Every time there's another news report about a child shooting another, a teen gunman's rampage at a school, or a child deliberately harming another out of rage, it makes me wonder what made these kids so mad at the world and what did their parents know - or deny - about their anger. What concerns me most is that, these days, angry behavior seems to go unchecked because authority figures, particularly in schools, and even parents, are restricted by law or threat of lawsuit in what corrective actions might be taken.

There is much debate about "overscheduling" your children, whether it be for playdates, classes, etc... but what is your opinion on the appropriate number of class(es) for your child to participate in? (Given that it depends on your child's temperament, your time and financial situation, your child's interests, etc.).

I just want to let everyone know that April is Autism Awareness Month. There are many autism websites that inform and support so check them out. World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd. Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Source - www.autismspeaks.com

 

Some info -

(HealthDay News) -- Although you can never fully prepare for the experience of caring for a new baby, there are plenty of issues to resolve before baby arrives.

Here are guidelines to help prepare for your newborn, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

* Take parenting classes to help learn basic care, parenting skills and building family relationships.
* Make sure you have the essentials, including a car seat, crib, plenty of diapers, bottles and formula.
* Take a first aid class to learn CPR and other emergency basics.

There has been much (negative) discussion on children being "over scheduled", directed towards "structured play" and given too many toys that have a "pre-determined purpose". These are compared to the "good ol' days" where children did not have "schedules" (baseball games spontaneously erupted from a bat, ball, and enough neighborhood kids), were not directed towards any play, really, so they had to make up their own play ("imaginative play"), and were not given toys such as a Leap Frog or baby "ball popper" game (they had to make up a game like tag, freeze or build a fort).

By Serena Gordon
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, March 3 (HealthDay News) -- Parents may not want to hear this, but new research suggests it's not a good idea to just have that one big "sex talk" with your kids.

Instead, the study recommends that you encourage an ongoing dialogue about sex with your children -- even if it makes you uncomfortable -- so your kids are less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.

Anyone who's a parent or a parent-to-be has questions. Talk about your issues now.