Q: The more details you can add to each day's entry, the more interesting it will be to read -- and to write! If you're writing about the events of the day, for example, include who you saw, where you were, what you were doing there. Think about adding sensory information to really make your diary entry realistic. What did you smell? What was the light like? What did you hear during the situation you're writing about? Was your body cold, or hot? All of these details can be interesting to consider. If you were outside, think about what details you noticed that let you know what time of day it was, or what the season was like. For example, you might include the jonquils that hadn't yet started to bloom, and the frost melting on the grass. Not only can writing a title to summarize your main point of each entry be interesting, but this practice will help you should you want to come back to your diary for information later. The title can be short, only a few words, and summarize the main gist of your entry. For example, you might write: Clarke Family Reunion, Day One. Battlefield, Tennessee. If you're processing your feelings following a breakup, your title might be the date, and a short descriptive phrase, such as "Feeling lonely, but called a friend." If you're writing a travel diary, the title might be the date, and location you're writing. For example, May 13, 2015. Copenhagen. Fish Market. " If you're writing in a paper notebook, set aside several pages at the beginning in order to insert a "Table of Contents" as you go. If you've included a list of titles for your entries, you can then go back through and write down the titles and page numbers for easy referencing. Diaries may just be a way to process your feelings in the present moment, but you may want to go back to them in the future to refresh your memory on what your life was like. Number each page as you go, if the pages don't already have numbers. " You may not ever plan to have your diary read, or you may be blogging online under a pseudonym. No matter what format you're using for your diary, it can help your writing be more interesting if you're focused on writing for an ideal reader. After all, think about how much more interesting it is to tell a story to a receptive friend than it is to repeat it to an empty room. Some people write diaries imagining their children may read them years in the future. If this is the case for you, what details would you want to be sure and include? Sometimes the ideal reader is someone much like yourself, who may have the same hardships, struggles, and successes that you do. If that's true, then you might want to include periodic affirmations as a way to encourage your reader (and yourself!) If you're stuck for ideas about what to write in your diary, try looking at a list of writing prompts. You might want to write about the past: What was your younger self like? Where did you go to grade school? Who was your best friend, and what was that friend like? What did you do together? Try writing a letter to yourself as a younger person. You might write about the future. For example, what do you think your life might be like in 5, 10, or 15 years? What do you hope will be different? Are there parts of your life that you hope remain the same? Writing letters to future children or grandchildren can be an interesting topic to write about in your diary. Be imaginative and creative. Writing about your special superpower (real or imagined!) or imagining your ideal mate can be quite entertaining, but also useful in learning more about yourself.
A: Add details to your diary entries. Write a title for each diary entry. Think about including a "Table of Contents. Consider writing for an "ideal reader. Use writing prompts.

Q: Just because your diet doesn't allow potatoes doesn't mean you have to give up hash browns. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber and can be sliced or diced into a hash with eggs and ham or sausage. If you're vegan, add leafy greens, legumes, and tofu to your hash for even more fiber. If you're on a grain-free or gluten-free diet, legumes are an excellent way to get more fiber at breakfast. American diets in particular often overlook beans at breakfast, but in other cultures beans are a breakfast staple. For example, you might mix beans, along with tomatoes, onions, and peppers, into an omelette. You also might try beans or lentils on toast. Sprinkle with garlic and drizzle with olive oil. If you are on a low-carb diet, such as the Atkins diet, you probably don't eat very many grains. However, there are plenty of companies that make special low-carb bread that you can still use for your morning toast and get plenty of fiber. Oats are naturally low-carb, so you might want to look for an oat bread, or a multi-grain bread that includes oats. Particularly if you're on a grain-free Paleo diet, getting enough fiber may at first seem difficult. However, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that can easily provide the fiber you need for a healthy, balanced diet. Getting fiber from fruits and vegetables also is essential if you are on a gluten-free diet, since many grains are going to be off limits for you.
A: Make a sweet potato hash. Eat legumes. Look for low-carb bread. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Q: Your child should know that they can come to you at any time to talk. You might think your child already knows this, but reminding them on occasion may be helpful. This should be done with no pressure, not after a room search or questioning. Simply say "I understand that you may be going through things that are confusing or troubling. Growing up can be hard. You can always come and talk to me about anything no matter how small." When your child does open up, reinforce this behavior by affirming it: "I know that must have been hard for you to talk about. I really appreciate you trusting me to tell me about what's going on with you." Parents are often juggling a dozen tasks at once, which means you may miss opportunities to have meaningful conversations with your child. When your child decides to talk to you, aim to listen. Monitor your nonverbal body language to ensure that it is open (i.e. arms and legs uncrossed), that you are oriented towards them, that you make regular eye contact, and that you make expressions to show you are listening, such as nodding. When you fail to attend to your child when they are trying to talk to you, you send the message that what they to say isn't important. This may cause them to keep things to themselves in the future. When your child has the need to talk to you, try to make yourself available as soon as possible. You've learned that your body language can signal a disinterest in what your child has to say. This is also true when you miss conversation openers. Consider this scenario: Your teenage daughter comes home upset. You ask what's wrong and she starts talking about a fight with her best friend. You realize that she is only upset about "teenage drama" and you slowly tune her out or half-listen. If she notices that you are not engaging in the conversation, she will shut down. Use even the simplest conversations as a way to connect with and get closer to your child. If they feel like they can talk to you about the little things, they may be more confident that you'll listen to the big things.
A:
Keep your door open. Attend to your child. Look for conversation openers.