Dealing with 'nesters'

By Dr Bill Maier

There’s a reason why mother birds push their babies out of the nest. If she didn’t, some of them would never leave. A lot of grown children are the same way. When they’re 15, they’re chomping at the rein to grow up, but then 25 comes around and they’re still hanging around the house. There’s nothing wrong with letting grown children stay, as long as you’ve taken the time to define some important ground rules.

First, the arrangement must be mutually agreeable. Let them know that having a key to your door is a privilege, not an eternal right.

And second, they need to take on the role of an adult. Tell them they’re welcome to live in your house, but only as an adult boarder. They should be expected to take care of their own cleaning and expenses.

Treating grown kids like children only stifles their growth and maturity, and that’s not good for anyone — especially your child.


From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 04-June-2010
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When kids get chubby

By Dr Bill Maier

Kids today are spending more time than ever in front of the television or computer screen. And dormant kids tend to be chubby kids.

As parents, it’s our job to recognise when our kids aren’t getting enough sunshine and exercise, and to do something about it.

Left to their own devices, a lot of kids would spend all day lying on the couch. But they need to be active, especially if they’re getting a little flabby around the waist.

If your family has gotten into some bad habits, consider joining a local health club.

Indoor sports, like badminton or martial arts, are great ways to stay healthy while developing invaluable motor skills and coordination.

In good weather, get the kids outside all you can. Take a family hike or biking trip, or just play frisbee in the park. Do whatever it takes to get your kids out of the house and into some good, healthy habits.


From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 03-June-2010
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Don't live with depression

By Dr Bill Maier

Depression can come from a lot of sources, and it can completely drain the joy out of life.

Not all cases of depression are the same. Some people go into depressive moods that leave them utterly immobilised, while others just find themselves sad more often than they should be.

Regardless of the degree, the effects can be profound, leading people to think and do things that they otherwise would never consider.

Serious cases can even lead to thoughts of suicide. And almost all cases leave people with a sense of dejection and hopelessness.

Not only can you no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel — you don’t believe the tunnel ever ends.

But there’s no reason for anyone to live with depression. There are therapies and treatments available to help manage even the most debilitating cases.

Trust me — there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and help is within your grasp.


From TODAY, Voices - Wednesday, 02-June-2010
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Baby's first tooth

By Dr Bill Maier

Hey, what’s that in your baby’s mouth? Is it a rock... a toy...? No, I think it’s a tooth! Waiting for baby’s first tooth is exciting. Unless, of course, you’re the baby — then it’s just painful. Well, here are some tips you should know while waiting.

First of all, if your baby starts drooling a lot more at three to six months, don’t assume that he is about to sprout teeth. Saliva is his body’s way of protecting him from bacteria and viruses.

Most babies get their first tooth at between six and 12 months, though it could be sooner or later. And the ones to watch for are the lower front teeth — called central incisors. The next to come will be the upper four incisors.

You’ll notice a lot of crying and fussiness. Teeth-cutting is painful business, so make sure you have some medicine handy — and a good teething ring will help as well.


From TODAY, Voices - Tuesday, 01-June-2010
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Middle Child Syndrome

By Dr Bill Maier

Dr Kevin Lehman, a psychologist in the United States, has conducted extensive research on birth order in a family and has some interesting findings.

He has, for example, found that middle children, that is not the eldest or the youngest, usually grow up to be well-adjusted and easy-going adults.

These children are often the diplomats of the family and learn early how to get along with different personality types.

However, middle children also tend to keep their thoughts and feelings inside and will often avoid conflict at all cost.

These characteristics can cause problems later in life, especially when they get married.

When raising a middle child, teach him or her to open up and talk about what is going on in his or her life.

Parents are urged to spend a lot of one-on-one time with them, just to make them feel special. Most important of all, they must never compare them with their other siblings.


From TODAY, Voices - Monday, 31-May-2010
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