are reasonable and developmentally appropriate when that's not enough.' When it comes to a predator grooming a child by threatening that they'll 'get in trouble' for telling a parent, Dr. Ake echoes Fogel's sentiment, adding, 'The hope is that they have built a relationship with their parents in a way [where] they know they can come talk to them about anything.' To help build this type of parent-child relationship, Dr. Ake stresses the importance of consistency, structure, and routines in daily life. 'Kids just crave structure,' he says. 'They want to know where the limits are, and they thrive when they know that. They can do that in a comforting and supportive relationship. That's kind of the recipe for great parenting and strong relationships between children and families.' Dr. Lane suggests examining closely any school, daycare, or organization that interacts with or cares for your child. 'Ideally, they will have policies for how staff interact with kids, and that may be things like having a code of conduct, what's acceptable behavior, and what's not,' she says. 'Parents can look at what their school [or daycare] requires, and they can also look at what their policies are for staffing their child's classroom.' Along these lines, it's important to ensure that a nanny, babysitter, or other caregiver is fully vetted before they are left alone with your child. Requesting and verifying references, doing an initial trial period, and conducting background checks (if possible) can offer peace of mind that your child is in good hands. Building on Fogel's advice to avoid teaching blind obedience, Dr. Lane emphasizes that fostering a child's self-confidence and self-assurance is a crucial step in preventing abuse. 'When a predator is looking for somebody to abuse, they look for kids who are vulnerable, or whose parents may be vulnerable,' she explains. 'So a parent who is attuned to ensuring a child's self-confidence, but also attuned to the behavior of the adults around them, will be better able to protect their child.' Ultimately, a child who walks with confidence, makes eye contact, and isn't afraid to say 'no' or step back in uncomfortable situations is less likely to be targeted by predators, says Dr. every parenting approach is different, some of the key factors in preventing child sexual abuse are having open, honest conversations, teaching bodily autonomy and personal safety skills, and staying aware of the people in your child's life. It's not always easy, but Dr. Ake reminds us that doing your best with the information you have is all anyone can ask for. 'Parenting is hard. It doesn't come with a manual,' he says. 'All of us want our kids to be safe, and I believe that most parents are doing the best that they can.' Keeping your child safe isn't about doing everything perfectly, but about being present, aware, and ready to listen—that's what matters the original article on Parents
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alex Rodriguez Says He's in the ‘Appointment Only' Phase of Parenting
Fact checked by Sarah Scott Alex Rodriguez is in the season of parenting where it's almost like 'appointment only,' he tells Parents. His eldest daughter Natasha, 20, is a rising junior at the University of Michigan, while his youngest Ella, 17, will be heading into her senior year of high school. 'They're so busy that when I get a little date for like an awesome dinner, I'm so fired up," he says. "It's just amazing to see them develop with high self-esteem, good purpose, and good intention in their life. And it's great to see them strive to reach their goals.' It doesn't hurt that they have their successful dad to look up to. Rodriguez, a former professional baseball shortstop who played on the Yankees for 12 seasons, has built a business empire as the chairman and CEO of his investment firm A-Rod Corp. The 49-year-old hopes his career is instilling important lessons in his kids, including treating people with respect, humility, and always pushing forward. 'I've gone through a lot of ups and downs. I've always been very transparent about my mistakes,' he shares. 'I hope they are learning from daddy's mistakes, and hopefully becoming a better version. And just obviously, the hard work and how important family is.' While Rodriguez is proud to watch his daughters grow, he's finding the transition to college difficult. "There's a special bond between dads and girls and it's scary," he says. "If I had a boy, I'd probably just throw him out on the field, and it's just less worry. But with your girls, you got to be more protective." To keep a strong bond with his daughters, Rodriguez says he's big on FaceTiming, texting daily, and keeping up with them on social media. In moments when he needs parenting advice, he leans on a trusted source. "The work I've done with my therapist the last 10 years, he's probably been my go-to person," he says. "It has brought a lot of awareness on how the girls think, and the importance of open communication." As for the type of dad he is? Rodriguez says he's all about "a lot of love, a lot of fun, with like 20% stern. I think they both kind of fear daddy a little bit, in a sense, where I don't think they want to disappoint, or they know that I have high standards for them." Rodriguez isn't slowing down. He's jumped into the podcast world with The Deal, co-hosting with Bloomberg correspondent Jason Kelly. Heading into season 3, the podcast tackles investing, strategy, and reinvention with high-profile guests, including investor and sports team owner Josh Harris, as well as Magic Johnson, who is appearing on an upcoming episode. "If you like music, sports, entertainment, and culture, this is your podcast," he says. Of course, he hasn't forgotten his baseball roots. Rodriguez partnered with Lysol to promote the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in an effort to champion for two important sports officials. "Referees and umpires have the toughest job," he says. "You have to be so selfless, because even if you do a great job, you have nine people from one team screaming at you, the other ones screaming—no one's ever happy. It's a little bit like parenting...I love the partnership because we try to highlight people that are often not highlighted, and use our platform collectively to elevate refs and umpires." A-Rod, an Emmy Award-winning MLB analyst for Fox Sports and ESPN, has been keeping up with the sport since retiring nearly a decade ago. He has nothing but positive things to say about his former team. "The Yankees are having a great season," he says. "They had a big obstacle when they lost Juan Soto, and I think Brian Cashman did an incredible job of redirecting the resources into getting a handful of players versus one. Max Fried jumps off the page because he's potentially going to be the Cy Young winner. And they have [Cody] Bellinger, and they moved [Aaron] Judge back to right field. So they took one negative and turned it into an incredible positive." He also uses his platform to advocate for young athletes. In a recent Instagram video, Rodriguez shared his belief that kids today play too many games, stripping them of the ability to learn the fundamentals. "I've always thought the process is greater than results," he says. "I just think that you get better by practicing, not just by playing. Think about baseball—you can play five games, and if you play shortstop, you might get one ground ball in five games. Versus if you practice for 30 minutes, you can catch 100 ground balls. So the old way was you practice six days to play one; today, it's like you play seven games with no practice." Baseball and business aside, Rodriguez says he's also making it a point to focus on what else brings him joy, particularly working out, family dinners, and family vacations. "I'm trying to have a more balanced life where you take care of yourself, your mind, soul, spirit," he says. "It can't just be all work. It can't be all fun. There has to be a balance." Read the original article on Parents
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Moms Are Experiencing a Big Mental Health Decline—Here's What Needs To Change
Fact checked by Sarah Scott The fact that motherhood can be physically and emotionally grueling is not exactly breaking news. Anyone who is raising children can tell you as much. As I sit here writing this, my two young sons are right by my side; one is rambling on and the other is asking me what he can have for a snack and what he should build with his Legos. I'm also breastfeeding a 4-month-old. So I understand many of the demands of motherhood. New research is now highlighting just how much of an impact motherhood can have on mental health. The study, which was published in JAMA Internal Medicine, looked at 198, 417 female parents of kids from birth to 17 years of age, and uncovered a significant decline in mental health along with several disparities. It calls for the need of interventions that prevent, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. What's causing this decline? Experts dive into leading theories and share what they encourage struggling moms to do. The researchers—Jamie R. Daw, PhD, Colleen L. MacCallum-Bridges, PhD, and Lindsay K. Admon, MD, MSc—determined that from 2016 to 2023, moms have experienced 'meaningful declines' in their self-reported mental health. Those who would rate their mental health as 'excellent' declined from 38.4% to 25.8%. Those who would rate it as 'good" rose from 18.8% to 26.1%, while "fair/poor" mental health ratings rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. Physical health ratings also dropped, as the "excellent" category decreased from 28.0% to 23.9%. It's important to note that both mental and physical health declines were most significant among single moms and those with a lower socioeconomic status. Could the data simply be a sign that more women are finally being open about how hard it is to be a mom? It's possible, according to Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C, a board-certified OB-GYN, associate medical director and director of mental health at Oula, a midwifery based women's health startup in New York City, and author of Then Comes Baby. She has seen more moms seeking mental health care in her office. 'We are in a mental health crisis and the maternal mental health crisis,' Dr. Vernon affirms, adding that this is not only dire for moms, but also for the kids who are being impacted as a result. Moms are exhausted, says Mona Potter, MD, board-certified licensed child psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at InStride Health, which provides out-patient care for kids and teens with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 'More are just getting by or struggling,' she adds. Dr. Potter points to the speed and demands of modern life and post-pandemic ripple effects. But there are more causes for declining mental health among moms."We are in a mental health crisis and the maternal mental health crisis."Traditionally, child care and household duties fall squarely on mothers. While there have been strides, moms are still taking on most of this responsibility. On top of that, one report shows moms handle about 73% of all cognitive household labor too. 'The work and time spent on caring for children is undervalued and often invisible," says Dr. Vernon. "Moms often carry the stress and burden of raising children without society acknowledging how this burden affects them. It leads to burnout and mental health struggles." It can feel even more overwhelming when you're a working mom. Keep in mind, more homes require dual incomes due to the ever-rising costs of providing for a family. 'When women return to work, they still carry the majority of the burden of the home and caring for the children, increasing their stress, mental load, and burnout,' says Dr. Vernon. With issues such as inflation, climate change, and political division, Dr. Vernon talks to moms who stay up at night worrying about the state of the world and the future. Dr. Potter calls this information overload. For example, headlines about school shootings and hate crimes can cause an increase in stress for parents. From winning at work and at home, to volunteering at school, and so much more, moms feel like they have to do it all—all the time—and allow themselves very little grace along the way. 'Mothers are still expected to be the nurturing, ever-available caregivers," says Dr. Potter. "But at the same time, we're told to prioritize self-care, maintain careers, and raise independent kids.' It's exhausting! Social media and our increasingly digital existence can lead to increased loneliness, guilt, and comparisons. 'I've seen how profoundly social media has shaped not just how we parent, but how we feel about parenting," shares Dana Wogahn, LCSW at BetterHelp. "At a fundamental level, it's transformed the emotional landscape of parenthood." According to Wogahn, we've created a culture for moms where there's no winning. Breast or bottle? Homeschool, public, or private school? And then there's a scroll through social media. 'Even when parents are genuinely doing their best, it often feels like there's always someone doing it better," adds Wogahn. Hormonal fluctuations as part of menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause can impact emotional regulation, sometimes significantly, according to Dr. Potter. The postpartum period can be especially challenging for birthing parents. Previous research has found that death by suicide accounts for up to 20% of postpartum deaths. Despite mental health challenges on the rise, barriers to health care access make it difficult for many to get care. Even for those who have insurance, research shows there's often inadequate coverage, high out-of-pocket costs, and a lack of mental health professionals available. This leaves many mothers to suffer without appropriate care. The experts we spoke with want moms to know more than anything that they aren't alone. 'Mental health challenges are incredibly common among mothers,' Wogahn says. Dr. Vernon acknowledges that low-income individuals and those who are part of a marginalized group have higher rates of maternal mental health conditions—and are less likely to get the help they need. Systemic changes are crucial and needed. Moms who are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, deserve access to care. While barriers can be an issue, speaking with a trusted health care professional is critical in those cases. It's also important for moms to try and prioritize themselves. Ask for help when you need it, suggests Elisabeth LaMotte, licensed marriage and family therapist and member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). That can be from a partner, relative, close friend, or trusted neighbor. And set boundaries so that you have time for yourself. 'That might look like a weekly exercise class that's non-negotiable, a regular coffee date with friends, or even a weekend away,' LaMotte says. Engaging in low-intensity exercise, such as walking, can benefit mental health. So can limiting social media intake, and letting go of the need to be perfect all the time. 'Children don't need perfect parents," says Dr. Potter. "They need attuned, reliable, and human ones." This all is often easier said than done, but prioritizing your well-being may help to reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout. 'Your mental health matters—not just because it affects your parenting, but because you matter," says Wogahn. Read the original article on Parents
San Francisco Chronicle
27-05-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: We need a cure for Alzheimer's. Why isn't the Trump administration fully funding research?
By holding back funding for Alzheimer's disease research and care, the Trump administration is destroying hope for millions of young Americans like me. I'm 26 and lost my mother to young-onset Alzheimer's disease last year. She started showing signs when I was just 14. It was just the two of us at home, and I was alone in dealing with her angry lash outs, confusion, anxieties and forgetfulness. At the time, her doctor told her it was just menopause that was causing confusion and stress. Between our family's lack of information and her doctors' failure to test, she went undiagnosed for seven painful years. My mom went from the most caring, thoughtful, and kind woman to someone I didn't even recognize anymore. In high school, I wondered if I was even important enough for her to care and remember things about my life. Now, as a young woman, I and other family members have the Alzheimer's gene and a high risk of diagnosis. We must find a cure for my family and others at risk. Please join me in urging California's senators and House members to fight for continued investment in Alzheimer's research and care. Sarah Scott, San Francisco Khmer Americans persevere This year marks a profound milestone — 50 years since the Khmer people first arrived in the United States as refugees fleeing the horrors of war and the 'killing fields' in Cambodia in 1975. A half a century later, the Khmer American community is reflecting on a journey of survival, healing and strength. What began as a story of loss and displacement has grown into one of resilience. Across America, Khmer families have rebuilt their lives, preserved their culture and raised families, contributing to the nation's fabric in countless ways. As we honor this 50th anniversary, we remember the lives lost, the pain endured, and the courage that carried a people through. We celebrate not only survival, but the spirit to thrive. From refugee camps to thriving communities, the journey continues with pride, with purpose and with hope for the next 50 years. Sesame allergy is deadly I want to express my concern about the challenges faced by the estimated 1.5 million of us with sesame allergies. Even though the number of Americans who suffer from this allergy has risen significantly over the past two decades, sesame has not always been given the recognition it deserves as a major allergen. The lack of awareness of sesame allergies puts millions of people at risk and underscores the need for stronger labeling regulations and industry compliance. I know firsthand how serious sesame reactions can be. Even trace amounts can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis, making it crucial for food products to be clearly labeled. Yet, sesame is often hidden in packaged foods, restaurant dishes and baked goods, leaving those of us with allergies in a constant state of uncertainty. The Food and Drug Administration reaffirmed sesame's classification as a major allergen in 2022 and required food manufacturers to disclose its presence. However, more needs to be done to ensure proper enforcement and widespread compliance. I urge food manufacturers, restaurants and policymakers to take sesame allergies seriously and ensure transparency for the safety of all consumers. Michelle Kenfack, Hayward Put tariff on gas cars The state should pass a special sales tax (think tariff), say 1,000%, on the sale of gas-powered cars starting in 2025. Effectively banning their sale. Surely, the Republicans in Washington can't object.
