Re: [AlwaysLearning] Unschooling Thought/teeth
badolbilz
This question is for advice about my 21- month old dd who is being
radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime, it's
getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes the
game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned a
few times a day for a month without force?
Heidi
Pam Hartley wrote:
radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime, it's
getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes the
game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned a
few times a day for a month without force?
Heidi
Pam Hartley wrote:
>>
>>
>
>The whole mindset of a parent of a two year old who will be going to
>preschool next year or is in a homeschooling family and has his future
>learning mapped out for him is different from the mindset of a parent of a
>two year old who they know will be unschooled. The life of the child is
>different, too, unless the parents are "progressive" and "let them play"
>until they're five.
>
>
>
>
Pam Hartley
Water may help flush things out. And there must be other pediatric dentists
somewhere around, or a regular dentist for that matter, who could help.
Pam
somewhere around, or a regular dentist for that matter, who could help.
Pam
> This question is for advice about my 21- month old dd who is being
> radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
> enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
> pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime, it's
> getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes the
> game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
> any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned a
> few times a day for a month without force?
> Heidi
>
> Pam Hartley wrote:
>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>The whole mindset of a parent of a two year old who will be going to
>>preschool next year or is in a homeschooling family and has his future
>>learning mapped out for him is different from the mindset of a parent of a
>>two year old who they know will be unschooled. The life of the child is
>>different, too, unless the parents are "progressive" and "let them play"
>>until they're five.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
Gold Standard
"This question is for advice about my 21- month old dd who is being
radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime, it's
getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes the
game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned a
few times a day for a month without force?"
Heidi
Does she like apples? Chewing on apple slices can help cleanse the teeth.
Along the same lines, I have and older child who doesn't brush his teeth. He
knows the possible consequences, but has not suffered any of them...yet.
What are some unschooling thoughts about hygiene/health in older kids? When
it comes to teeth, the cost of not brushing can be high, and seeing as he
has no income, ultimately I will be paying the dental bill. But at the same
time, I don't think he'll really understand the consequences until he goes
through it.
radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime, it's
getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes the
game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned a
few times a day for a month without force?"
Heidi
Does she like apples? Chewing on apple slices can help cleanse the teeth.
Along the same lines, I have and older child who doesn't brush his teeth. He
knows the possible consequences, but has not suffered any of them...yet.
What are some unschooling thoughts about hygiene/health in older kids? When
it comes to teeth, the cost of not brushing can be high, and seeing as he
has no income, ultimately I will be paying the dental bill. But at the same
time, I don't think he'll really understand the consequences until he goes
through it.
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/23/2004 8:29:24 PM Eastern Standard Time,
contact@... writes:
<<Does she like apples? Chewing on apple slices can help cleanse the teeth.>>
Cheese helps cleanse the teeth too!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
contact@... writes:
<<Does she like apples? Chewing on apple slices can help cleanse the teeth.>>
Cheese helps cleanse the teeth too!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Game-Enthusiast
It's important to me that my kids brush their teeth daily. One reason is
that I am pretty sure they would really stress about having their cavities
filled. They aren't overly thrilled with the dentist to begin with.
Brushing before bed is a habit that we've all gotten into and I don't have
to remind them very often. Morning brushing takes a reminder most days
because they are busy playing. I have found that making it a request rather
than a demand works much better. "Would you be willing to brush your teeth
now? We'll be leaving in a few minutes." I've told them my concern about
them getting cavities (and they've looked in my mouth!) so I know that they
know my concern so I don't repeat it all the time.
Asking instead of telling makes a difference here. We all seem to hate
being *told* what to do. No one seems to mind being reminded or asked. On
the rare occasion when they really don't want to stop and brush, I'll
sometime bring their toothbrush into the room where they are and ask if I
can do a quick brushing for them. I don't use toothpaste so they don't have
to go spit it out. They've never refused. They usually don't want to do it
because they are just too busy.
Angela
game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
that I am pretty sure they would really stress about having their cavities
filled. They aren't overly thrilled with the dentist to begin with.
Brushing before bed is a habit that we've all gotten into and I don't have
to remind them very often. Morning brushing takes a reminder most days
because they are busy playing. I have found that making it a request rather
than a demand works much better. "Would you be willing to brush your teeth
now? We'll be leaving in a few minutes." I've told them my concern about
them getting cavities (and they've looked in my mouth!) so I know that they
know my concern so I don't repeat it all the time.
Asking instead of telling makes a difference here. We all seem to hate
being *told* what to do. No one seems to mind being reminded or asked. On
the rare occasion when they really don't want to stop and brush, I'll
sometime bring their toothbrush into the room where they are and ask if I
can do a quick brushing for them. I don't use toothpaste so they don't have
to go spit it out. They've never refused. They usually don't want to do it
because they are just too busy.
Angela
game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Game-Enthusiast
I also wanted to mention that sometimes we just forget before we leave the
house. I don't stress about it now and then because I know their teeth are
brushed with regularity.
Angela
game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
house. I don't stress about it now and then because I know their teeth are
brushed with regularity.
Angela
game-enthusiast@...
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kerrilynn62000
Since my DH has tons of fillings as did my dad & my brother we felt
tooth brushing was necessary!!
So we gave choices!! We had a choice of two toothbrushes & a choice
of two toothpastes. Also a choice of brushing before or after reading
a story, etc.
It helped when they were little to sing a silly little song about
getting rid of the cavity dudes. Also I would say, "Let's see what
you had for dinner. Oh my goodness I see that you had orange carrots.
Look there are green peas up on the top there, better get those out
of there. Hey did you know that there are purple grapes on the
bottom!!". We would also pretend to be certain animals to open our
mouths wide like an alligator or roaring like a lion. Also we
modelled the behaviour of toothbrushing & we would brush eachother's
teeth. (Only works if adult doesn't have an overly sensitive gag
reflex!! ha!!)
Sung to "Row, row, row your boat".
Brush, brush, brush our teeth
Brush our teeth today.
Brush all those cavity dudes,
Brush them all away!!
The older kids brush as they basically see DH's mess in his mouth. Go
to the dentist with everyone so the dentist is excellent & explains
why DH has all the cavities & they watch as he gets them repaired,
etc.
Oh I had my first & only cavity filled this year!!
Kerri, mom to Amanda(14), Emma(12), B(11, foster dd), Maddison(10), J
(9, foster dd), Jonah(7), Saige & Claire (4, ID twin dds) & baby boy
Teagan (11 mos)
tooth brushing was necessary!!
So we gave choices!! We had a choice of two toothbrushes & a choice
of two toothpastes. Also a choice of brushing before or after reading
a story, etc.
It helped when they were little to sing a silly little song about
getting rid of the cavity dudes. Also I would say, "Let's see what
you had for dinner. Oh my goodness I see that you had orange carrots.
Look there are green peas up on the top there, better get those out
of there. Hey did you know that there are purple grapes on the
bottom!!". We would also pretend to be certain animals to open our
mouths wide like an alligator or roaring like a lion. Also we
modelled the behaviour of toothbrushing & we would brush eachother's
teeth. (Only works if adult doesn't have an overly sensitive gag
reflex!! ha!!)
Sung to "Row, row, row your boat".
Brush, brush, brush our teeth
Brush our teeth today.
Brush all those cavity dudes,
Brush them all away!!
The older kids brush as they basically see DH's mess in his mouth. Go
to the dentist with everyone so the dentist is excellent & explains
why DH has all the cavities & they watch as he gets them repaired,
etc.
Oh I had my first & only cavity filled this year!!
Kerri, mom to Amanda(14), Emma(12), B(11, foster dd), Maddison(10), J
(9, foster dd), Jonah(7), Saige & Claire (4, ID twin dds) & baby boy
Teagan (11 mos)
Eric Donato
I was in a skiing accident as a teenager, hitting my front tooth with a
pole, had infections due to the nerve damage, and ultimately lost that
tooth... I wear a prosthetic tooth which my kids know they don't want,
they have respect for the teeth they have and plan to take care of
them... this is different from lack of care, but I also have plenty of
other teeth with fillings or cavities, they look in my mouth and count
the "spots"... we met a homeless man who had none of his front teeth on
top, and when the kids asked him how he lost his teeth, they could not
understand his speech well enough to get the answer... I think they are
used to seeing people with teeth, and that experience showed being
without teeth as negative... we don't make the kids brush but when ask
if they did it's yes or they just go on their own and do it right
then... they are good at knowing when they are getting tired and brush
first, then read or whatever in bed until they fall asleep with the
lights on... I think the no bedtime rules in our family take the stress
out of brushing teeth?
Jules.
pole, had infections due to the nerve damage, and ultimately lost that
tooth... I wear a prosthetic tooth which my kids know they don't want,
they have respect for the teeth they have and plan to take care of
them... this is different from lack of care, but I also have plenty of
other teeth with fillings or cavities, they look in my mouth and count
the "spots"... we met a homeless man who had none of his front teeth on
top, and when the kids asked him how he lost his teeth, they could not
understand his speech well enough to get the answer... I think they are
used to seeing people with teeth, and that experience showed being
without teeth as negative... we don't make the kids brush but when ask
if they did it's yes or they just go on their own and do it right
then... they are good at knowing when they are getting tired and brush
first, then read or whatever in bed until they fall asleep with the
lights on... I think the no bedtime rules in our family take the stress
out of brushing teeth?
Jules.
On Aug 23, 2004, at 5:27 PM, Gold Standard wrote:
>
> "This question is for advice about my 21- month old dd who is being
> radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
> enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
> pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime,
> it's
> getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes
> the
> game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
> any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned
> a
> few times a day for a month without force?"
> Heidi
>
> Does she like apples? Chewing on apple slices can help cleanse the
> teeth.
>
> Along the same lines, I have and older child who doesn't brush his
> teeth. He
> knows the possible consequences, but has not suffered any of
> them...yet.
> What are some unschooling thoughts about hygiene/health in older kids?
> When
> it comes to teeth, the cost of not brushing can be high, and seeing as
> he
> has no income, ultimately I will be paying the dental bill. But at the
> same
> time, I don't think he'll really understand the consequences until he
> goes
> through it.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
J. Stauffer
<<<<Do
out.
Julie S.
> any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned aYou might try eating raw carrots or swishing water around and spitting it
> few times a day for a month without force? >>>>
out.
Julie S.
----- Original Message -----
From: "badolbilz" <ynxn96@...>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 5:00 PM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Unschooling Thought/teeth
> This question is for advice about my 21- month old dd who is being
> radically unschooled...so...I have just discovered a small hole in the
> enamal on one of her front, top teeth. I can't get her into the
> pediatric dentist for a month (their scheduling). In the meantime, it's
> getting food stuck in it and I'm concerned for the tooth. She likes the
> game of brushing her teeth and will brush the front ones sometimes. Do
> any of you have tips or ideas that will help me get that tooth cleaned a
> few times a day for a month without force?
> Heidi
>
> Pam Hartley wrote:
>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >The whole mindset of a parent of a two year old who will be going to
> >preschool next year or is in a homeschooling family and has his future
> >learning mapped out for him is different from the mindset of a parent of
a
> >two year old who they know will be unschooled. The life of the child is
> >different, too, unless the parents are "progressive" and "let them play"
> >until they're five.
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
Elizabeth Hill
**
It helped when they were little to sing a silly little song about
getting rid of the cavity dudes. Also I would say, "Let's see what
you had for dinner. Oh my goodness I see that you had orange carrots. **
We did the shrieks of dying bacteria. <g>
Which may not be to everyone's taste. Around here, it doesn't fly unless it's funny. <eg>
Betsy
It helped when they were little to sing a silly little song about
getting rid of the cavity dudes. Also I would say, "Let's see what
you had for dinner. Oh my goodness I see that you had orange carrots. **
We did the shrieks of dying bacteria. <g>
Which may not be to everyone's taste. Around here, it doesn't fly unless it's funny. <eg>
Betsy
Gold Standard
"It helped when they were little to sing a silly little song about
getting rid of the cavity dudes. Also I would say, "Let's see what
you had for dinner. Oh my goodness I see that you had orange carrots. "**
"We did the shrieks of dying bacteria."<g>
Any ideas for a 15 year old? One who has had three open-heart surgeries (the
last one in June), falls under the category of high functioning autistic (I
am only using the label so that I don't waste time trying to describe the
personality elements that effect him on this list) who has seemed to lose
his caring about his teeth. He wouldn't appreciate songs and fun stuff, and
even when I give him his toothbrush ready to go so that it doesn't interrupt
him, he takes it but doesn't do it. It seems to have only become a "chore"
for him since his last surgery (which, as much as we did to make the
situation as good as it could have been, was terribly traumatic). He has
long term negative physical effects from the surgery as well, and I think he
is just taking a break on everything. Do you think it is okay to sacrifice
his teeth while he continues to recover? We're being there for him in every
way, but I wondered if there were teenagers out there who refused to brush
their teeth and what advice (from those of you with or without teenagers...I
take all insight!) you may have.
Thank you,
Jacki
Yahoo! Groups Links
getting rid of the cavity dudes. Also I would say, "Let's see what
you had for dinner. Oh my goodness I see that you had orange carrots. "**
"We did the shrieks of dying bacteria."<g>
Any ideas for a 15 year old? One who has had three open-heart surgeries (the
last one in June), falls under the category of high functioning autistic (I
am only using the label so that I don't waste time trying to describe the
personality elements that effect him on this list) who has seemed to lose
his caring about his teeth. He wouldn't appreciate songs and fun stuff, and
even when I give him his toothbrush ready to go so that it doesn't interrupt
him, he takes it but doesn't do it. It seems to have only become a "chore"
for him since his last surgery (which, as much as we did to make the
situation as good as it could have been, was terribly traumatic). He has
long term negative physical effects from the surgery as well, and I think he
is just taking a break on everything. Do you think it is okay to sacrifice
his teeth while he continues to recover? We're being there for him in every
way, but I wondered if there were teenagers out there who refused to brush
their teeth and what advice (from those of you with or without teenagers...I
take all insight!) you may have.
Thank you,
Jacki
Yahoo! Groups Links
Kathryn Balley
My older children are encouraged to brush their teeth out of consideration for the olfactory glands of others (i.e.:"If you want your teeth to fall out of your head, that's fine, but it's rather unfriendly to make us smell a plaque-filled mouth.") ;-)
Kathryn
---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Mail is new and improved - Check it out!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Kathryn
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail is new and improved - Check it out!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/24/04 2:23:48 PM, kballey@... writes:
<< My older children are encouraged to brush their teeth out of consideration
for the olfactory glands of others (i.e.:"If you want your teeth to fall out
of your head, that's fine, but it's rather unfriendly to make us smell a
plaque-filled mouth.") >>
There are nicer ways to say it.
My mom used to tell my sister "Irene, your breath smells like a gut wagon."
I heard her say it many times, just like that, as though she had never said
it before.
Holly has bad breath sometimes, and I say, "Have you brushed your teeth
already?" or "I'm going to brush my teeth, do you want to go?" or "Do you have any
of that gum you bought the other day?" It's a hint, and she gets it, and I
haven't put a recording of an insult in her head.
I've known people who never brushed their teeth and didn't have bad breath
and didn't have cavites. There are other factors, and not brushing doesn't
guarantee teeth falling out of heads.
Sandra
<< My older children are encouraged to brush their teeth out of consideration
for the olfactory glands of others (i.e.:"If you want your teeth to fall out
of your head, that's fine, but it's rather unfriendly to make us smell a
plaque-filled mouth.") >>
There are nicer ways to say it.
My mom used to tell my sister "Irene, your breath smells like a gut wagon."
I heard her say it many times, just like that, as though she had never said
it before.
Holly has bad breath sometimes, and I say, "Have you brushed your teeth
already?" or "I'm going to brush my teeth, do you want to go?" or "Do you have any
of that gum you bought the other day?" It's a hint, and she gets it, and I
haven't put a recording of an insult in her head.
I've known people who never brushed their teeth and didn't have bad breath
and didn't have cavites. There are other factors, and not brushing doesn't
guarantee teeth falling out of heads.
Sandra
mozafamily
You probably already know this - but I'm new there so just have to
share - there is a list for "homeschooling" in the autistic specturm
at groups.yahoo.com/group/ASLearningAtHome so perhaps they have
some insight for you. I just joined there because of my 2 nephews in
the spectum and a new friend in the same town, I hope they're not
too "schooly" but I'm gonna find out because I need some resources.
Anyhow - I'm luckly that my 6yo likes to brush his teeth in the
morning (it's something he doesn on his own after dayd goes to work -
he thought of it himself) and sometimes additionally when he sees
someone else do it. Once he gave me a big smaking kiss a few months
ago and his breath was rank so I did tell him politely (something
like "your breath smells kindof yucky - have you brushed your teeth
lately?") about it and he went immediately and bushed and then gave
me another big kiss. Believe it or not that approach also works with
husbands - have had to use it a few times myself - ewwwwwwww! Moza
share - there is a list for "homeschooling" in the autistic specturm
at groups.yahoo.com/group/ASLearningAtHome so perhaps they have
some insight for you. I just joined there because of my 2 nephews in
the spectum and a new friend in the same town, I hope they're not
too "schooly" but I'm gonna find out because I need some resources.
Anyhow - I'm luckly that my 6yo likes to brush his teeth in the
morning (it's something he doesn on his own after dayd goes to work -
he thought of it himself) and sometimes additionally when he sees
someone else do it. Once he gave me a big smaking kiss a few months
ago and his breath was rank so I did tell him politely (something
like "your breath smells kindof yucky - have you brushed your teeth
lately?") about it and he went immediately and bushed and then gave
me another big kiss. Believe it or not that approach also works with
husbands - have had to use it a few times myself - ewwwwwwww! Moza
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/24/2004 3:10:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
contact@... writes:
physical opening of the body cavity (open heart surgery) a person's body chemistry is
almost identical to that of someone diagnosed as "clinically depressed." Our
family was shocked to learn this after my grandmother, who was normally a
very dynamic/positive/pro-active person, had open heart surgery and REALLY seemed
to give up on life. Like your son she was disinterested in her teeth and
other personal hygene and lifelong habits of cleanliness. Her doctors only
informed us how common this was AFTER we had struggled with it for months and ASKED
THEM! (It sure would have helpe us to know in advance!) Anyway, what we
found worked was exposing my grandmother to any experience/activity which produced
happy feelings. There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression. You might consider
laying off the teeth issue just now and work on intense affirmations with
your son until things turn around because even implying that your son *should be*
doing something, which he isn't up to doing yet, may be contributing to
negative feelings of failure or at least inadaquacy. Not really helpful just now.
Plus, most tooth decay takes a fairly long period of time to get REALLY bad.
(I have a dentist in the family who we disappoint regularly by going WAY
longer between visits than we *should!* lol!) You should have time for reversing
anything caused by this relatively short period of neglect.
I feel for your son having to go through this. Its a really radical
experience for the physical body to undergo--not to mention the psyche. Love, love,
love and pleasant experiences are what worked for us with my gran. Just like
learning happening best when you're happy, healing and lots of other good
things happen then as well.
Take care,
Melody
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
contact@... writes:
> It seems to have only become a "chore"It may have some bearing on your son's mental state too, that after a
> for him since his last surgery (which, as much as we did to make the
> situation as good as it could have been, was terribly traumatic). He has
> long term negative physical effects from the surgery as well, and I think he
> is just taking a break on everything.
physical opening of the body cavity (open heart surgery) a person's body chemistry is
almost identical to that of someone diagnosed as "clinically depressed." Our
family was shocked to learn this after my grandmother, who was normally a
very dynamic/positive/pro-active person, had open heart surgery and REALLY seemed
to give up on life. Like your son she was disinterested in her teeth and
other personal hygene and lifelong habits of cleanliness. Her doctors only
informed us how common this was AFTER we had struggled with it for months and ASKED
THEM! (It sure would have helpe us to know in advance!) Anyway, what we
found worked was exposing my grandmother to any experience/activity which produced
happy feelings. There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression. You might consider
laying off the teeth issue just now and work on intense affirmations with
your son until things turn around because even implying that your son *should be*
doing something, which he isn't up to doing yet, may be contributing to
negative feelings of failure or at least inadaquacy. Not really helpful just now.
Plus, most tooth decay takes a fairly long period of time to get REALLY bad.
(I have a dentist in the family who we disappoint regularly by going WAY
longer between visits than we *should!* lol!) You should have time for reversing
anything caused by this relatively short period of neglect.
I feel for your son having to go through this. Its a really radical
experience for the physical body to undergo--not to mention the psyche. Love, love,
love and pleasant experiences are what worked for us with my gran. Just like
learning happening best when you're happy, healing and lots of other good
things happen then as well.
Take care,
Melody
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 8/25/04 11:16:54 AM, masciarratta@... writes:
<< There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression. You might
consider
laying off the teeth issue just now and work on intense affirmations with
your son >>
What does he like? What has ever made him laugh?
Maybe he needs happy music, a new kitten, Three Stooges movies.
With depression, negativity makes it worse, so try not to rag on him.
Sandra
<< There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression. You might
consider
laying off the teeth issue just now and work on intense affirmations with
your son >>
What does he like? What has ever made him laugh?
Maybe he needs happy music, a new kitten, Three Stooges movies.
With depression, negativity makes it worse, so try not to rag on him.
Sandra
Elizabeth Hill
**
Anyway, what we
found worked was exposing my grandmother to any experience/activity which produced
happy feelings. There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression.**
Possibilities: sunshine, physical movement, being with someone you love who is expressing it, smiling, listening to music.
I think there's even one study (tho' I can't cite it) that shows that "grimacing" in a smile like shape several times a day releases much of the same feel-good chemicals as actually smiling. But actual smiling would be preferable.
Betsy
Anyway, what we
found worked was exposing my grandmother to any experience/activity which produced
happy feelings. There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression.**
Possibilities: sunshine, physical movement, being with someone you love who is expressing it, smiling, listening to music.
I think there's even one study (tho' I can't cite it) that shows that "grimacing" in a smile like shape several times a day releases much of the same feel-good chemicals as actually smiling. But actual smiling would be preferable.
Betsy
Gold Standard
Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions for us regarding our guy
Andrew and his teeth/surgery recovery. We do some of the things mentioned,
and are incorporating more. I love that all of your suggestions involve love
and fun...the perfect healing elements for such a challenging time.
Related thought: Andrew very much wanted to go to an art high school this
year that he had picked out before his surgery. He tried the first day of
school and was sick by the end of the day. He slowly gave up on this idea,
though not in a way that felt "successful" to him. We talked about this, and
he has had some great raging sessions. Day by day though he seems lighter
and happier. Yesterday, when he normally would have been in school, we
spontaneously went to see the movie Collateral (movies...a great love of
his...he's just finishing a script for a scary dark comedy that you may all
see on the big screen someday soon :0). He giggled almost the whole way
there at this relinquished taste of freedom. He has since said to hell with
school and has delved completely into his movie. I'm sure it will be filled
with blood and guts and people getting cut open without their permission.
Again, thank you for the reminders about what's important. We were really
stuck on this one. We were struggling with the idea of letting another part
of his body go downhill, but you've reminded us to trust our instincts that
his mind and soul take precedence right now.
Jacki
**
Anyway, what we
found worked was exposing my grandmother to any experience/activity which
produced
happy feelings. There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression.**
Possibilities: sunshine, physical movement, being with someone you love who
is expressing it, smiling, listening to music.
I think there's even one study (tho' I can't cite it) that shows that
"grimacing" in a smile like shape several times a day releases much of the
same feel-good chemicals as actually smiling. But actual smiling would be
preferable.
Betsy
Yahoo! Groups Links
Andrew and his teeth/surgery recovery. We do some of the things mentioned,
and are incorporating more. I love that all of your suggestions involve love
and fun...the perfect healing elements for such a challenging time.
Related thought: Andrew very much wanted to go to an art high school this
year that he had picked out before his surgery. He tried the first day of
school and was sick by the end of the day. He slowly gave up on this idea,
though not in a way that felt "successful" to him. We talked about this, and
he has had some great raging sessions. Day by day though he seems lighter
and happier. Yesterday, when he normally would have been in school, we
spontaneously went to see the movie Collateral (movies...a great love of
his...he's just finishing a script for a scary dark comedy that you may all
see on the big screen someday soon :0). He giggled almost the whole way
there at this relinquished taste of freedom. He has since said to hell with
school and has delved completely into his movie. I'm sure it will be filled
with blood and guts and people getting cut open without their permission.
Again, thank you for the reminders about what's important. We were really
stuck on this one. We were struggling with the idea of letting another part
of his body go downhill, but you've reminded us to trust our instincts that
his mind and soul take precedence right now.
Jacki
**
Anyway, what we
found worked was exposing my grandmother to any experience/activity which
produced
happy feelings. There's a chemical change in the body when experiencing
"good" emotions which counteracts the chemistry of depression.**
Possibilities: sunshine, physical movement, being with someone you love who
is expressing it, smiling, listening to music.
I think there's even one study (tho' I can't cite it) that shows that
"grimacing" in a smile like shape several times a day releases much of the
same feel-good chemicals as actually smiling. But actual smiling would be
preferable.
Betsy
Yahoo! Groups Links