Monsters have always been prominent in popular culture. Looking back through history — long before today’s iconic monsters — people had vivid and often bizarre ways of describing the monsters of their folklore. These strange creatures that time forgot may not haunt our collective imaginations today, but their names and stories provide a fascinating glimpse into the fears of the past. BYCORNE Bycornes were a popular monster from the mid-1500s with the body of a plump cow and a human face. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) definition of Bycorne describes the beast’s specific diet, which consisted of “patient husbands” who kept him “always fat from the abundance of his diet.” The OED also describes Bycorne’s spouse, Chichevache, who “fed upon patient wives and was always lean.” The legacy of Bycorne shows how folklore often blended humor and fear with ideas about marriage and other cultural norms. POLYPHEMUS Polyphemus is best known from Homer’s “The Odyssey,” in which the one-eyed giant terrorizes Odysseus and his men. By the mid-1600s, the term was generalized to describe any cyclopean creature. Traces of this linguistic shift can be seen today in science with the Polyphemus moth, which got its name from the eye-like spots on its wing. LAMIA Lamia refers to “a mythological creature depicted as a woman who preys on humans, especially children, by sucking their blood,” according to the OED. In Greek mythology, Lamia was once a beautiful queen Zeus loved, but in an act of vengeance, she transformed into a monster that roamed the night, preying on children. Over time, her name became synonymous with witches and female demons. SNALLYGASTER Unlike ancient legends, the Snallygaster emerged in American folklore, fueled by newspaper reports in the early 1900s. This winged beast, described as “a fabulous reptilian bird of vast size,” inspired public hysteria before the legend faded into obscurity. The creature itself has been largely forgotten, but its name left a linguistic mark, morphing into the term “snollygoster,” a term for a shrewd and unprincipled person, which is said to have originated from the Snallygaster legend. Although these creatures have faded from everyday language, their stories reflect the fears, humor, and beliefs of the past. They also remind us that monsters and the words used to describe them are constantly evolving. WEIRD, WILD, AND ONCE FEARED MONSTERS LOST TO TIME
CREATING STABILITY FOR YOUR KIDS AFTER DIVORCE
How to Focus on What Matters Most
Co-parenting after divorce isn’t always easy, but it is possible to create a peaceful, healthy, and supportive environment for your children. By focusing on them, surrounding them with loving people, and remembering to practice good self-care, you can navigate this new chapter of parenting with confidence and stability. Let’s explore three of the top strategies for co-parenting successfully from one of our recent interviews with a local therapist. STAND BY THEM, BUT DON’T ATTEMPT TO FIX THEM. As children experience the impacts of divorce, they may start to show some changes in their behavior. Perhaps they have stopped trying new foods, no longer want to sleep in their own bed, or regressed in their potty training. These are all normal reactions to the significant shift in their lives. What matters most is noticing those changes, affirming them, and validating your children. Don’t jump into fixer mode right away. Focus on riding the wave alongside them. Let them know that they are not alone. ESTABLISH LIMITS AND BOUNDARIES. It’s easy to fall into a trap of shame and guilt for what your child is experiencing, and in turn, being extra permissive and letting them get away with anything. Boundaries and limits help life remain predictable for your kids. It’s essential to set a routine so they know what’s next, whether it’s the days they will spend with their other parent or snack time. You also need healthy routines to keep you on track and give your children a sense of stability. If you are in a problematic co-parenting situation, having control and boundaries in your home ensures that it is a safe space for you and your child. HANG WITH THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR KIDS. Trusted, safe people who love your child are like an extra layer of protection. The more people who love your kids, the better for everyone. Nourish their connections with grandparents, teachers, or your closest friends. The more support you and your child have, the easier it is to deal with the tough stuff when it comes.
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2 • BrucePA.com
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