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Thursday, October 29, 2026
Healthy Habits - Time To Fall Back! Doctors Explain How Standard Time May Impact Your Physical & Mental Health
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On Sunday November 1st, the nation will turn the clocks back one hour, ending daylight saving time. And sleep doctors say changing the clocks back and forth twice a year can impact your body and pose health risks.
In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates we permanently stay on standard time, because it is more in line with a person’s natural bio-rhymes and produces fewer negative health outcomes. This is the opposite of a current push in Congress to make daylight saving time permanent.
“Our circadian rhythm is designed to be exposed to bright light when we get up in the morning, and it’s supposed to start getting darker in the evening, causing dim light melatonin secretion, which for most people starts around 7 P.M.,” says Adrian Pristas, M.D., Hackensack Meridian Director of Sleep Medicine. “If we have too much bright light in the evening, our body won’t produce the melatonin it needs to fall asleep in a timely manner.”
Daylight saving time typically causes a spike in cardiac incidents, atrial fibrillation and even car crashes in adults as our bodies have a hard time adjusting to the change of the clocks, even by the one hour. But the switch to standard time can have an impact on shift workers who end up working a longer day when the clock turns back.
Time Change and Depression
While the transition to standard time is believed to be better for a person’s cardiac health, it can have a detrimental impact on a person’s mental health. A study found the sudden transition to standard time from daylight saving time results in an 11% increase in depressive episodes.
The change of time during daylight savings time in the fall may have different mental health effects on different people. Many will have minimal disruption to their daily lives while others may experience more clinically significant impacts, such as onset of seasonal affective disorder, anxiety and depression over darkness setting in earlier.
“Some of the possible negative effects include disrupted sleep patterns due to losing one hour of sleep leading to short-term sleep deprivation, fatigue, and changes in concentration and productivity levels,” said Thomas F. Priolo, M.D., Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Consult-Liaison Psychiatry at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
“Coinciding with the change in time we also see an increase in incidence of depression, likely related to the reduction in sunlight. We also see an increase in anxiety secondary to the loss of the hour.”
The “fall back” time is generally considered the time of year when seasonal affective disorder also increases in symptom severity, lasting through the days of winter. With seasonal affective disorder we see depressed mood, low energy, decreased motivation which is an episodic mood disorder lasting throughout the winter months generally improving when spring starts and daylight hours start to increase again.
There are different ways to cope with these negative mental health effects of the time change:
● Gradually adjust your sleep schedule in the days prior to time change so your body is used to this sudden change.
● Increase exposure to sunlight in the morning hours, which can help regulate your circadian rhythm and support a healthy mood.
● If this is not possible you can also use an artificial sunlight lamp. These lamps can be found for less than $20 and are best used for 30 minutes after waking in the morning.
● Keep a healthy sleep schedule, with evidence to support having 1 hour or less of variation in sleep and wake time each day.
● If mood continues to worsen and the above coping strategies are ineffective professional help is available and can range from short term therapy to medication management.
Time Change for Children
Another group that has a hard time with the time change in both directions are young children. Parents of small children often dread these shifts, which upend nap and bedtime routines. With an understanding of how the time change affects sleep, and a bit of planning, parents can help ease the transition for their family.
For young children the fall time change can cause young children to crash before bedtime, and then wake up earlier than usual in the morning. “Falling back” is typically easier on teenagers, as puberty kicks in, they tend to start falling asleep later, as hormones shift a child's "circadian rhythm" or internal clock by an hour or two.
While time changes can cause some drowsy days, kids usually adjust within about a week. If your child continues to have problems sleeping, talk with your pediatrician.
Experts say parents should help their children prepare for the time change gradually:
● For younger children, start nudging naps and bedtime in the direction the clocks will be changing a few minutes each day. Ideally, start this process about a week before the time change.
● Encourage older kids to start winding down a bit earlier each night, too, especially for the spring time change. Try to plan on dinner earlier, since eating too close to bedtime can cause indigestion and make it hard to sleep.
Parents should encourage healthy sleep habits year round including:
● Limiting screen time before bed. Blue light from phones, computers, tablets, TV and even nightlights can trick the brain into thinking that it's daytime. Have your child put all screens away at least an hour before bedtime and charge them outside their bedroom. This way, they won't be tempted to check text messages or social media posts.
● Having set nighttime routines. This lets your child's body know that it's time to unwind and go to sleep. For younger kids, having a brush, book bed routine, cuddling, or listening to quiet music.
● Getting enough exercise during the day can help kids sleep better, too. Just avoid too much physical activity close to bedtime, which can make it hard to unwind. Choose quiet activities like stretching or yoga later in the day.
● Spending some time outside and being exposed to natural light during the day can help reset your child's internal clock after a time change. Sunlight has a strong effect on the body's circadian rhythm.
● Relaxing activities in the evenings help support a healthy sleep cycle. Examples include a warm bath with Epsom salts, reading a book that's not on a screen, meditation, soft music or writing in a journal.
● Using soothing scents like lavender are also shown to help people fall asleep faster. Some parents also find that melatonin supplements help to reset their child's circadian rhythm back so they can fall asleep at a normal time. Melatonin should be given in very small doses of 0.3 to 0.5 mg about 2 hours before bedtime, and used only for a short amount of time. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician before giving your child melatonin.
Book Nook - Serve Others, Live Without Fear
You've likely seen the warning before disturbing footage airs: “Some viewers may find these images upsetting.” Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders don’t get that warning.They walk into the horrific accident.They enter the home where a child has died.They see the victims of violence. They arrive at fires, suicides, murders and tragedies most Americans will never witness firsthand. Then the emergency ends.The television cameras leave.The public moves on. But what happens to the first responders who can’t forget what they saw? What happens to the officers emotionally? How do they deal with this?
I had a chance to share this Q&A with Lance J. LoRusso, a former law enforcement officer, founder of the Blue Line Lawyer Institute, and author of Serve Others Live Without Fear. He says says there are some things first responders simply cannot unsee - and leaving the profession or retiring doesn’t necessarily leave those memories behind. The public often calls first responders “fearless.” LoRusso says that misses an important point. They aren’t fearless.Courage is doing the job despite the fear - and then finding a way to live with what the job has exposed you to.What inspired you to write Serve Others. Live Without Fear, and why did you feel this was the right time to write it?
I have always been inspired by the courage shown by our clients under extreme circumstances as they put their lives on the line for strangers. Given all of the criticisms of law enforcement officers in the past decade, this was a story that needed to be told now.
The title brings together two big ideas—serving others and living without fear. How are those two ideas connected?
Putting your personal comfort and safety aside are necessary steps to putting others first. That requires a certain amount of courage and applying that message of living your life without fear is the only way to ensure success in your efforts.
You describe fear as something that can be turned into motivation. How can someone recognize when fear is motivating them versus controlling them? You’ve worked in law enforcement and represented public-safety professionals facing extremely high-stakes situations. What have those experiences taught you about courage that most people may not understand?
Fear takes many forms and often creeps into our decision making incrementally when we least expect it. However, some circumstances will involve fear as a natural human reaction. It is essential to prepare for those moments to avoid allowing fear to control you.
Is living without fear actually possible, or is the goal really to learn how to act despite being afraid?
You will always be afraid. Human beings have fear embedded into their DNA and their biological structures. The goal is to avoid letting fear control your decisions.
Your book emphasizes that courage isn’t limited to police officers, firefighters, soldiers, or people facing physical danger. What does everyday courage look like to you? \ You introduce the idea of T.I.T.O.—“This Is The Opportunity.” What does that mean, and how can someone use that mindset when facing a difficult situation? What is one story in the book that you think best captures the message you want readers to remember?
Recognizing that every moment in your life is an opportunity is the best way to move through struggles and prepare for them in advance. The foreword describes one man's journey from a soldier to police officer to special forces soldier to retirement and then to nursing as an example of how each opportunity can only be maximized by facing your fears and moving forward.
Can serving other people actually help us deal with our own fear, anxiety, or uncertainty? If so, why?
Absolutely. When we put ourselves second and put others first, not only do we put our own struggles into perspective, time and again we realize that through service we manage our own insecurities.
How do you distinguish genuine fear—which can warn us about danger—from the kind of fear that unnecessarily holds us back?
Often, they are the same. Biologically and chemically they are absolutely the same. The fear of an exam that raises your blood pressure and heart rate is the exact same fear that a law enforcement officer feels going into a building after an armed subject. That is the point of the book: recognizing that every part of your body may be telling you not to move forward but your heart and your brain can override that fear.
You’ve seen people make decisions under tremendous pressure. What separates people who move forward despite fear from those who become paralyzed by it?
Often, very little. It may be faith, training, dogged persistence, or just a desire to achieve a goal. The soldiers and law enforcement officers and firefighters who commit incredible acts of bravery are no different than anyone else.
How have your own ideas about fear changed from your early days in law enforcement to where you are today?
Yes. I learned that a certain amount of fear is normal and to be expected in just about every challenge and human interaction.
Was there a particular experience in your own life when you realized that fear was keeping you from doing something important?
No. I really learned early in my life to manage that fear although I have become much more proficient in doing so with age and experience.
What role does preparation play in courage? Can people actually train themselves to respond better when fear hits?
Absolutely estimation point this is the basis of public safety training and even self-defense training. First-aid and CPR classes are taught to average individuals who may not have any idea what to do in a crisis but who will respond predictably and admirably following their training.
For someone who finishes the book and says, “I want to live this way,” what is one thing you would challenge that person to start doing tomorrow If readers remember only one sentence, principle, or lesson from Serve Others. Live Without Fear, what do you hope it will be—and why?
Fear will always be with you. Expected, prepare for it, and never feed it!
What led you to write Serve Others Live Without Fear?
I was inspired by the amazing courage and resilience I saw in my clients and others.
What was a challenge when writing the book?
My research pointed up so many examples that I had to choose which to include in the book. Our public safety and military professionals are truly amazing!
Why is it important for first responders - and the public - to be aware of some of the mental impacts of the job?
There is no way to serve without experiencing a severe burden on your mental health. First responders are aware, increasingly so of this fact. However, the public can be lured into believing that the people who show up to save their lives are immune from the impact of the devastation and suffering they see.
Why is it that the public never think about the mental health aspects of the job?
I believe this is the impact of television and movies as well as anti-cop rhetoric. It is much easier to portray law enforcement officers as unfeeling or heartless than to recognize they are true human beings tasked with incredible burdens from society.
How do first responders deal with some of the challenging things they see?
We teach first responders to talk to peer counselors or professionals and also to exercise on a regular basis. The positive benefits of exercise cannot be overstated.
What are some ways that people can support the mental health of first responders that they know?
Simply say hello. You never know what a :-) can do to change the course of an otherwise horrible day.
How do you see serving others impacting a person’s life?
It is my hope that people will identify with some of the stories that I've told, some of the examples I've given, and recognize that if they feel fear, they are normal. I hope they would understand that as a human being, they can manage their fear, live full lives, and serve others in the process.
I have always been inspired by the courage shown by our clients under extreme circumstances as they put their lives on the line for strangers. Given all of the criticisms of law enforcement officers in the past decade, this was a story that needed to be told now.
The title brings together two big ideas—serving others and living without fear. How are those two ideas connected?
Putting your personal comfort and safety aside are necessary steps to putting others first. That requires a certain amount of courage and applying that message of living your life without fear is the only way to ensure success in your efforts.
You describe fear as something that can be turned into motivation. How can someone recognize when fear is motivating them versus controlling them? You’ve worked in law enforcement and represented public-safety professionals facing extremely high-stakes situations. What have those experiences taught you about courage that most people may not understand?
Fear takes many forms and often creeps into our decision making incrementally when we least expect it. However, some circumstances will involve fear as a natural human reaction. It is essential to prepare for those moments to avoid allowing fear to control you.
Is living without fear actually possible, or is the goal really to learn how to act despite being afraid?
You will always be afraid. Human beings have fear embedded into their DNA and their biological structures. The goal is to avoid letting fear control your decisions.
Your book emphasizes that courage isn’t limited to police officers, firefighters, soldiers, or people facing physical danger. What does everyday courage look like to you? \ You introduce the idea of T.I.T.O.—“This Is The Opportunity.” What does that mean, and how can someone use that mindset when facing a difficult situation? What is one story in the book that you think best captures the message you want readers to remember?
Recognizing that every moment in your life is an opportunity is the best way to move through struggles and prepare for them in advance. The foreword describes one man's journey from a soldier to police officer to special forces soldier to retirement and then to nursing as an example of how each opportunity can only be maximized by facing your fears and moving forward.
Can serving other people actually help us deal with our own fear, anxiety, or uncertainty? If so, why?
Absolutely. When we put ourselves second and put others first, not only do we put our own struggles into perspective, time and again we realize that through service we manage our own insecurities.
How do you distinguish genuine fear—which can warn us about danger—from the kind of fear that unnecessarily holds us back?
Often, they are the same. Biologically and chemically they are absolutely the same. The fear of an exam that raises your blood pressure and heart rate is the exact same fear that a law enforcement officer feels going into a building after an armed subject. That is the point of the book: recognizing that every part of your body may be telling you not to move forward but your heart and your brain can override that fear.
You’ve seen people make decisions under tremendous pressure. What separates people who move forward despite fear from those who become paralyzed by it?
Often, very little. It may be faith, training, dogged persistence, or just a desire to achieve a goal. The soldiers and law enforcement officers and firefighters who commit incredible acts of bravery are no different than anyone else.
How have your own ideas about fear changed from your early days in law enforcement to where you are today?
Yes. I learned that a certain amount of fear is normal and to be expected in just about every challenge and human interaction.
Was there a particular experience in your own life when you realized that fear was keeping you from doing something important?
No. I really learned early in my life to manage that fear although I have become much more proficient in doing so with age and experience.
What role does preparation play in courage? Can people actually train themselves to respond better when fear hits?
Absolutely estimation point this is the basis of public safety training and even self-defense training. First-aid and CPR classes are taught to average individuals who may not have any idea what to do in a crisis but who will respond predictably and admirably following their training.
For someone who finishes the book and says, “I want to live this way,” what is one thing you would challenge that person to start doing tomorrow If readers remember only one sentence, principle, or lesson from Serve Others. Live Without Fear, what do you hope it will be—and why?
Fear will always be with you. Expected, prepare for it, and never feed it!
What led you to write Serve Others Live Without Fear?
I was inspired by the amazing courage and resilience I saw in my clients and others.
What was a challenge when writing the book?
My research pointed up so many examples that I had to choose which to include in the book. Our public safety and military professionals are truly amazing!
Why is it important for first responders - and the public - to be aware of some of the mental impacts of the job?
There is no way to serve without experiencing a severe burden on your mental health. First responders are aware, increasingly so of this fact. However, the public can be lured into believing that the people who show up to save their lives are immune from the impact of the devastation and suffering they see.
Why is it that the public never think about the mental health aspects of the job?
I believe this is the impact of television and movies as well as anti-cop rhetoric. It is much easier to portray law enforcement officers as unfeeling or heartless than to recognize they are true human beings tasked with incredible burdens from society.
How do first responders deal with some of the challenging things they see?
We teach first responders to talk to peer counselors or professionals and also to exercise on a regular basis. The positive benefits of exercise cannot be overstated.
What are some ways that people can support the mental health of first responders that they know?
Simply say hello. You never know what a :-) can do to change the course of an otherwise horrible day.
How do you see serving others impacting a person’s life?
It is my hope that people will identify with some of the stories that I've told, some of the examples I've given, and recognize that if they feel fear, they are normal. I hope they would understand that as a human being, they can manage their fear, live full lives, and serve others in the process.
Fun Freetime - Children's Theatre Company's Temporary Ice Rink
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is pleased to announce the temporary installation of an indoor ice-skating rink, which will be available for free public skating between November 6-22, 2026. The ice rink will be located in the Bazinet Rehearsal Hall on CTC’s 4th floor (2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404). For additional information, please visit childrenstheatre.org/rink.
The ice rink celebrates CTC’s current production of the world premiere musical Twelve Kinds of Ice, the upcoming return engagement of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and the beginning of the Holiday season.
“We want CTC to be a place where families come to make amazing memories together,” said Irene Green, Director of External Relations. “And we’re so excited to offer this opportunity to our community. Families can enjoy this free ice rink before they attend a performance of Twelve Kinds of Ice, enhancing the experience of watching the musical,and giving their kids a chance to enjoy a physical activity before coming in to the theater to enjoy the performance And they can immerse themselves in the magic of winter before they witness the spectacle of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! We invite all families in the Twin Cities metro to join us on the ice, and to join us for a show.”
CTC’s ice rink will accommodate 10-15 skaters at a time, in increments of about 30 minutes. The public is encouraged to bring their own ice skates with them to the rink; free skates can be borrowed onsite,. Advance sign-ups are required to ensure skate time. For sign-ups and more information, visit childrenstheatre.org/rink
About Twelve Kinds of Ice
Glide through the ever-shifting magic of winter as Ellen recalls childhood memories of icy adventures with her loving father. In this world premiere musical, cold temperatures and warm hearts unite to tell a tender story that takes us from spotting the first glaze of ice to building an ice rink and hosting skating shows, hockey games, and moonlit solos. Watch in awe as ice freezes before your very eyes, then melts your heart. Twelve Kinds of Ice runs thru November 22, 2026, on the Cargill Stage, and is best for ages 7 and up.
About Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
CTC’s beloved holiday tradition Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns after last year’s sold-out run. In this hit musical spectacular, the grumpy green Grinch hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Who-ville—snatching trees, swiping stockings, and sneaking away with every last present. But when one small voice and a spark of holiday spirit shine through, The Grinch begins to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with music, mischief, and Seussian charm, this joyful production sparkles with laughs, warmth, and a little holiday magic your family will love. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs November 3, 2026-January 3, 2027, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. This production is best enjoyed by everyone.
Tickets for all productions are available at childrenstheatre.org or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $25.
About Children’s Theatre Company
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) activates the creative lives of children and families—strengthening imagination, connection, and belonging to help young people thrive and communities grow stronger. Participating in year-round programming, theatre attendees and arts learners represent diverse racial, cultural, socioeconomic, neurocognitive, and geographic backgrounds. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year With Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
For 200,000 people annually, CTC aims to be a destination where families create lasting memories and grow together through the power of story and play. We seek to build emotional connections and position CTC as essential to family life and childhood development Every year, thousands of children experience theatre for the first time at CTC. Our innovative education programs demonstrably benefit the community, from the resilience-based Creative Play program for early learners to the pre-professional skill-building in our Theatre Arts Training. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT:
Indoor Ice Rink Installation
WHEN: November 1-23, 2026. Hours of operation are available at childrenstheatre.org/rink.
WHERE: Children’s Theatre Company’s Bazinet Rehearsal Hall (2400 Third Avenue South, 4th Floor, Minneapolis MN 55404)
AGE RECOMMENDATION: All ages.
COST: Free!
SHOW TICKETS: Tickets for all productions are available at childrenstheatre.org or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $25.
Book Nook - The Wellbeing Effect: How prioritising whole-school wellbeing can boost achievement and help your school to thrive
Andy Mellor’s new book, The Wellbeing Effect, has already sold 10,000 copies to The Schools Advisory Service (SAS) for distribution to its UK members. This remarkable early success comes at a time when supporting the well-being of teachers, school staff, and students has become an increasingly urgent priority for schools..jpg)
The scale of the challenge is clear.
A 2024¹ survey by England’s Department for Education found that 89% of teachers and school leaders experienced work-related stress, while NHS England reported that one in five children ages 8–16 had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Against this backdrop, The Wellbeing Effect offers a timely and practical perspective on why well-being must be central to school improvement.
The book challenges the idea that well-being is an additional responsibility competing with academic achievement. It makes the case for putting people at the heart of school success, exploring how prioritizing well-being can help improve student behavior, strengthen staff motivation and retention, and create environments where both educators and students can thrive.
With schools facing mounting pressures around mental health, behavior, and teacher recruitment and retention, this book highlights the importance of building positive, sustainable school communities where people feel supported and empowered to achieve their best—a principle that deserves attention in every school community.
Andy Mellor is National Wellbeing Director for Schools Advisory Service and was previously the Strategic Lead for the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools at Leeds Beckett University. He has been the Independent Chair of the Blackpool MAT CEO group, and was a member of the Blackpool Opportunity Area Board.
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The scale of the challenge is clear.
A 2024¹ survey by England’s Department for Education found that 89% of teachers and school leaders experienced work-related stress, while NHS England reported that one in five children ages 8–16 had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Against this backdrop, The Wellbeing Effect offers a timely and practical perspective on why well-being must be central to school improvement.
The book challenges the idea that well-being is an additional responsibility competing with academic achievement. It makes the case for putting people at the heart of school success, exploring how prioritizing well-being can help improve student behavior, strengthen staff motivation and retention, and create environments where both educators and students can thrive.
With schools facing mounting pressures around mental health, behavior, and teacher recruitment and retention, this book highlights the importance of building positive, sustainable school communities where people feel supported and empowered to achieve their best—a principle that deserves attention in every school community.
Andy Mellor is National Wellbeing Director for Schools Advisory Service and was previously the Strategic Lead for the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools at Leeds Beckett University. He has been the Independent Chair of the Blackpool MAT CEO group, and was a member of the Blackpool Opportunity Area Board.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Book Nook - Baby Steps
Provocative, funny and emotionally raw, this compelling novel of unexpected pregnancy, queer love, eating disorder recovery, and chosen family is loosely inspired by Chelsea’s own experience in an inpatient eating disorder treatment center, which she entered for anorexia when she was 22.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
What was the inspiration behind the book?
Baby Steps was inspired by my own experience in a residential eating disorder treatment center. And while that might not sound like the obvious setting for a dark comedy, I can assure you, some of the funniest people I've ever met were in treatment. Which makes sense, because when you put a bunch of deeply neurotic, emotionally unstable women in one building and take away their coping mechanisms, you're basically producing a Bravo reality show without the alcohol.
I remember being in treatment and thinking, someone needs to write about this. Not just the illness, but the friendships, the romances, the petty rivalries, and the absolute absurdity of it all. There was so much humanity and humor in a place that most people imagine as relentlessly bleak.
I was also frustrated by the way eating disorders are portrayed in popular culture. It always seems to be the same emaciated teenage girl staring sadly at a plate of lettuce. And while those experiences are real, they're far from the only ones. Eating disorders affect people of every shape, size, gender, and background, and I wanted to tell a story that reflected that complexity.
How can fiction teach us important lessons about life?
I think fiction is one of the best ways to teach people empathy because you can trick them into learning something while they're being entertained. It's basically emotional education disguised as gossip.
You might not pick up a clinical textbook about eating disorders, but you might pick up a novel about a pregnant woman who gets sent to rehab, falls into complicated relationships, and makes a series of spectacularly bad decisions. And somewhere between laughing with her and wanting to shake her, you start to understand her.
That's what I love about fiction. It allows people to experience the world through someone else's perspective without having to agree with everything that person does. In fact, I think the most interesting characters are the ones who are deeply flawed. Nobody wants to read 250 pages about a woman who communicates her feelings effectively, maintains healthy boundaries, and drinks the recommended amount of water. That's not a novel. That's a wellness influencer.
I also think fiction gives us permission to explore the messier parts of being human. We can be selfish and generous, deeply insecure and wildly arrogant, desperate for love and terrified of intimacy, sometimes all before lunch.
I don't want readers to finish Baby Steps feeling like they've attended a seminar. I want them to feel like they've spent time with real, complicated people, and maybe come away seeing the world a little differently.
What are some things that people often get wrong about eating disorders, and why does it matter?
First and foremost, people think you can identify an eating disorder by looking at someone. You can't. There's no official eating disorder uniform.
The reality is that eating disorders affect people of all body types, genders, ages, and backgrounds. Someone can be seriously ill without looking anything like the stereotypical image we've been shown in movies and television.
Another misconception is that eating disorders are about vanity. People assume it's just someone who really, really wants to be thin. But these illnesses are much more complicated than that. They can involve anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, emotional regulation, and a desperate need for control. If eating disorders were simply about wanting to look good, we'd all just get better lighting.
And then there's the way we talk about recovery. Hollywood loves a good montage. The protagonist enters treatment, cries in group therapy, eats a piece of pizza, and suddenly she's cured. Roll credits. Unfortunately, recovery doesn't work like a makeover scene in a romantic comedy. It's nonlinear, uncomfortable, and often involves doing things you desperately don't want to do.
This matters because these misconceptions can keep people from getting help. If you don't look like the stereotype, you might not think you're sick enough to deserve treatment. And if everyone around you is engaging in similar behaviors, it's easy to convince yourself that what you're doing is normal.
Part of what I wanted to accomplish with Baby Steps was to challenge those ideas without making the reader feel like they're being assigned homework.
As we move into the holiday season, why can holidays be especially triggering, and how can loved ones help?
The holidays are basically the Olympics of unsolicited commentary about food and bodies. You have your aunt asking if you've lost weight, your mother announcing she's been "bad" because she ate a cookie, and your uncle explaining intermittent fasting to a room full of people who absolutely did not ask.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder, that environment can be incredibly overwhelming. Food is everywhere, routines are disrupted, and suddenly you're sitting at a table with relatives who haven't seen you in a year and feel entitled to provide a full performance review of your appearance.
There's also the emotional component. The holidays can bring up complicated family dynamics, old insecurities, and pressure to be happy. You're supposed to be feeling grateful and festive, but instead you're trapped between a bowl of mashed potatoes and someone asking why you're still single. It's a lot.
My biggest piece of advice is to stop commenting on people's bodies. Full stop. Even if you think you're giving someone a compliment. "You look amazing, have you lost weight?" might sound harmless, but you have no idea what's going on in that person's life. They could be ill, grieving, or struggling with something you know nothing about.
I'd also encourage families to stop making food a moral issue. You don't need to announce that you're "being naughty" by eating pie. It's pie. You haven't committed securities fraud.
And if someone you love is in recovery, ask how you can support them rather than policing their plate. Be mindful of their treatment plan, and remember that the goal is to make them feel included and comfortable, not to turn Thanksgiving dinner into an episode of Intervention.
Ultimately, the best thing you can give someone during the holidays is a little compassion, a little patience, and the freedom to eat a meal without having to participate in a family-wide discussion about carbohydrates.
Movie Minute - Way of the Warrior Kid
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Parenting Pointers - Skip "How Was School?" Try These 6 Questions with Preschoolers
After a full day of classroom activities, play, meals, and interaction, preschoolers may have a lot to remember but little idea where to begin. When a parent asks, "How was school?", they may not know which part of the day to start with. Tami Nix, president of Archway Academy, with more than four decades of hands-on experience in early childhood education and school operations, recommends using specific questions that give children one moment, activity, or experience to recall.
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Direct questions about activities, interactions, or discoveries can start conversations about language, problem-solving, friendships, curiosity, and emotions. They can also help parents learn which parts of the day stood out without turning the ride home or dinner table into another lesson. "Young children may need a specific prompt to help them describe their day," said Nix. "Or, asking their favorite part of the day is a no-pressure way to get into some details."
Archway Academy educators recommend trying one of these six questions:
- What did you make, build, or explore today? This question can help children recall a hands-on activity and describe the decisions they made. Parents can follow the child's interest with a simple prompt such as, "How did you decide what to do first?" or "What would you change next time?"
- What surprised you today? A surprise gives children a specific moment to recall. Their answer may lead to a new fact or an unexpected activity.
- What made you laugh? This offers a low-pressure way to begin with a positive emotion. It can also help parents hear more about friendships, shared play, and social moments.
- What felt a little tricky, and what did you try? Combining the challenge and the response invites children to describe how they approached a problem, asked for help, or tried another idea. This conversation can also create an opening for parents to suggest positive problem-solving ideas.
- Who did you play or learn with? This question can open a conversation about classmates, cooperation, and group activities. A follow-up such as, "What did you do together?" gives the child another concrete detail to describe.
- Did you hear or learn a new word? Young children learn an average of 9 new words a day, according to a review published on WIREs Cognitive Science. Parents can ask what the word means, where the child heard it or whether they can use it together in a sentence.
"If you ask a yes-or-no question, you may get a one-word answer," Nix said. "Open questions give children more room to tell you what stood out to them." One question, followed by time to think and genuine follow-up, builds conversational skills and reinforces classroom learning. Sharing a small detail from the adult's own day first or asking about a specific activity the parent knows occurred can also give a young child an easier starting point.
"The goal is not to get through a list of questions," Nix said. "It is to make space for your child to tell you what mattered to them that day."
About Archway Academy
When Tami Nix had the opportunity to acquire a small childcare business in 1985, she saw the foundation for something more than traditional daycare. More than 40 years later, Archway Academy has grown into a multi-site South Carolina early childhood education organization serving children from infancy through four-year-old kindergarten (4K), along with after-school and summer programs. Archway Academy's approach focuses on preparing the whole child through hands-on learning, trained teachers, parent involvement, and age-appropriate experiences that support children socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Its newest campus in Greenville extends that approach across approximately 4.5 acres of park-like outdoor space. For more information, visit Archway Academy.
Reference
- Samuelson, L. K., & McMurray, B. (2017). What does it take to learn a word? Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 8(1–2), e1421. doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1421
Travel Tidbits - Flying during the school holidays? Seven unwritten rules every passenger should know
School holidays bring fuller cabins, and the return of familiar tensions between families and other passengers. Crying children, kicked seats, loud tablets and last-minute requests to swap places can quickly turn an already stressful journey into an uncomfortable one.
Newest Saily research involving more than 16,000 people across 17 countries found that 52% of travellers globally consider unsupervised children their biggest travel irritation.
However, not every restless or crying child is badly behaved. A smoother journey depends on parents arriving prepared, fellow passengers keeping their expectations realistic and everyone handling problems without turning them into confrontations.
“Air travel puts families and strangers into a small shared space, often when everyone is already tired or stressed. The goal should not be a perfectly silent cabin, but a reasonable balance: parents should step in when behaviour can be controlled, while other passengers should remember that crying or restlessness is not automatically a sign of bad parenting,” says Matas Cenys, head of product at Saily.
1. Crying is not the same as bad behaviour
Babies cry, young children become overwhelmed and even well-prepared parents cannot guarantee a silent flight. Passengers should distinguish between behaviour that cannot easily be controlled and behaviour that can be prevented.
A crying baby is very different from a child repeatedly kicking the seat in front, climbing over other passengers or playing videos at full volume while nobody intervenes.
2. Sound should always stay inside the headphones
The rule is simple: if a device makes noise, headphones should be used. It does not matter whether the person watching is five or fifty.
Parents should download entertainment before the flight, pack comfortable child-sized headphones and test them at home. A tablet may help a child remain occupied, but it should not become entertainment for the entire cabin.
3. Parents should plan seating before boarding
If sitting together is essential, families should check the airline’s seating policy and arrange seats before arriving at the gate wherever possible.
Other passengers can still be asked to swap, but they should not be expected to give up a seat they selected or paid extra for. Leaving the seating problem until everyone has boarded creates pressure on strangers and delays the departure process.
4. A seat swap is a request, not an obligation
A fair exchange usually means offering a similar or better seat. Asking someone to move from an aisle or extra-legroom seat to a middle seat at the back of the aircraft is unlikely to feel reasonable, particularly if they paid to choose it.
Passengers are free to agree, but they should also be able to decline politely without being presented as the person separating a family.
5. Children can move, but the aisle is not a playground
On a longer flight, young children may need to stand up or walk for a few minutes. However, the aisle should not become a place for running, climbing or games, particularly while cabin crew are serving food and drinks.
Parents can reduce restlessness by allowing children to move before boarding, bringing quiet activities and explaining basic flight rules before the journey begins.
6. Speak to the parent, not directly to the child
If a child’s behaviour is causing a problem, passengers should address the accompanying adult calmly rather than attempting to discipline someone else’s child.
A simple request is more likely to resolve the situation than an angry comment or public confrontation. If the behaviour continues or speaking directly feels uncomfortable, cabin crew are better placed to intervene.
7. Every passenger should prepare for a busy flight
Parents may need snacks, quiet entertainment, headphones, spare clothing and familiar comfort items. Other travellers can also prepare by bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones and accepting that a full school-holiday flight is unlikely to feel like a silent cabin.
Would family or child-free zones solve the problem?
Dedicated family areas could make it easier for parents to sit together, while child-free sections may appeal to travellers willing to pay for a quieter experience. However, separating passengers would not remove the need for basic etiquette.
“Child-free zones may sound like an easy solution, but they risk treating children themselves as the problem. Most tension comes from preventable behaviour, poor preparation or unclear seating arrangements, not simply from families being on board. Clearer airline policies and shared etiquette would likely make more difference than separating passengers,” says Matas Cenys, head of product at Saily.
The unwritten rule is ultimately straightforward: parents do not owe the cabin complete silence, but they should respond to behaviour they can reasonably control. Other passengers are entitled to basic consideration, but not to a flight completely free from children.
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