Dear Annie: I’m a parent of two children under 5, including a 19-month-old toddler. I understand the sentiment behind “kids are better than phones,” and I agree: Children are absolutely better than phones and certainly need to be under careful watch of their caregivers!
People who have forgotten or never experienced postpartum should know that some of these parents/grandparents/caregivers may be deep in the fog of sleep deprivation or even managing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Being on their phones may very well be their way of coping with all of the incredible changes happening in their lives. Perhaps they could be kinder and less judgmental and welcome being an extra pair of eyes for these children when these caregivers can’t be.
Interested readers should check out Postpartum Support International for more information. — It Actually Does Take a Village
Dear Takes a Village: Thank you for your letter.
Dear Annie: You recently wrote a column about a woman who was concerned because a fellow waitress was still smoking while pregnant. You recommended that she check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, which has good information on the subject.
There is another option that I wanted to tell you and your readers about called Nicotine Anonymous, or NicA. It is a 12-step program based on, but completely separate from, the Alcoholics Anonymous model. NicA is available to anyone who has a desire to stop using nicotine in any form, including those using medical or nicotine-withdrawal aids.
Since 1982, anyone can join at any time. The only requirement is that they desire to give up nicotine. Groups are self-supporting without dues or fees, and the meetings are ongoing for continual support. Numerous online and phone meetings are available every day. Group support is acknowledged as an essential part of a treatment plan to free people from the disease of addiction. All NicA meeting information and resources can be found at: nicotine-anonymous.org. Thank you for your consideration in the effort to save lives. — Living Free of Nicotine Addiction
Dear Living Free of Nicotine Addiction: Congratulations on being nicotine-free. Thank you for your letter. I hope it helps others stop smoking.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
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