Tears of the Parent

 The crying started when I was eight. It came and went as I grew, but mostly it came. As a new mother, all I wanted was to be happy.  But I wasn’t. My dreams of becoming a mother were fulfilled with the birth of my oldest child, Harrison. But the tears kept coming. Occasionally, I would have bouts of energy. Sometimes I didn’t need sleep. Other times, I slept all day. Years later, I learned I have bipolar disorder. The proper medications and psychiatry helped ease the crying. My emotions evened, and my energy levels became more consistent. I found I could mostly be happy. But what was the effect on my children?

Having Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a severe mental illness causing unusual mood shifts ranging from extreme highs known as “manic” episodes to extreme lows known as “depressive” episodes.

In the article, “This Is What It’s Like to Actually Live With Bipolar Disorder”, twenty-nine-year-old Danielle described being bipolar as having intense mood swings and extreme overreactions to everyday situations. Danielle would go from deeply insecure to super confident. She also had thoughts of worthlessness and suicide, along with bouts of creativity.

Danielle was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, just like me. We both experience highs and lows that affect our everyday living, as do others with bipolar disorder.

Who does Bipolar affect?

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reports the following:

  • 5.7 million adults, or 2.6%, have bipolar disorder.
  • Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed as early as childhood or as late as the 40’s or 50’s.
  • Most people are diagnosed around the age of 25.
  • Bipolar disorder affects all types of people. It does not discriminate between men and women, age, race, ethnic group, or social class.
  • Heredity can have an effect. Two-thirds of those diagnosed have relatives with bipolar disorder.

How are children affected?

If bipolar disorder affects Danielle and me so severely, how does it affect the children of the 5.7 million adult Americans struggling with this?

The results of one study show that families who struggle with bipolar disorder report lower levels of family cohesion, expressiveness, and higher levels of conflict compared to families that don’t struggle with bipolar.

Another study suggests that children are at an increased risk for developing mood and other disorders when their parent is bipolar.

Therefore, children of bipolar parents are more likely to develop mood disorders as compared to children without bipolar parents. This is not only because bipolar can be hereditary but also because the home can be less stable, causing anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. The family life of those with bipolar disorder has less family cohesion. When a parent withdraws or is distant because of their mental illness, it can leave the family feeling less of a unit and more like individuals trying to survive. Families with bipolar parents are known to have a distressed family environment. The children and spouse of a parent with bipolar can feel troubled at home.

The studies show that life with a bipolar parent present unique and difficult challenges.

What happened to Harrison?

Harrison grew up with me not always being emotionally stable. I slept a lot, cried a lot, was creative and energetic at times, and irritable at times. I did my best to hide the hard parts and explain the visible parts.

So how is he now? Harrison is nineteen and away at college. He texts me every day. “Hi, Mom. How are you?” He is happy, well-adjusted, kind, caring, compassionate, and empathetic. Harrison wants to be a counselor.

Was Harrison affected by me as a bipolar mother? Of course, but despite the unique challenges we faced as a family, he has learned how to handle those challenges and become better from them. He let me rest when I needed rest and asked if I was ok. He offered hugs when my eyes were red from crying. He was not responsible for caring for me, but he was kind and gentle. He learned to listen to his friends. They call him when they are struggling. He offers his friends support and asks me to pray for them. The effects of having a bipolar mom not only shaped the course of Harrison’s life but put it on a trajectory to help others. Not every child will have the same outcome and that’s okay! Every child has a different personality and experience in life. Though they will face many challenges there are things that can be done to help them as they navigate life with a bipolar parent. 

What you can do as a bipolar parent

If you are a parent and have bipolar disorder, there are steps you can take to help yourself and your family.

  • Take your medication and get psychiatric help. Don’t skip the pills or miss your appointments. Your mind and body need consistency.
  • Take care of your body. Eat regular meals, get a good night’s rest, drink plenty of water, and get your body moving.
  • Be honest and open with your children. Explain how you feel and what you are going through in an age-appropriate way. Sometimes, simply saying, “I’m feeling sad today,” can help ease a child’s mind.
  • Be gentle with yourself and show yourself grace. Don’t beat yourself up. You can do this.

Can life be hard for a child with a bipolar parent? Of course! But it doesn’t have to be grim. No family will look like mine, and everyone will learn how to manage bipolar disorder in different ways. But there is hope. Look at Harrison.

My name is Kendra Cuzick. I am studying marriage and family at BYU-Idaho. I teach preschool and write children’s books. I advocate for mental health by writing a weekly blog called, “How Are You Monday”. Supporting others with their mental health is important to me as I can personally empathize with them because of my own mental health struggles. I live in Phoenix, Arizona, with my husband and five children

Of Heroes and Villains: The Impact of Screens on Today’s Youth

The Lost Boys

Todd and Lionel, ages 13 and 9, are brothers who spend most afternoons after school alone in their apartment. The boys are not allowed to go outside after school because their mother works, and she worries about their safety and the influence of the local children. So, after warming up their Hot Pockets, they play video games or watch movies to pass the time. Their recreational screen time (ST) consumption averages four or more hours a day, and the content is often fraught with violence and sexuality.

Todd used to love Spiderman and Batman, but that has morphed into an obsession with villains, especially The Joker, Pennywise, and Jason. He is socially awkward and has few friends. His conversations usually revolve around his favorite video games and horror movies. He has little interest in physical activity and doesn’t like school.

Lionel enjoys sports but can’t play because of his mother’s work schedule and a lack of money. He is fascinated with Anime characters such as Naruto and Pokémon. Not surprisingly, he is also lagging behind his peers academically. He appears sad and has become more withdrawn even from family.

What’s the Big Deal?

Todd and Lionel are not unique in their attraction to, and time spent, playing video games, and watching digital movies. They are among millions of children in the U.S. and worldwide who are impacted by the overuse of screens. In 2021 children between the ages of 8-12 (tweens) spent an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes on their screens.  Those between the ages of 13-18 (teens) spent an average of 8 hours and 39 minutes on theirs. This statistic does not include school time use. The majority of their recreational ST is spent watching online videos, playing video games, and using social media. Boys spend an hour a day more than girls on daily ST. They play more video games than girls who use social media more. Both genders spend about equal time watching videos, especially on YouTube.

Children today certainly have a different lifestyle than those who grew up pre-video/internet era. Everything from food to entertainment these days is ready-made, and gratification is instantaneous. Kids are easily bored because the high pace and repetitive nature of video games create overstimulation, which are designed to be addictive. Screen-free, imaginative, physical play is foreign to them.

Children’s social interactions are limited at best, and they are not making real connections with real people. More youth are hanging out virtually through texting, video chats, gaming, or watching movies together. This equates to not learning communication or social skills, or developing emotional resilience. They have less ability to deal with stress, boredom, and adversity, so loneliness, poor self-esteem, and anxiety result.

There is a well-documented link between excessive screen time and depression. Why? Firstly, physical activity, which is essential for good mental and physical health, has been substantially reduced by excessive ST. The CDC recommends that children 6-17 years be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day. Fewer children walk to and from school, and recess has been reduced in thousands of elementary schools, so unless a child regularly engages in team sports or dance, or can play with other neighborhood children, they become sedentary, reliant on screens to entertain them.

Depression is the leading cause of disability and poor health among children and teens. Overuse of ST rose during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) as did incidences of depression and anxiety. This statistic has not changed much since then. Depressive tendencies often carry over into adulthood and affect the quality of life and ability to thrive.

Secondly, excessive ST interferes with proper sleep, and the combination of insufficient physical activity and poor sleep hygiene is linked to depression. This often leads to poor academicperformance. This is particularly problematic during adolescence because when teens aren’t engaged in school, don’t do well, or feel overwhelmed by the workload, anxiety increases, and self-esteem diminishes. The worse they feel, the more they turn to ST, intensifying their depressive symptoms. It’s a villainous cycle.

Children can suffer cognitive and emotional impairment with early and/or excessive ST. They are not learning problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and critical thinking, which are essential academic and life skills. These kids stand a higher chance of school burnout, leading to higher dropout rates. Low educational achievement reduces employment opportunities, leading to eventual poverty.

Technology is essential in this day and age. There are a multitude of advantages, including the convenience of communication and educational experiences that encourage attentional abilities, improve memory, and allow access to unique learning opportunities. The educational use of ST is not the primary issue here; it’s the recreational overuse of it that is harmful.

It Takes a H.E.R.O.

H: 2 Hours

Todd and Lionel, and the millions of other children in this world need their parents and caregivers to step up to be their protectors, their heroes. The first thing that needs to be done is to monitor how much time children are spending on their screens. The recommendation for recreational ST is between one and two hours daily.

E: Educate

Being educated about how to use ST to the best advantage of children will prevent a myriad of potential ills. RAISE is a free app that helps families reclaim their role as protectors of their children. Be informed about the content of what children are watching, playing, and browsing. Know how to use filters and other parental controls and talk to children about “why” they are necessary.

R: Relationships

The best replacement for screens is parental relationships. Spending more quality screen-free time with children, talking, and playing with them, will improve the relationships within families and communities. Be patient; this is a process that will take some time for them to get used to.

O: Observe

Hypocrisy is a powerful villain. Observe your own behavior. Set the example you want children to follow. Pay attention to changes in children’s moods, their interests, and who they are spending time with, and act when needed. Be the hero they need.

Shellie Ehlert is a senior at Brigham Young University-Idaho in the Department of Home & Family Studies.  She is passionate about strengthening families through education. She believes in Maya Angelou’s adage that we do our best until we know better, and when we know better, we do better. Shellie’s greatest accomplishment has been her education, and her greatest joy is her husband, Jack, and their large, blended family of 9 children and 13 grandchildren. She enjoys running, studying foreign languages, and indulging in her monthly McDouble from McDonald’s.

Affirm Mental Health and Parental Rights Instead of Life-Altering Gender Transformations

“My breasts were beautiful, now they’ve been incinerated for nothing. Thank you, modern medicine.” These were Chloe Cole’s words as she testified before the Florida Board of Medicine Legislative Committee in October 2022.

Chloe shared her experience of transitioning and de-transitioning. She said, “From a young age I was actually quite a very feminine girl, though I did somewhat model myself after my older brothers.” But she began to question her identity, and at 13, was given a regimen of puberty blockers and testosterone. Two years later, she had a double mastectomy. At 16, she said, “I came to realize I severely regretted my transition.”

The issues of gender dysphoria and transitioning teens are becoming more common. A recent study showed that nearly 1 in 5 people who identify as transgender in the United States is between the ages of 13-17. Anyone who has parented or been involved in the life of a teen knows the volatility that comes with this age. There are many theories as to why there has been an increase in teens experiencing gender confusion. One study suggested the “possibility of social influences and maladaptive coping mechanisms.” In other words, it is possible that teens are identifying as transgender because they see others doing it and/or are just having difficulty handling life’s challenges.

Dr. Samuel Veissière authored an article in Psychology Today addressing some of these concerns. He encouraged parents, educators, and clinicians to proceed with caution in dealing with the phenomenon of “rapid-onset gender dysphoria” (ROGD), a term coined by Dr. Lisa Littman, a behavioral science professor at Boston University. The term rapid-onset should give pause when considering potentially harmful measures to change one’s gender, especially when considering the teenage mind. My 16-year-old son chose months before his birthday to have steak for his celebratory dinner, but the week of the event chose something else. A simple example that teens are often indecisive.

Because teens are going through such a tumultuous time, parental support is essential to helping them navigate these stormy waters. Sadly, parental rights are being taken away when counseling their children with gender dysphoria. Some courts are ruling in favor of children receiving transitioning therapy, despite parental disapproval for moral or religious reasons. Washington state recently passed legislation allowing children to receive gender transition care without parental permission.

One mother shared the pain she experienced watching her daughter go through “affirmative care,” the practice of clinicians following the child’s lead in transitioning. She pleaded for “common sense and compassion” to allow parents to advocate for their children’s health. Gender-affirming care is being touted as “life-saving“, and the “benefits outweigh the risks.” Preventing suicide is an outcome we can all agree on, but at what cost? What are the long-term effects of taking hormonal therapy or surgically altering the body? Is affirmative care addressing the root cause of the pain, anxiety, and depression these kids are feeling? Chloe Cole would tell you no.

As a mother of six children, I take my responsibility and right seriously to guide and nurture them, especially during challenging times in their lives. To instead, be left to watch a child undergo transformative therapy because a clinician feels it is in their best interest brings out the mama-bear-fight inside every mother. What can we do to protect our kids from becoming victims to those looking to override our role as advocates and protectors of our children? Let me offer three suggestions to empower parents in these roles:

  1. Be there for your kids! If “social influences and maladaptive coping mechanisms” are contributing to gender dysphoria, know who and what is influencing your family. Understand the pull of social media in teens’ lives. Find out what is stressing your kids. Communicate with them; ask questions. If they are struggling with anxiety or depression, help them find tools to cope, and if necessary, seek professional help.
  2. If seeking professional help, find clinicians that align with your values or religious beliefs and who will respect your role as a parent. Seek someone who recognizes the potential harm of gender-affirming care and will work with your family to find the root cause of the anguish your child is feeling.
  3. Fight to protect the rights of parents. Become educated about the political process. Develop relationships with your local and state officials. Elect those who will defend the family. Attend school board meetings and know the policies in your district that pertain to parental rights. In Idaho, parents are writing resolutions supporting the right as parents to be the primary stakeholders in their children’s education and upbringing. These resolutions are being presented to school boards and political parties, with the hope that state leaders will pass legislation defending this right.

Chloe Cole’s blunt testimony against gender-affirming care might be difficult for some to hear, but it is courageous voices like hers that can draw attention to help those with gender dysphoria get the mental health and support they need. And parents have the right to be by their child’s side guiding them through this process.

Mandy Baker is a Marriage and Family Studies major at Brigham Young University-Idaho. She is a mother and grandmother, residing in Burley, Idaho. She serves as a school board trustee in her community.

3 Valuable Lessons Breastfeeding Taught Me about Marriage

From day one of being a mom, I was so excited to nurture my little girl. I wanted to give her the world! I thought the least I could do would be to give her the food she needed to develop well. And I knew my “liquid gold” would be the best thing to help my baby girl grow healthy and strong.

Breastfeeding has so many benefits, both for baby and for mom. But what people don’t usually talk about is the fact that it can be really, really hard

Now after nursing two kids, I’ve realized that it’s not all that different from marriage. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

1. It’s hard.

Yes, breastfeeding is natural and good. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy! There are all sorts of things to adjust to, especially at the beginning. Breastfeeding can bring sore nipples, engorged breasts, a crazy feeding schedule, and more. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, more challenges come!

Similarly, marriage is natural and good. We want to be with someone we love in a secure relationship. But just like breastfeeding, marriage can be hard too! Marriage means there’s someone else to coordinate with, and odds are there will sometimes be misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Like breastfeeding, there are difficulties and things to adjust to in married life, both at the beginning and all along the way. 

2. It’s good for you.* 

Pediatricians agree that breastfeeding is so good for a baby’s development. Breast milk naturally has the nutrients, calories, and antibodies your baby needs to be healthy! It also creates a healthy bond, probably in part because mom and baby have to work together to figure it out. 

Marriage, like breastfeeding, definitely has its benefits! People who are married are more likely to live longer and be happier. And like breastfeeding, being married allows you to grow closer to the one you love as you work through the difficulties that naturally arise. 

3. It’s individual. 

Every new mom has different challenges, because her body and baby’s body are unique. Not only that, but those challenges will likely change over time. For example, my baby girl used to fall asleep all the time while eating. When she got older, she stayed awake but got distracted easily. These individual challenges, however, gave us great opportunities to work together and grow. 

Just like every mom and baby is different, each marriage has both unique challenges and solutions. Basic principles can help both with breastfeeding and marriage, but ultimately, the two of you have to figure it out. So work together to find what helps you get through the hard times and really enjoy the sweet blessings that come. 

Don’t give up! 

With my first child especially, there were days when I was tempted to give up on breastfeeding, to throw in the towel and give her formula instead. But I’m so grateful my little girl and I were able to learn and grow together. 

Maybe there are times when you want to give up on your marriage, when you think it’s just not worth the effort anymore. But don’t give up! Don’t give in! You may find that it is working through those difficulties that makes your marriage even sweeter. 

*Disclaimer: For various reasons, some moms or babies may not be able or choose not to breastfeed. The same is true for marriage. This article is in no way trying to put down those who don’t breastfeed, or those who get divorced/don’t marry. Everyone’s situation is different. 

Author’s note: I originally wrote this article while I was breastfeeding my first child. Nursing child number two was a lot easier (partly because he was easier, partly because of what I’d already learned). But I found that these principles still hold true for both breastfeeding and marriage.


Elizabeth Warner, Content Manager

Elizabeth Warner graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She is married to a wonderful man, and together they have two delightful kids. When she’s not busy changing diapers or teaching her daughter to read, she enjoys exercise & nutrition, hand lettering, and writing.

7 Tips for Fighting Pornography’s Harms in Your Home

When my son was about 8 years old, he quietly knocked on the door of our bedroom one night. We invited him in, and I could sense his unease. “Mommy, I think I did something bad.” The tears began to flow as we scooped him up and inquired over his supposed misdeed. “I was watching a music video and I saw a man’s bum. It was naked. I’m so sorry”. He believed he had viewed pornography. He was a sobbing mess, but my mommy-heart melted over the admission because we have always been honest in our home about the damaging effects of pornography. This meant it had sunk into his little mind and heart. Even a naked bum sent his conscience reeling. He believed he had viewed pornography. And he was right, accidental as it was. 

The Problem with Pornography

While this event might seem minor in the grand scheme of what could have been available to my son in the world of pornography, it’s still no small matter. It’s a rare occasion that users of pornography jump straight to “hard-core porn”. It usually starts inadvertently and small: a naked rear, for example. Most exposure happens early, with the average first age of exposure at 8 years old. One Australian study reports that by age 14, nearly 94% of youth have seen pornography. This is troublesome on many levels. This is a crucial developmental period when an under-developed prefrontal cortex makes children and youth less capable of making rational decisions. My son fit the demographics to a tee, and we count ourselves blessed that he had the good sense to look away and come talk to us. 

Many of you, like me, are parents with unsuspecting, innocent children. You love them, care for them, and want what’s best for them. You’d do anything to protect them. But the pornography industry is crafty. They don’t care about protecting your children. Your children are seen as potential consumers for their product. And they will do anything to hook them. Pornography is nicely packaged these days. A popular magazine, lyrics of a catchy song, popup ads, or a music video. It’s easier than ever for your child to be exposed and hooked. 

Some argue the benefits of porn. Such benefits include sexual education, sexual satisfaction, and sexual release. But the other side of the coin speaks volumes when correlations are linked to rape, aggression, sex-trafficking, infidelity, divorce, among others.

Think it would never happen in your home or that your child has never been exposed? Think again. A recent report by the BBFC reports that while 75% of parents believe their children have never seen porn, 53% of those children actually have. Your children could be among those. 

How You Can Protect Your Family

While those numbers can be discouraging, it doesn’t mean that we can’t do something about it. And it doesn’t mean that accidental exposure inevitably leads to a pornography addiction. My son is proof that with the right kind of education and action, we can feel secure that our children will make the right decisions in those moments. We can take charge in our homes today to protect our children against pornography exposure and its damaging effects. Here are seven things that have worked for our family:

1. Do the talking before someone else does. 

The pornography industry is eager to get to your children before you do. Don’t give them the satisfaction. If pornography exposure starts early, then talking needs to start early.

2. Make home a safe space to talk.

Our kids know that they can ask us anything without unfair reaction or judgement. Children need to know that they can have their questions answered lovingly and honestly. If your child has a question, let them ask and then do your best to answer. If you don’t know, say so, and schedule a time to talk again once you’ve found answers. Keep your word and follow up. Parent-child communication is key to opening up about these hard issues. 

3. The discussion about pornography must be ongoing. 

I cringe when I hear parents say that they’ve successfully given their children “the talk.” This is not a “one and done” event. Discussing important things like sex and pornography must be ongoing. Your children are growing and developing. This includes their understanding of and curiosity about pornography. Keep talking.

4. Set rules as a family. 

We found that our children are more likely to keep rules that they help make. We also found that they are more willing to make rules when they understand the why behind needing them. Tell them how damaging pornography can be. Then trust them to help you make rules to keep the family safe. They will surprise you!

5. Have a healthy dialogue about dating, marriage, love, and sex. 

Pornography distorts a child’s view of what real love is. Pornography teaches a child to objectify another person. When parents talk positively and honestly about dating, marriage, love, and sex, we teach them that people are for loving in real ways. Sex is an expression of that love and is most satisfying within a devoted relationship. There is no room for pornography in a healthy relationship because it teaches us that people are to be used instead of loved. 

6. Talk about your body and the bodies of others in uplifting, positive ways. 

Pornography will challenge the self-esteem of a person because of its ability to distort the reality of the human body. Let them know how beautiful and amazing the human body is and that it should be treated with respect. Bodies are not perfect and come in all shapes and sizes. Speak kindly about your body and the bodies of others.  

7. Watch for warning signs. 

Is your child unusually stressed, tired, depressed, secretive, and removed? While this might indicate many different types of problems, it might also be time to ask about and reevaluate their digital habits. They may be struggling with pornography. Be supportive and ready to help.

Keeping Kids Safe 

I know these steps have helped in our home. My son, now 13, is a happy and healthy teenager. He uses his devices in the family room because this is a rule he helped make. He knows it keeps him safe. He knows that if something does happen, he can always come talk to my husband or I because our home is a safe space. My son knows that his body is a gift and that it should be respected. He knows that the bodies of others should be respected. He knows that real relationships are built on love and trust. Above all, he knows that we love him and that we’re proud of the person he’s becoming. He knows that pornography holds no place in becoming the man he wants to be. While we can’t safeguard our children completely, these small steps can help continue the battle against pornography. 

Guest Blogger: Sarah Fairbanks

Guest Blogger: Sarah Fairbanks

Sarah Fairbanks is a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho. She is majoring in Marriage and Family Studies with an emphasis in Human Services. She will graduate in December 2021. She lives in Northern California with her husband and three children.