I remember with clarity the first time I attempted to breastfeed my newborn son in a public setting (in actuality, though amidst a group of people, we were still in the privacy and comfort of a good friend’s home.) I was doing my best to make breastfeeding work since I had learned during pregnancy all […]
Author: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator I am the American flag, and I have flown proudly over this country for many years. My stars and stripes represent the dreams and efforts of a nation built on values like liberty, justice, equality, and compassion. Today, I want to share some moments I’ve seen through the years of […]
Authors: Jack, Claire and Mary Kate Three local high school students recently completed a service project with Birthright St. Charles. One of their assignments was to write a blog post for Father’s Day. Today, we share their thoughts on what Father’s Day means to them. Dads have the potential to have influence and play […]
Author: Sheri Petruso MSW, LCSW Somehow, the standard of a good mom became self-sacrifice and “do it” with a smile. Taking time for oneself was just wrong, unacceptable, and, dare I say, selfish. Formal maternal mental health generally refers to a woman’s health and well-being before, during, and after pregnancy, emphasizing the perinatal time frame, which […]
By: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator Ah, Mother’s Day – that time of year when we officially recognize the all-powerful women living among us: moms. But let’s not get too sappy; instead, let’s celebrate the rollercoaster ride that is motherhood, complete with its ups, downs, and sideways loops! Mother’s Day is for Moms Who are […]
You just worked all day and are ready to unwind, refresh, and relax for a minute before getting to all of your home “Todo’s”. As you enter your home ready for a break, you walk into dishes in the sink, toys and clothes on the floor, laundry piled up, counters full of junk mail, trash […]
By: Jami McDermott, Outreach Coordinator In our minds, we all have some funky mental stuff going on, right? It’s what psychologists call “complexes.” They’re like the mental patterns that shape how we see ourselves and the world. They come from past experiences, trauma, belief systems, and upbringings. So, what are these “complexes”? Think of them […]
By: Ella Bland, Teen to Teen Contributor It’s something that has always bothered me – how makeup, initially designed to enhance our beauty and make us feel our best, has evolved into a requirement to leave the house, making many feel the need to hide their true selves behind layers of cosmetics. It’s similar to […]
By Jami McDermott, B.S. Speech Comm., Outreach Coordinator Seasonal holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to express affection and create lasting memories by exchanging gifts, planning special outings, and writing heartfelt notes. The joy experienced during these festive times is mutual, making everyone involved feel cherished and appreciated. However, once the holiday season comes to an […]
By: Josephine Berra As a teenager, it is understandable how much we can have on our schedule at one time. During the week, I typically feel so busy with my schoolwork on top of going to practice or a game a couple of hours right after that I barely have time to catch up with […]