Joy in the New Year

Jan 3, 2018 | Back Talk

By Christina Katz New Year’s resolutions have become heavily commercialized. Messages coming from all directions would have you believe you are falling short as an acceptable human being in a multitude of ways. You are too poor, too unfit, too uneducated, too...

Taming the Holiday Circus

Dec 1, 2017 | Back Talk

By Christa Melnyk Hines Are holiday traditions, parties, volunteer commitments and shopping turning you into a frenzied ringmaster of a runaway circus train? For your sanity and for your health, put the brakes on the holiday rush. Here’s how. Make a...

Typical or Troubled Teen

Nov 2, 2017 | Back Talk, Teen Issues

By Michelle Moorhead, M.A., LPC, Executive Director of Teen Lifeline Being the parent of a teenager is a difficult job. Many parents look at their stressed out teens and wonder what happened to their sweet child. The truth is, adolescence is a time of great change...

Pumpkin Decorating Made Easy

Oct 9, 2017 | Back Talk

By Christina Katz Most of these looks work best for medium-sized to smallish pumpkins. For best results, choose a pumpkin with a smooth, unblemished surface. Wash your pumpkin gently with mild soap and water and allow it to dry overnight before you begin decorating....

Parents Ask: Baby Sleep Recommendations

Sep 5, 2017 | Back Talk, Pregnancy/Baby

Q: Sleep recommendations seem to change from year to year. What is the best and safest way to put my little one to sleep? – Christina, Chandler Every parent of a little one knows the daily and sometimes frustrating struggle of getting them to sleep. Your...

Celebrating Grandparents

Sep 5, 2017 | Back Talk, Family Life

By Michelle Talsma Everson When I think of my fondest childhood memories, they usually involve “Beta” – my maternal grandmother. She was an amazing woman; she raised seven kids and then helped to raise my cousins and myself. She made summers special and found creative...