F.A.Q

Prepared by: Zahra Ibrahimi

Q:  I am not much of a house keeper. I admit, but the fact is that I cannot do better because I have a full-time job as a nurse and also have 3 children. Sometimes I feel guilty because I cannot clean the house well and also I cannot prepare quite satisfactory meals for my family. Often we have just bread and milk for dinners. Of course, my husband never complains but I am displeased with myself any way. Am I really not a good wife?  (Simin, Turkey)

A:  Dear Simin, It seems that you do your best regarding your house-keeping and that your husband is satisfied with the conditions. So, do not worry about what is beyond your ability. You can make up for simple meals and not very clean house by being more loving to your husband and children. Good luck to you.  

Q: I am a working mother with two children (daughter 14 years old and a son 8 years old); I have two questions regarding my life style. First I think that I could see in some way signs of depression in my son. This makes me very upset which strengthens my second problem; being in stress at the office. Please give me the clues to solve these problems. (Camila, Malaysia) 

A:  Children are by no means immune from the emotions and stressful times that can contribute to depression. I don’t know what signs you have observed in your son but any way here is a list of possible warning signs of depression in children: loss of appetite, or weight loss, loss of desire, among young children, for playtime, lack of confidence or self-esteem, general disinterest in themselves, family members or once-favored activities, not wanting to go to school, significant changes in sleeping or eating habits, frequent or prolonged physical symptoms, including stomachache or headache and frequent bouts of anger and losing temper.  I think that if you are in doubt that your child is depressed or not, consult a psychologist. But concerning your second problem, your job can be a great source of stress, which can significantly impact your physical and emotional health.  In order to handle stress on the job, set up regular evaluations and meetings with your manager to establish expectations, goals and discuss your workload,  build your prioritization and time management skills, so that you avoid having to always work overtime, or take work home with you, allow yourself free time away from work to relax and do things you enjoy,  take advantage of any flexible work schedules, long lunch breaks and exercise opportunities that your employer offers, don’t check email or answer work-related calls at home, unless it can’t be avoided, recognize when it’s time to look for another job if your current one is causing significant stress and unhappiness.