There's also the fact that between performing for large crowds, bringing hordes of strangers to tears simply by their presence, leading people in worship and healing souls, popes in general have a ton of things in common with popular musicians.

And now, his holiness is a rock star, literally. That's right, Pope Francis has a new album dropping this November.

More: Teresa Giudice takes part in the pope's visit from behind bars

The pop-rock (or should we say pope-rock?) record, Wake Up! was produced by Don Giulio Neroni and will feature 11 tracks of Pope Francis' spoken-word messages in Italian, English, Spanish and Portuguese, according to Rolling Stone magazine.

We love that the pope is trying to reach younger generations and cross cultural barriers through music, and we're even digging his first single "Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!" that came out this week.

But, cards on the table, we're also LOLing at the clever reactions to the newly released song that we're seeing across the interwebs.

Here are some of our favorites from Twitter and SoundCloud.

Speaking of collabing, we've also seen a movement of social media users begging for a pope/contemporary artist collaboration and, frankly, the idea is genius. Here are a couple musicians at the top of our list that we'd like to see the pope mix it up with.

1. Queen B

He's already been dubbed the "Beyoncé of holy leaders" by Mashable, so it's only natural that they work together.

2. Lady Gaga

This pick is inspired by SoundCloud user rororor's excitement about the pope's single.

Of course, we automatically free-associated Pope Francis with Mother Monster because of this comment.

3. Matisyahu

What do you get when you mix the ultimate Catholic with an Orthodox Jewish rapper and a touch of reggae? Well, besides perfection, a Pope Francis and Matisyahu remix, of course.

4. Lil Dicky

This suggestion comes straight from @DanNerdCubed on Twitter.

We're not sure how this would go down, but Lil Dicky is intent on making the most epic rap video ever, so we're pretty sure he'd be willing to give it a whirl.

5. Skrillex

Just based on Pope Francis' Twitter handle @Pontifex alone, this would be a match made in heaven. Skrillex featuring Pontifex — it totally works.

More: Susan Sarandon morbidly predicts Pope Francis will be assassinated in America

6. Pandora's Pope and Hip Hop Power Workout station

OK, it's not really a collaboration per se, but you should still add this song to your workout playlist, pronto. If the pope can't get you through your cardio session, then nothing can.

7. Chvrches

From the mind of @jackmenner, the beauty of this suggestion is in its simplicity.

Guys, the could tour together and play to crowds in actual churches. The Pope Presents: The Chvrch Tour. It would be bigger than Taylor Swift's 1989.

8. Win Butler

A Mormon/Catholic mashup? Love it! The Arcade Fire front man and Pope Francis may have different religious standpoints, but they both lived in Buenos Aires when they were young, so they'll totally have stuff they can relate to each other about.

Listen to Pope Francis' new track on SoundCloud here.

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers analyzed the fidgeting habits of 12,778 women ages 35-69. They broke the women into categories based on how many hours in a day they spend sitting and their fidgeting tendencies, and analyzed them over 12 years.

The results are promising. Sitting for more than seven hours a day was only associated with an increased mortality risk when the women had low fidgeting rates. If they had medium to high fidget rates, there was no sign of increased mortality rates. Furthermore, women who had higher tendencies to fidget and only sat for five to six hours a day had a decreased mortality risk over the 12 year span.

So yes, our sedentary lifestyles have become incredibly dangerous to our health but this study offers hope for those of us who work a desk job to make a living.

More: Stand up! Sitting can be hazardous to your health

For myself, fidgeting had always been a situation of either a) not being able to get comfortable or b) a lack of attention. It was never a matter of purposely being impolite, I'm just not the type of person who sits for hours on end. If you find yourself struggling to sit still like myself, the solution is quite simple: don't.

The study’s co-author Dr. Gareth Hagger-Johnson confirms, "It's best to avoid sitting still for long periods of time, and even fidgeting may offer enough of a break to make a difference."

So, we have been given full permission to fidget away. Click your pen up and down, jiggle your knee, tap your feet, move your legs this way and that way. Your health just might depend on it.

Gibson and Henson previously played passionate lovers in 2001's Baby Boy. Now, it looks like the two are set to reunite as on-screen flames once again. According to the New York Post, Gibson spilled the beans while appearing on Wendy Williams' talk show. "I’m coming to get my girl back,” he reportedly told the crowd of the upcoming guest role.

More: Empire Season 2 soundtrack hints at a ton of spoilers

The actor didn't reveal specific details about the character he'll be playing (or when exactly he'll show), but he did say that the reunion with Henson has been a long time coming, and that fans can expect it to be pretty steamy. “All them dudes on there kissing on my girl... I’m kinda done with seeing all that,” Gibson joked.

More: Lee Daniels reveals 7 major spoilers from the Empire Season 2 set

As fans know, Cookie has been pretty unlucky in the romance department so far. She and ex-husband Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard) briefly started their relationship up again last season, but it didn't last very long — mainly because Lucious was engaged to another woman at the time. Cookie also had a short fling with Lucious' head of security, Malcolm (played by Derek Luke), but that also ended abruptly. With Lucious now in jail and out of the way, it's about time she got a new love in her life.

Still, while it'll be nice to see Cookie get a little romance, it probably won't last too long, knowing her. As she's made very clear time and time again, her biggest priority now isn't love — it's ensuring the future of Empire for her and her sons.

More: Empire premiere met with mixed feelings over Black Lives Matter "mockery"

Empire airs on Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.

In the ongoing saga that has become the Josh and Anna Duggar marriage, we are now reading reports that Anna's family is planning on staging an "intervention" with the recently embattled mother to talk her into leaving her husband for good.

While Josh has been away at a rehab facility, Anna took the couple's children to her family’s home in Florida. According to Hollywood Life, her family is now planning on stepping in to see if they can talk the devout and strictly conservative woman into divorcing her husband.

While Anna has previously vowed to stand by her man "through thick and thin," a source close to the family said her brother, Daniel Keller, is hoping to change her mind.

More: Jessa and Anna Duggar's baby bump picture is causing a controversy (PHOTO)

The source said, “Daniel is leading the charge to get Anna out of her dysfunctional marriage and away from her cheating husband. He has rallied a couple of their sisters and brothers to take this opportunity to talk some sense into Anna."

This is even more surprising given previous reports that Anna comes from an even more staunchly conservative family who, one might believe, would never advocate ending a marriage, even under such extreme circumstances as infidelity and child molestation.

But the source continues, "They know when she's at home, surrounded by the Duggars and their friends, Anna will never listen to them. But Daniel and the others are hoping that getting her away from the Duggar clan will help. They want to stage a family meeting or divorce intervention and really tell Anna how they feel."

More: Amy Duggar reveals what happened when Anna Duggar arrived at her wedding

This comes as a breath of fresh air to those of us who, sitting on the outside looking in, feel like Anna might feel trapped and unable to get out from under the weight of the Duggar world.

I’m not saying Anna should definitely leave her husband. That is a private and personal decision she needs to make based on what is best for her and her children. But it can’t be a bad thing to get away and get a fresh perspective or even another point of view from people you know also love and care for you, right?

It is a sincere hope that Anna is able to stand on her own two feet and make up her own mind, rather than have her mind made up for her, no matter whether she ultimately decides to stay or go.

More: Insider reveals how Josh Duggar's wife is handling news of his indiscretions

You're a very busy working mom. What's your best "fail" story when it comes to fitting romance into your life? And your best tip to keeping the relationship spark alive?

Well, being a working mom means that organization is key. I’m juggling a lot of different schedules, and sometimes things don’t always work out, but my husband Dave and I work hard to keep our relationship solid apart and separate from our role as parents, even if it’s just snuggling watching TV together after the kids are in bed.

Truly, one of the times I got the most mad at him is when I thought he had watched Survivor without me. It was totally a DVR betrayal — but then, when I clicked on it, it showed he’d paused it after like two seconds, and I realized I had totally overreacted! We laugh about it, but the shows we watch together are sacred. It was like a serious pact when he committed to waiting until I got back from filming on location to watch the Breaking Bad finale together. That’s LOVE!

I think the trick to keeping the spark alive is engaging in their life and sharing yours. Not just mundane day-to-day business of family or kids, but really finding the stuff you enjoy together. Dave and I love to travel, we go to music concerts together, we even love the heated discussions after we watch something on Netflix. It’s just about connecting.

Like Sonia, the character you play in Love on the Air, you've described yourself as a type-A person. What kind of relationship challenges do you think being type A has thrown you, and how did you meet them? (Fellow type-A person here, please advise.)

I’m definitely a self-diagnosed type-A person. I identified with Sonia the first time I read the script. Independence is so important to me — I am still (15 years of marriage later) reluctant to hand Dave the jar to open for me. Yes, it can lead to isolation if you let it, so I guess it comes down to picking your battles.

Just really choose the things that matter to you, and learn to let the rest pass.

Your birthday was a couple of days ago — happy birthday! How has your perspective on love and relationships changed most in the past 10 years? What's the most romantic birthday gift you ever got?

Thank you. I love birthdays. My perspective on love and relationships has matured as my perspective on everything has. It’s so important to place realistic expectations on an ongoing, forever commitment like marriage. It’s just not always going to seem like a date on The Bachelor.

And its about finding romance, and signs of love in the little things, like when Dave finds my phone after I’ve gone to bed and puts it on the charger for me — that is so sweet, and I let him know how much I appreciate it! Those are just as important to notice as the big gestures for a wedding, birthday or anniversary.

Best birthday gift? Dave always gets me really special, unique gifts. Like, one time I cried my eyes out watching this elephant being abused on the news. And so he made a big donation in my name for my birthday to an elephant sanctuary. It was such a special, thoughtful gesture.

You're making a guest return to Days of Our Lives next month. What about Sami's ongoing quest for love resonated most with you?

Yeah, I was thrilled to visit Salem and all my friends at Days again. I miss them! I’ve always admired Sami’s spirit — and her sort of never-say-die attitude towards love. She always managed to brush herself off and try again when it came to love. Also, she always wore her heart on her sleeve. There’s a certain courage in that I always admired. There are lots of lessons from Sami on what NOT to do (ha ha), but you know, I always respected how she would just give her all when it came to love.

SheKnows: What are your top three all-time favorite rom-coms?

Bridget Jones' Diary, The Princess Bride, Say Anything.

Love on the Air airs on Hallmark on Saturday, September 26 at 9 p.m./8 p.m. Central time.

I swapped out regular noodles for no-boil noodles to keep the time in the kitchen down, since these cook up on their own in the sauce they're baked in. Layer them in a skillet with cubed butternut squash, spinach, plenty of cheese and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce for a quick twist on lasagna. The squash adds a slightly sweet flavor with the Alfredo sauce and pairs perfectly with the vegetables without overpowering any of the other flavors.

Skillet butternut squash lasagna recipe

Serves 6-8

Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 40 minutes | Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 (9 ounce) box no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 4 cups frozen butternut squash cubes, thawed
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 small handful fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus 1/2 cup for topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup half-and-half

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F, and spray a deep skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spoon 1/4 cup of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of the skillet, and spread it evenly over the bottom.
3. Layer some of the broken no-boil noodles in the bottom of the skillet. Top with butternut squash, fresh spinach, herbs, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and more sauce. Repeat the layering process until you have used all the ingredients.
4. Drizzle the half-and-half on top of the lasagna, and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme, and serve warm.

More butternut squash recipes

Butternut squash and pepper stir-fry
Butternut squash-Swiss chard pizza
Caramelized butternut squash with bacon

But when it came to Teen Mom Leah Messer, it was the absence of a new major player in her life that left more questions than answers. We got to see a joyful return from rehab with Messer embracing her three daughters, communing with friends and family, but someone was noticeably missing: her new man.

More: Teen Mom's Corey and Miranda don't think Leah Messer can change (VIDEO)

Just weeks post-rehab, Messer reportedly was house hunting for a new place away from ex Jeremy Calvert. We see a a new pad in the season finale, but what we didn't see was T.R. Dues.

He never made even the slightest cameo. His face was never seen, and his name was never even mentioned.

According to Radar Online, the reality TV star began dating Dues, a 34-year-old local West Virginian personal trainer, in the spring, just before Messer entered a rehabilitation facility for anxiety and depression (although it was also widely rumored that she was actually in rehab for a prescription painkiller addition).

More: Jenelle Evans hooked up with Nathan Griffith after he hit her with a car

To make Dues's absence even more confusing, the tabloid website reported just two months ago that Messer was doing this house hunting with Dues and even moved in with him. Dues and Messer are reportedly living in a "big new home." So, for him to not be part of any kind of welcome-home reception is just plain strange.

Dues is also a parent. He is a father to two young sons.

So, why was he left completely out of the coming-home festivities? Was it to appease and placate Messer’s ex, Calvert? Or was it an MTV decision to leave Dues out of the episode? Not even being mentioned leaves it more open to interpretation as intentional on Messer's part, but we are still left with so many questions.

More: Teen Mom 2 fans accuse Leah of using her child support money to buy drugs

Jambalaya spaghetti recipe

Serves 6-8

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound pasta (Mueller's Pot-Sized Spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked sausage, like andouille, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch slices
• 2 bell peppers, sliced thin (1 red and 1 green, for color)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken stock or broth
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Parsley, for garnish (optional) 
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it, and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil, then add the sausage, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.
3. Remove some of the excess grease with a spoon or by draining it onto a paper towel.
4. Add the chicken, and cook until it is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Add the bell peppers and onion, and cook until the vegetables become tender, about 3 minutes.
6. Add the garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Turn the heat to medium-low.
8. Add in the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, paprika and cayenne, and then sprinkle salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Heat to a light simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
10. Add in the heavy cream, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
11. Pour over the cooked pasta, or toss the pasta in with the sauce.
12. Top with parsley, and serve hot.

Try these spaghetti recipes

Southwestern baked spaghetti
Slow-cooker spaghetti and meatballs
Spaghetti tacos

And then he left.

Afterwards, rather calmly, I was telling my sister what had happened, and she stopped me to say, “Wait. You said that? You just didn’t think it?”

“Yes, the words actually passed my lips,” I said. Meaning: I had spoken out and not let fear control me.

In saying those words, I was finally ending a relationship that I had never really wanted, correcting the mistake I had known on the altar I was making, quitting five years of verbal abuse and beginning to fix my deep unhappiness. I was me again.

I didn't know it at the time, but that very moment I was finding the voice I had lost. In that instant, I rediscovered a beautiful, bold precocious little Vanessa I had unknowingly abandoned at 10 years old and I became a real grown-up.

Since around the age of 10, I had engaged in what psychologists call “camouflaging." In simple terms, camouflaging is when tween girls hide their true selves in order to fit in with those around them. It’s a crucible event of a tween girl’s life. Every girl will camouflage to some degree.

As tweens from 8 to 12, girls quickly learn that going against the grain can be social suicide. We will do anything to avoid being ostracized by our girlfriends. I, like many other tween girls, had become so practiced at saying things I thought others wanted to hear, that I successfully buried my authentic self. Why? Because it worked! I got what I craved: acceptance.

But the cost is high. Being someone else cuts off a girl's power. Silencing her own voice costs a girl her self-confidence, as she increasingly looks to others for validation and acceptance. And as she grows up, things really start to fall apart.

The successful camouflaging strategy can result in a long-term period where the girl and subsequently the woman directs her energy outward, always adapting to fit in. She is disconnected from her gifts and her true self, in what some experts call an extended “power outage.”

At worst, without a conscious connection to her true identity, girls can enter into the gamut of self-destructive behaviors: abusive relationships, excessive drinking, eating disorders, cutting, etc. These can be side effects of feeling like you aren’t heard and won't be accepted for who you really are.

In my case, it was dating the wrong guys. Remember the line in Pretty Woman where Vivian says, “My mom called me a bum magnet.” That was me. My first serious boyfriend in college thought nothing of calling me the “c” word (that’s a hard one to admit). I picked handsome guys who other people thought were good for me. And the bums (er, guys) I chose wanted a girl lacking in self-esteem who would endure their abuse.

I repeated the pattern over and over until I met husband number one. He looked good — others said he resembled Christopher Reeve — and I got many compliments from family and friends. In fact, that is why I kept going: I was told I was lucky to have met such a handsome, amazing boy!

I'll skip the whole dreary, sad story of what was really happening, how John* wasn't perfect. On our honeymoon he told me to “f--k off” and locked me out of our hotel room for hours. And I sat in the hallway, waiting. Enough said.

After a few years of being married, I knew I had to do something to help myself or I was going to die. Not physically, but inside. Every day, I found myself doing more to hurt myself.

Finally, I sought professional help (in secret, of course) and met Dr. Shirl. Not a classic therapist by any stretch of the imagination, Shirl spoke her truth and wanted me to, as well. She was a total character, one who had lived everywhere and loved extravagantly, daring anyone to not like her. She was truly her unique, individual self. She was a role model.

Shirl taught me to rediscover my true, authentic voice. She taught me that no one was better at being me than me. She had me stand in front of a mirror and tell myself I loved me! It felt a little like an SNL skit, but I didn’t care because it felt good! She taught me to physically hold on to myself. I actually hugged me, and it felt great!

Dr. Shirl gave me my life back. My voice.

It was a little over two years that I had been seeing Dr. Shirl when John and I were getting ready for bed one night. He started talking about kids. He said, “All our friends are starting to have kids, Vanessa. It’s time we start trying to have a baby.” And it was true. All of our friends were getting pregnant. Shopping for cribs. It was an exciting time for them.

And it was for me, too. Just in a different way. Because it was the first time I was able to speak my truth. I looked over at him and said, “If you think I’m going to have kids with you, you are sadly mistaken.”

He was gone the next day.

And, just like that, my power was on! I sold the house, packed my things and headed for New York City, a place I had dreamed about living. I landed a job at a major fashion magazine, then met and married my amazing, awesome husband.

Today, I am the mom of 10-year-old Julia (and 12-year-old Will) and the proud founder of Tia Girl Club, a lifestyle brand for tween girls. At Tia, we help girls avoid camouflaging and connect girls to positive role models.

The Tia motto is “Say it! See it! Be it!” Tia is short for “Today I am,” a statement that speaks power into the lives of girls. Whatever a girl says after “today I am” gives her identity, truth and strength. A tween girl who says, “Today I am beautiful and confident” is much less likely to camouflage.

We also believe that positive role models can help girls to see their dreams are possible if they keep faith in themselves.

We see it working every day. Tia Girl Club has been on Instagram for a mere six months, and has over 5,000 Tia Girls speaking strength into themselves.

Today I am helping others! It’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing.

*I wish him well, but John is not his real name

More: Supernatural's new teaser drops huge Sam & Castiel spoilers (VIDEO)

Per Variety, Nate Torrence will play Sam's imaginary friend during a Season 11 episode. Yes, you read that correctly. Sam's imaginary friend from his childhood, named Sully, will return and reappear in front of Sam's eyes. Torrence (Hello Ladies, Weird Loners) is slated for Episode 8, appropriately titled "Just My Imagination." Apparently, Sully needs Sam and Dean's help. If that isn't exciting enough, Supernatural alum Richard Speight Jr. (The Trickster, aka Gabriel) will direct the episode. During Comic-Con 2015, it was revealed that fans would learn Sam had an imaginary friend as a child and that they're real, per FanBolt.

Other details have yet to be revealed about Sully and the episode, but one thing remains certain: Dean's reaction to Sam's imaginary friend will be priceless. As Supernatural fans know, when it comes to reacting to certain situations, Dean is the best. Jensen Ackles never fails in producing spot-on facial expressions that can be turned into GIFs and used for years to come.

More: Supernatural speculation: Who will and won't return in Season 11?

With that said, here are 12 ways Dean will probably react to Sam having an imaginary friend.

1. Happy

Let's face it: Dean will be probably be thrilled to find out about Sully. I mean, it's just another reason for him to make fun of Sammy.

2. Confused

He might just be plain confused and not understand why Sam needed an imaginary friend in the first place. Hello, Dean is his brother and best friend!

3. Irritated

Dean gets irritated very easily, and Sully will probably contribute to his irritation.

4. Devastated

He might just be so devastated to learn that Sammy had an imaginary friend. Why would Sam need another friend when he has Dean? Huh?

5. Embarrassed

Yeah, Dean's definitely going to be embarrassed for his brother at some point.

6. Silly

Knowing him, he'll also make a few faces and express himself through those silly faces.

7. Angry

Typical Dean. When doesn't he get angry?

8. Thankful

Why thankful? Because now he can tease Sam for the rest of their lives about Sully.

9. Scared

Hey, you never know. Thanks to the Darkness, Dean might be scared of everything now. (I highly doubt it, but whatever.)

10. Uncomfortable

If Sam's the only one who can see Sully, I'd be uncomfortable, too.

11. Hungry

Duh.

12. Like a hunter

Most likely, he'll channel his frustrations with Sully into hunting and possibly helping Sam's imaginary friend.

Supernatural premieres Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9/8c on The CW.

More: Supernatural: Jared Padalecki shares interesting detail on Season 11 Sammy

Following a tense husband/wife convo to kick things off, Wilkinson heads to the set of the reality TV competition Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition. She chats for a bit with co-star Gregory Bradford, laughing about how she started her day fighting with Baskett about a gay bar and "now I'm talking to Greg Brady about how he did Camp Playboy — this day can't get any weirder."

You're tellin' us, sistah. We're still trying to process Greg Brady at the Playboy Mansion.

Wilkinson assumes she'll be the first cook eliminated, which isn't entirely surprising. If there's one thing we've learned from watching Kendra on Top each week, it's that Wilkinson has some deep-seated insecurities. But, lo and behold, judges Rachael Ray and Anne Burrell like her grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo. Go Kendra!

Birthday surprises are the best

The following morning, it's officially Wilkinson's 30th birthday and she's feeling bummed out. "I don't have my family, and it just feels lonely," she confides in co-star JWoww.

Just as she starts to dwell on the debacle that was her 29th birthday — i.e., the scandal with Baskett breaking — there's a knock on the door. Ray and Burrell walk in, carrying a huge cake. Um, I bet that cake was ah-mazing.

The cake wasn't the only surprise they had for Wilkinson, though. "We thought the best present ever would maybe be a little drive-by from these two very handsome fellas," Ray says as she opens the door to reveal Baskett and Little Hank.

"Kendra was convinced she would spend her birthday alone in New York," the show's executive producer (EP) exclusively shared with us. "Eddie had already left by then, and she thought her only contact with her family would be a Skype call. All of us on the production were careful to keep Hank's surprise a secret from her, and Hank and Little Hank coming to the set was carefully arranged so that Kendra wouldn't suspect a thing. It worked."

Aw! It was clear it made Wilkinson's day seeing her son. Plus, says SheKnows Parenting Expert Lori Pace, the trip was probably equally as therapeutic for Little Hank.

"I absolutely love that Hank did this! Not only do children need to feel like they are part of the daily home life, but special moments like this can be the story on the schoolyard for years to come," Pace says. "I am all for routine and structure for children — they thrive on it. But the benefits of doing something out of the ordinary and seeing Mommy far outweigh it sometimes."

In addition, it's beneficial in that it helps Little Hank understand why Wilkinson is gone in the first place. "It makes 'Mommy has to work' more believable and concrete in his eyes," she elaborates.

The next day, as the family heads home, Wilkinson thanks her hubby again... but with a caveat: "I'm so happy you guys made it out there, even though I hate surprises. Please don't surprise me again." Ruh-roh, Shaggy. Remember Baskett picking out a new car for his wife last week as part of her birthday surprise?

At first, Wilkinson is puzzled about who the car belongs to and why it's at their house. But when she realizes it's for her? Well, let's just say this was one surprise Wilkinson most certainly did not hate. She even gave Baskett a kiss — on the lips! Which, naturally, made her incredibly uncomfortable, ha ha.

Which is worse: kissing and telling or, well, kissing?

Which made us wonder: Could Wilkinson really have philemaphobia (aka a fear of kissing)?

Confirmed KoT's EP, "Yes, and it was a big surprise to all of us who have been working with her for the past 10 years. We've all seen Kendra kiss and hug many times, but it was only when she confided to us her problem with 'open-mouth kissing' did we realize her aversion was as strong as it is."

The truth is that Wilkinson's philemaphobia suggests an underlying issue.

"She's never been a big hugger," continued the EP, "but we've also noticed that she's often more comfortable hugging strangers than those people closest to her — especially Hank. It seems from everything we've observed that Kendra isn't comfortable being intimate with someone who can really hurt her emotionally, someone who she really cares about. I have to imagine that this goes back to Kendra's feelings of abandonment during childhood. In this regard, therapy has been very helpful for Kendra, and we will be dealing with her intimacy issues in future episodes."

The next morning, things seem almost back to normal in their house, but the harmonious moment is disrupted when Wilkinson gets a shocking message on her phone: her former Playboy Mansion housemate Holly Madison has written a memoir. In it, she alleges Wilkinson demanded a car, dental work and the biggest room and that she "cultivated" her laugh, among other claims.

So, what gives?

"Although I have been the executive producer for all of Kendra's reality series going back to The Girls Next Door, I am not Kendra's spokesperson and cannot put words in her mouth," the EP says. "That said, it's safe to say that both Holly and Bridget were always a bit jealous of Hefner's attention to Kendra and felt that Kendra 'got away with' a lot (e.g., staying out late, weekends away, etc.). Nevertheless, all three girls got free cars and were offered free cosmetic surgery, if they wanted it. Kendra's laugh, on the other hand, was very much her own. Far from 'cultivating it,' she tried very hard to hide it."

Real talk: Wilkinson was blindsided a bit.

"When each left the mansion to go their separate ways — and their separate spin-off reality shows — the relationship for awhile got stronger in some ways but, in others, I think, each girl was eager to forge her own identity independent from the other two. Kendra made this clear three years ago when she texted that she and Holly 'were never friends.' I know this hurt Holly very much. Nevertheless, Kendra was blindsided when Holly's book seemed to target not only Kendra but also Hugh Hefner as the subjects of Holly's wrath," explains Kendra's EP.

A girl's gotta have backup

So, when Baskett shrugs the book off as a desperate ploy for attention, Wilkinson does what any other girl in her shoes would do. She calls her best friend. And that BFF, Jessica Hall, thinks Wilkinson should confront Madison.

The next episode begins with Wilkinson seeking advice from her therapist. "Seven years later, this bitch is talking about shit when I was 18, 19, 20," Wilkinson fumes. "At the end of the day, all we really did was f*** the same man." Oh, Wilkinson. How we love your candor!

Unlike Madison, Wilkinson has "zero regrets" about her time at the Mansion with Hef. And, let's be honest, she says the thing we're all thinking: Is Madison really complaining about the very lifestyle that made her famous? That she willingly volunteered for? That afforded her private jets, priceless baubles and trips around the world?

I mean, really?!

This seems to be the general consensus on the Mancow Morning Show, a radio show hosted by shock jock "Mancow" Muller. He clearly favors Wilkinson in this situation and, seeing as he spent considerable time at the Mansion, seems to know his stuff.

Of course, after that call, Wilkinson gets fired up. Although Dr. Monica cautioned against it, she and Hall decide to crash Madison's L.A. book signing — and this week closes with "Let's go confront this bitch" ringing in our ears.

More on this season of Kendra on Top

Kendra on Top insider explains Kendra Wilkinson's controversial rape remark
Kendra on Top insider reveals details about Kendra's digital adultery
Kendra on Top insider reveals the real reason Kendra is so angry at Hank

Tonight's premiere of Step It Up was refreshing because, unlike other dance-based reality shows, it featured minimal drama with the dancers' parents. Instead, the focus was on the dancing. However, many of the show's viewers still managed to take issue with the premiere, as they did not appreciate Lifetime's decision to once again feature a super-tough coach.

Like Coach D and Abby Lee Miller, Young-Byron is not one to sugarcoat things. She believes that her strict, no-nonsense approach is the key to her dancers' success. While critics are mostly able to get behind Young-Byron's high expectations and serious demeanor, they don't particularly appreciate her decision to carry a bat around as she teaches. This prop is seen as a tool for intimidation that adds absolutely nothing to the studio environment.

More: The Dancing Dolls miss the mark with their creative routine

Bats are nothing new for those who faithfully watched Bring It before switching over to Step It Up. In an earlier episode of Bring It, the YCDT SupaStarz used bats as a prop during a stand battle against the Dancing Dolls. Since then, this prop has taken on a whole new meaning; it clearly isn't reserved for competitions. Young-Byron didn't use words to draw attention to the fact that she was carrying a bat around during practice, but then again, she didn't need to — the prop spoke for itself. And according to Young-Byron's brand-new batch of haters, the message sent by the bat was negative and completely unnecessary.

More: Bring It's Coach Arthur is desperate for 15 minutes of fame

Although a lot of Twitter users only have good things to say about the first episode of Step It Up and its surprising lack of drama, a few displeased viewers have made a point of speaking out against Young-Byron's beloved bat:

More: Traci Young-Byron dishes on her no-nonsense teaching style (EXCLUSIVE)

Young-Byron may have carried a bat around with her, but she didn't exactly go out of her way to use it, nor did she scream endlessly at her students (as certain Lifetime dance teachers have been known to do). Her methods may be unorthodox, but based on the successful round of auditions featured at the end of the episode (not to mention the amazing stand battles and creative dances featured on Bring It), she knows what she's doing!

What did you think of the first episode of Step It Up and Traci Young-Byron's bat? Comment and share your opinion below!

Coach Dianna sometimes makes bad decisions, and when she does, her critics aren't afraid to call her out! Legions of upset Bring It fans believe she made the wrong choice during tonight's episode, when the usual three gals duked it out for the esteemed captain position. Now, viewers will have to wait to see whether this decision has negative repercussions in the future.

Camryn and Crystianna were the two dancers who seemed most likely to take over as captain. Makalah was also in the running for the position, but few people even considered the possibility of her winning the coveted spot. Most fans assumed that Camryn would ultimately win, but the majority also seemed to be in favor of Crystianna as captain.

More: Coach Arthur is desperate for his 15 minutes of fame

Although Camryn is a very talented dancer, she just isn't as spunky as Crystianna. A big personality is needed for success in the world of majorette dancing, but Camryn isn't quite able to deliver. Crystianna, on the other hand, lights up the stage (or rather, the gym floor) whenever she performs. She offers an excellent combination of stage presence and technical skill. Twitter users love Crystianna's sass, with some claiming that spunk alone makes her the better choice for captain: 

More: The Dancing Dolls miss the mark with their creative routine

Dance ability isn't the only quality that should go into determining who gets to be captain; according to several disappointed Twitter users, Crystianna also comes out ahead in terms of emotional maturity. Camryn is a nice girl, but she gets frustrated a bit too easily, as these Crystianna fans were quick to point out:

A few of Crystianna's fans have gone so far as to claim that Coach Dianna's relationship with Mimi influenced her final decision. This is certainly not the first time Coach D has been accused of playing favorites, nor will it be the last. Hopefully, for the sake of the Dancing Dolls, the coach made the decision based on who she truly thought would do the best job as captain.

More: Dianna and McCoy bashed for being horrible examples for teens

Do you think Coach Dianna made the right choice? Or should Crystianna have been captain and not Camryn? Comment and share your opinion below.

Growing up, this is one of the recipes my mom always had in the dinner rotation, but in the place of orzo, she used rice. Really though, what is not to love about the combination of Swiss cheese and ham paired with the perfectly textured rice or orzo? Besides, it is so easy to make and everyone loves it.

This is a great recipe that appeals to a variety of ages, and it is true comfort food. Honestly, a total winner. And I love it even more because it is perfect for leftover ham or even chicken from the night before. Pair with some green veggies or a big salad and you have a fantastic meal to serve your family.

I love the incredible dish that is chicken cordon bleu, but this casserole recipe is much quicker and easier to make. Weeknight dinners can be a hassle; thus, I try to cut corners wherever and whenever I can. Without sacrificing taste, this dish is one of our favorite time-savers.

Cordon bleu orzo bake recipe

Serves 4-6

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked whole-wheat orzo (cook orzo according to the directions on the package; drain)
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 6 ounces shredded aged Swiss cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Combine cooked and drained orzo, ham, Swiss cheese, parsley and butter in a medium bowl and mix until thoroughly incorporated.
4. Spoon the mixture into the previously prepared baking dish and set aside.
5. Sprinkle crumbs mixture over the casserole.
6. Bake for 32 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
7. Remove the mixture from the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes and serve.

More comfort food recipes

17 Drool-worthy comfort foods from around the world
Bacon-wrapped mac and cheese bites prove comfort food is always best
One-Pot Wonder: Spicy steak and cheesy rice skillet in 30 minutes

Viewers were, at first, unsure as to how they would feel about Kutcher as an investor on Shark Tank. He doesn't exactly look like the other sharks, but then again, looks aren't everything. Kutcher actually has proven quite successful in his investing efforts thus far, having invested in such prominent ventures as Airbnb and Skype. He seems to have a good instinct for the type of products and services consumers want and need in this golden age of mobile connectivity and social media. This instinct could prove very useful as Kutcher joins the treacherous waters of Shark Tank.

More: Ashton Kutcher has a lot to learn about parenting

Perhaps just as impressive as Kutcher's investing acumen is his ability to deliver a message without including a nasty insult — even when he doesn't exactly approve of the product in question. This was evident as the sharks were discussing McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars, a very hipsterish line of artisanal vinegars that Jess Sanchez McClary believes could be a huge hit in the craft cocktail scene. Unfortunately, the sharks all found the concept of drinking vinegar a bit icky, although Kutcher conceded that, like kombucha, it could be an acquired taste.

More: Ashton Kutcher finally tells the world why his daughter has a boy's name

While discussing the merits of vinegar, Kevin O'Leary was, as usual, needlessly nasty. He referred to McClary as a pioneer who was about to get arrows in her back, and from there, proceeded to yell, "Why are you doing this to yourself?" The poor entrepreneur was visibly shaken, but then Kutcher stepped in and told O'Leary to stop belittling people.

More: Ashton Kutcher is furious the media isn't supporting #NoKidsPolicy

Kutcher had plenty of fans lending their support via social media before the episode even began, but after he defended McClary, his popularity skyrocketed. Twitter users commended the actor's willingness to face off against O'Leary.

Of course, as O'Leary was quick to point out, Kutcher never bothered to actually invest in the product. But he did give McClary some solid feedback while proving that it's possible to say no to an entrepreneur without being mean.

What did you think of Ashton Kutcher's decision to go after Kevin O'Leary? Should he have invested in McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars? Comment and share your opinion below!

How many times have you set a new goal, only to fail? You plan to get started on Monday morning, and over the weekend you hit the farmers market to stock up on everything you need.

A couple of scenarios play out here:

1. You hit snooze and say, "I'm just too tired, I'll go later." Ding! The first hit to your integrity and your belief in yourself.
2. You get up, complaining and moaning the entire time, but eventually show up to your workout. You hate yourself and everyone in your vicinity for the first 20 minutes, but then the endorphins kick in and you're super proud of yourself.

Now, let's say the first scenario happened. Integrity to ourselves is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Every time we "fail," we take another hit to our self esteem, because we promised ourselves something and then didn't do it. You get down on yourself throughout the day and think, "Why can't I get it together?" The bad news is you won't get it together, at least not as long as that negative talk continues. You don't believe in yourself and your chances of success are much lower.

Now, let's say the second scenario happened. You're pumped. You had a great workout, so you're eating healthy all day. You're feeling amazing, and are now looking forward to healthier lifestyle. In this scenario, you are positive and focused on what you did accomplish. You did what you promised yourself you would do, so your integrity is intact. You're focused on improvement and how good you feel — and you want to keep that feeling!

Get out of the spiral of negativity

Mindset is everything. When we're focused on how we're failures, how we can't, how we'll never get it together, then we never will.

If you've had a day like Scenario #1 — and who hasn't? — your best bet for recovering from it is to focus on getting to the gym later. Reassess your early-morning gym plans. Maybe you're not a morning person, and the lunch hour or after work are better times for you to schedule your workouts. Maybe you need a little more incentive, like hiring a personal trainer or motivation coach until you get into the routine of things.

Sometimes you just need the time to create a habit, and you need to put things in place to help you along the way. Instead of focusing on how you're a screw-up and won't ever lose the weight, focus on what will work for you. Set yourself up for success by selecting a schedule that works for your lifestyle and personality, hire a coach if you need incentive to show up and focus on creating positive self talk.

It's human nature to focus on our flaws or perceived flaws. We can be very hard on ourselves and that causes a spiral of negativity, making new-found goals almost impossible in the face of our own criticisms. I coach my clients to do three main things to help them overcome a negative mindset, improve their belief in themselves so they can overcome the battle of the bulge and make exercise and healthy eating a part of their everyday lives — and love it!

You can get the same results. Follow these tricks, and you'll be moving towards your goals before you know it!

3 Ways to meet your weight loss goals

1. Practice positive self-talk.
   Write a list of the awesome things you are, do and have. Focus on those any time you catch yourself criticizing yourself. It can be difficult in the beginning, when you're just starting out trying to focus on the positive. If you're stuck, reach out and ask your friends and family to tell you some ways they would describe you. Write them down and keep them close!
2. Make integrity the most important thing for you.
   We often have integrity first for strangers, then for friends and family and lastly for ourselves. Reverse that! Have integrity first for yourself, which means doing what you promised yourself you would do when you said you would do it. Once you begin to make yourself and your goals a priority, it will become easier to do. Don't consider it selfish. You'll find you will enjoy helping people even more when you've taken care of yourself first, instead of doing things for people out of a sense of obligation at a cost to your own health and goals.
3. Schedule it and stick to it.
   Make your workout the most important thing on your calendar. Schedule it and do not change your schedule unless it's an emergency. When we have consistency, we gain momentum. When we gain momentum,we get results, excitement and a new lifestyle!

Focusing on these three things will break your negative mindset, help create new habits and give you a positive way to think about other areas of your life — further impacting you in a positive way!

Every time I have moved, it has been a living nightmare: a hellish combination of packing frantically for weeks, breaking every knickknack I love and eventually throwing the rest of my stuff into boxes so that I can't even find my toothbrush at the end of moving day. In short: Moving is the worst.

According to a recent You Move Me survey, at least a third of Americans agree with me, calling moving one of life's most stressful events. The stress of a big move beats out the stress of a job interview by a small margin at 32 percent and even the stress of going on a first date at nine percent. In the average move, roughly 47 percent of Americans experience broken belongings, 35 percent get into an argument with a significant other and 34 percent accidentally leave important items behind.

More: What to do before moving to a new city

As horrible as it sounds, a major move doesn't have to be entirely unpleasant. There are some people out there — you may call them moving experts but I call them unicorns — who actually have moving down to a science. Here are their secrets:

DO

1. Take pictures of everything

No, I'm not just talking about the obvious — though taking pictures of valuables to make sure they aren't damaged by movers is a great idea. I'm talking about taking pictures of those ultra-complicated electronics with all their newfangled cords that can be almost impossible to untangle after they've been packed. Clair Jones, relocation specialist with Movearoo, says, "Setting up electronics can be super time-consuming. Before disconnecting any cords on your entertainment center or desktop computer, take a quick picture so you can have a reference for quick re-assembly."

2. Color code and number boxes

Let your inner geek rejoice! Allen Golan, COO of Shleppers Moving & Storage, an almost 40-year-old New York-based moving company, says creating an organizational system for boxes is the only way to make sure all your stuff makes it to your new home in one piece. "Not an organization freak? That’s OK — you can still set up an easy to execute organization system to make sure your boxes go to the right place. Make rooms 'colors' and then create subsections with numbers. For example, all boxes with a purple #1 might be cookware and appliances, but a purple #2 may be utensils and dishes. Meanwhile, your bedroom might be orange, but #1 might be closet items, whereas #2 may be linens," she explains. "This will help you find things in a flash when you arrive."

3. Seal with plastic cling wrap

You knew you kept that roll of plastic wrap in the back of your kitchen cabinet for a reason (since it certainly wasn't going to be used for baking). Jones says that the best tool to have on hand while packing for a move, besides duct tape, is Press n' Seal plastic wrap, used to seal the tops of drawers to keep loose items like jewelry contained. "You can save a lot of time by wrapping loose items in place instead of packing and unpacking them," she says.

More: Move like a pro: Use this checklist for your out-of-state move

4. Wrap clothes in trash bags

While packing clothes dorm-room-style by upending all your drawers into a garbage bag isn't recommended, Jones says trash bags can serve an important, and inexpensive, purpose during a move. "Leave your clothes on the hangers and slip a handle-tie trash bag over the bottom," she advises. "Use the ties of the trash bag to bind the hangers together, and your clothes are protected for the move and can easily be placed in your new closet without having to be re-hung."

5. Work with what you've got

Consider this the moving golden rule that will de-stress even the most hectic packing job: Don't pack what you don't need to pack. "A lot of people waste time 'packing' the items they keep in already packed spaces. If you have baskets, decorative boxes or other organization units, keep as much as possible in place. If your filing cabinet can be lifted, don't pack files — just securely close the drawers to protect items," says Golan. "If your rope baskets hold blankets or magazines you want to have at your new home, keep them 'as is' and just pack them safely in boxes. However, if your baskets contain breakables (especially liquids — like bathroom toiletries), be careful about how you 'pack in place.' It may be safer to transport separately."

DON'T

6. Pack with newspaper

If there's one moving myth that all of us need to stop believing, it's this: It's cheaper and safer to pack fragile items with newspaper. Not so, says Golan. "Many customers get the idea that it is the right way to pack because of a misnomer with 'news print,' which is actually clean, white paper that you can use to pack and protect your stuff. Newspaper is dirty and will leave you with a whole lot of items to wash (or de-stain) upon arrival in your new home," she explains.

7. Forget to disconnect

This is the moment where even the most skilled mover can be brought to their knees: You forget to call the cable company (and the utility company and the phone company). And that's when the panic sets in. To prevent this all-too-common moving day mishap, Lindsey Schaibly, operations coordinator for Two Men and a Truck, recommends setting up a "disconnect day" to schedule disconnect times about a week prior to your move. "You don't want to have to pay for cable, phone and utilities when you aren't even there! Don't forget to cancel newspapers, cable, pest control, cleaning help and lawn services about a week before the move as well," she says.

More: Do you need renters insurance?

8. Trust your friends

OK, OK, that's a little harsh. It's common practice to enlist the help of friends and family during a move as free labor in exchange for pizza and beer, but to avoid the bitter taste of disappointment on moving day, it's critical to have a backup plan in place, says Schaibly. Check the policies of local movers and rental truck companies before the big day to see what last-minute moving services are available.

But every once in a while, I reflect on the future at night and realize that my job is to get everyone through the day, but I also have to build time in to build their character. Can I get a couple more hours added to the 24, please?

Lately, I've had a few of those nights when I developed more awareness for my important role as a parent. One of those happened when I watched Caitlyn Jenner at the ESPYS this summer. She said that people might doubt her intentions, but her goal in life is to “help people accept others for who they are and accept people’s differences in order to make this world a better place.”

Who can argue with that? What parent doesn’t want a tolerant, accepting, kind world for the future generation? It’s a shame that it takes a celebrity to remind us/me to teach our kids to be nice. But, if that’s what people respond, bring it. If parents in this world are shirking their responsibilities, I’m OK with relying on some famous folks to help make this world a better place.

Let’s keep it going and find someone who’ll stand up for all those kids like my sisters who are “different,” misunderstood and teased because they have Asperger's, or my own daughter who is teased because she owns nothing pink and plays football. How about the kids who are overweight? Or those with Down syndrome? Will someone stand up for them, and remind everyone in the world to stop judging and be kind? Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.

We need to keep the conversation going that different is more than OK. Different is good. We're all different and imperfect.

No need to schedule a family conference and get the Power Point and laser pen going (I’m a type A person, and this appeals to me, but, um, to no one else in my family). As one of my dear friends reminded me, leading by example is the best thing we can do as parents, in addition to teaching simple lessons when appropriate as we go through our daily motions.

I’m going to admit that I judge people. I’m bad at that, and I hate it. What’s the point? What a waste of time. Today, I’m going to work harder not to judge. I hope it carries over to tomorrow and the next day and the next. Why? It’s because Caitlyn Jenner reminded me to accept, respect and love.

Tonight, I'm ditching the laundry, picking up fast food, and horrors upon horrors, probably not giving my kids a bath. I'm just going to embrace my wonderful, different kiddos, possibly throw in a casual discussion on how we’re all different and how it’s a wonderful thing... and do my little part in this world today to eradicate bullies, mean girls, mean boys and haters of all kind, one day at a time. My kids deserve it, your kids deserve it and so does our world.

How our relationships define us

It frustrates me when the first thing out of someone's mouth has to do with their relationship status — or mine. Why do women automatically default to discussing men? There are so many other interesting things to talk about in 2015. With the upcoming presidential election, the inspiring new wave of feminism or even our Netflix bingeing addiction — I'm currently watching Narcos — why do we still think our love life is the most important thing about us?

Like it or not, human beings need — and seek — companionship. After the insane Ashley Madison hack, I think everyone turned inward to re-evaluate their own relationships, and many of us searched online to see if our partners would be caught in the leak. If you felt the need to do that, you probably already lost.

Why hookup culture can backfire on relationships

While the feminists decades before us paved the way for the amazing opportunities women have today, they also did something else. They made casual sex seem empowering. I'm not arguing it isn't, but you need to take your own biology into account. I just finished Dr. Wendy Walsh's revealing book, The 30-Day Love Detox, and it drastically changed the way I think about dating and relationships. Dr. Walsh claims that we have a "high supply sexual economy," in which men are too easily getting the goods.

If this seems too 1950's for you, hang on — Dr. Walsh isn't throwing out the same old-school dating advice your grandmother gave you in the hopes that you’d "act like a lady." Walsh wants you to know that it's in male DNA to spread their seed — and it's in ours to become hooked after a hook up.

If what you want is a relationship, Walsh says you need to do one simple, little thing: wait at least 30 days before having sex with a new dude. Not into games? This isn't for you to play hard to get, and it's not to avoid seeming "easy." It’s so your body doesn't bond you with the wrong guys.

Plan for the relationship you want

Dr. Walsh ties this into a bigger point by telling readers to make a "relationship life plan." Maybe a marriage or a long-term relationship isn't what you want. Maybe monogamy isn't even something you want. Maybe you can have first-date sex and not feel attached afterward, but it's better to know and make appropriate decisions than to just wing it.

And that Ashley Madison hack? I spoke to Dr. Walsh myself, and she told me it might be high time to stop talking about why cheaters do what they do — though she says this is a symptom of a bigger problem in your relationship — and instead start talking about whether monogamy is realistic for our biology and for our society.

You don't have to participate in the hook-up culture if it's not what you want. We need to use our brains before letting our hearts take over our lives. Do you want to have a casual fling with the hot guy next door? Or are you really looking for love? You wouldn't just go with the flow in your career or your finances, would you? Why are you doing it in your relationships? Unabashedly go after what you want — the right guy will appreciate it.

Follow Kim on Twitter at @kimdahlgren or read more about her at TwentyinLA.Com

Is this a common statement in your home? It's common for children to occasionally say they dislike school because it interferes with fun, or takes them away from the comfort of home. But if your child repeatedly expresses a dislike for school, you should investigate.

As a parent, you want to do whatever you can to make her feel OK, but since some young children won't give specific examples of their problems, it can be hard to address the issue. You need to pinpoint the cause to fix the problem.

Four tips to decipher vague conversations about problems at school

1. Check for social issues.
Is she in a fight with her best friend? Are other students bullying her? Try asking your student about her social life at school. If she's in the middle of a tiff with a friend, this may be a great time to discuss conflict resolution, apologizing and other keys to social success. If you think a larger social issue is to blame, like bullying, speak to someone at the school immediately.
2. Look to her studies.
Confusion can be very frustrating. If your student is having trouble keeping up in class, a dislike for school makes perfect sense. Look over her homework and report cards to spot any issues. Ask about her current assignments, upcoming projects and work styles. Perhaps she cannot see the board from her desk, or she is nervous about a requirement to speak in front of the class. Working with the teacher to make minor accommodations, finding outside academic assistance or reviewing assignments together at home may help ease academic issues.
3. Ask about her teacher.
Not everyone gets along. From disliking a certain teaching method to feeling ignored by the teacher, your student may dislike attending school because of who leads her class. The issue can likely be fixed easily, such as reminding your student to raise her hand if she wants attention from the teacher or telling your student that despite personal opinions the teacher is still in charge. If the problem seems more serious than that, you can bring it up at the school with a calm, level-headed approach.
4. Talk to the appropriate person at school.
After you have determined the cause of the problem — or after you have tried with no luck — talk to the appropriate person at school. If you think she dislikes attending class because of other students or academics, ask for a one-on-one meeting with her teacher. If you believe there is an issue with her teacher or serious bullying, try talking to the instructor or principal to find out more information — or look into the possibility of a class change.

For more tips and strategies to help your student succeed in school, visit varsitytutors.com.