Ziggy's Blog

TEEN TRENDS: 7 Dangerous Apps Your Tween/Teen May Have On His/Her Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 21:43:00 +0000

If you have been following the news this week, I'm sure you have seen the disturbing story of how two 12-year-old girls stabbed their "friend" nineteen times...all to impress a website character called "Slender Man". 12-years-old!!!

I have never heard of "Slender Man" or the website, creepypasta, which is where the two girls say they learned of the fictional character, who they believed to be real. (My oldest daughter, Hollie, says that "Slender Man" is a game. She demonstrated it to me, and as an adult, I don't get it.) Here is a picture of "Slender Man".

This tragic incident, fictional character, and website got me to thinking: "how many other potentially dangerous websites/apps are our tweens/teens visiting that we know nothing about?" After doing some research, I came across an article on checkup daily concerning seven dangerous apps that parents need to be aware of:

Yik Yak – This App is new and considered one of the most dangerous apps, because it allows users to post text-only Yaks of up to 200 characters. The messages can be viewed by the 500 Yakkers who are closest to the person who wrote the Yak, as determined by GPS tracking. Users are exposed to – and contributing - sexually explicit content, abusive language, and personal attacks so severe that schools are starting to block the App on their Wi-Fi. Although the posts are anonymous, tweens/teens start revealing personal information as they get more comfortable with other users. The GPS tracking makes it easier for sexual predators to locate potential victims.
SnapChat – This App allows users to send photos that will disappear after ten seconds. Once the recipient opens the picture, the timer starts. Then it’s gone from both the sender's phone and the recipient’s phone. However, the recipient can take a screen shot of the photo and have it to share with others. This App enables tweens/teens to feel more comfortable “sexting” with peers.
KiK Messenger – This is a private messenger app and is used by those under eighteen. The App allows tweens/teens to send private messages that their parents can’t see. There is very little you can do to verify the identity of someone on KiK, which poses the risk of sexual predators chatting with your child. And again, this is an easy tool for sexting.
Poof –The Poof App allows users to make Apps disappear on their phone with one touch. Tweens/teens can hide every app they don’t want you to see on their phone. All they have to do is open the App and select the ones they don’t want you to see. Very scary! The good news is it is no longer available, which isn't uncommon for these types of Apps. But, if it was downloaded before it was deleted from the App store, your child may still have it, and there are similar ones being created constantly. Some other names include: Hidden Apps, App Lock, and Hide It Pro.
Omegle – This App has been around since 2008, with video chat added in 2009. When you use Omegle, you do not identify yourself through the service – chat participants are only identified as “You” and “Stranger”. You don't have to register for the App. However, you can connect Omegle to your Facebook account to find chat partners with similar interests. When choosing this feature, an Omegle Facebook App will receive your Facebook “likes” and try to match you with a stranger with similar likes. There is a high risk for sexual predators, and you don’t want your tweens/teens giving out their personal information, much less even talking to strangers.
Whisper – This is a meeting App that encourages users to post secrets. You post anonymously, but it displays the area you are posting from. You can search for users posting within a mile from you. A quick look at the App, and you can see that online relationships are forming constantly on this App, but you never know the person behind the computer or phone. (One man in Washington was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl he met on this App just last year.)
Down – This application, which used to be called “Bang with Friends,” is connected to Facebook. Users can categorize their Facebook friends in one of two ways: they can indicate whether or not a friend is someone they'd like to hang with or someone they are "down" to hook up with. The slogan for the App: “The anonymous, simple, fun way to find friends who are down for the night.” Again, this is scary.

As parents, it seems we can never let our guard down, because there is always something (App, website, etc.) that grabs our children's attention. That is why, as I've said before, we have to regularly check our tween/teen's cellphone (and computer/laptop/tablet or other device) to see what Apps/websites they are visiting.

"Please note: You can turn location services or GPS off on cell phones by going in to the device settings. This will keep the Apps and photos from posting the exact location or whereabouts of the phone user."

How often do you check your tween/teen's phone or other device? Comment below!

*As written by Kristin Peaks, Senior Digital & Social Media specialist at Cook Children’s

AM I PRETTY OR AM I UGLY?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Oh my! I didn't realize how long it has been since I last posted. I finally graduated in April 2013. I started my new teaching job in August 2013. I am now teaching special education, K-2, which I love. One thing I never knew about teaching, though, was how tiring it can be. I usually get to school between 6:30 - 6:45 and I leave anywhere between 3:30 - 3:45, plus all the planning I do at home.

I also have a new granddaughter, Audrey Rose, who is now four-months-old. I love being a "nana", but it does take up a lot of my free time, as they are currently living with me, but I love having them.

Now for the question at hand..."am I pretty or am I ugly?" If you search YouTube, there are hundreds of very young girls, some as young as eight-years-old, asking YouTubers this question. And my question is, "why are girls so young worried about how they look?"

(This video was posted two years ago, but there were videos that had been posted just three hours before I started searching.) I watched several of these videos, and some of these girls look really sad, because they believe that they are ugly...and they are so young.

Another thing I must ask is, "where are the parents?" and "do they know their young daughters are posting videos on YouTube?"

I think it is sad that so much emphasis has been placed on "looks", and Hollywood has sexualized girls. Young girls are bombarded with these images every day, it is no wonder they question how they look.

I think every mother, who has a daughter, needs to show her the following video.

What do you think about young girls going on YouTube to ask the question, "am I pretty or am I ugly"?

GOT TEENS?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 13:48:00 +0000

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted on my blog, but I have started a new career...I am now a special education teacher for K-2, and I am excited and nervous. So, I have spent the summer months planning and planning, and since this is my first year, I have probably over-planned (if that is possible), so several parts of my life have been neglected....my blog and my house cleaning :) Since, it is time for school, I thought this former post is very important for parents to read...

August signals back-to-school. A time for shopping for new clothes, new shoes, and tackling that long supply list. But, after all the shopping is completed and the book-bag is packed and ready to go, if you are a parent of a tween or teen, there is an important conversation you need to have with your teen before he/she hops on that school bus (or drives off to school).

Peer pressure is *"social pressure from members of your group to accept certain beliefs or act in certain ways in order to be accepted". Peer pressure can start in early childhood and increases in grade school, but tweens and teens are more susceptible to peer pressure.

Peer pressure is the one thing all teens have in common. It is a fact of life. *"It's normal for teens to want to fit in with others their age, whether through wearing the same clothing, listening to the same music, having the same interests or doing the same things. Being the same helps them feel like they belong to a group and are accepted." This is normal behavior. Everyone (even adults) want to fit in and feel accepted. But, what is your teen willing to do to be accepted?

All parents worry about their teen being pressured to smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs or have sex, but peer pressure can take on many different forms, both spoken and unspoken, including pressure to:

Dress in a certain way
Listen to certain music
Cut classes
Cheat
Shoplift
Get involved in criminal activities
Join a gang
Bully others

There are certain personality traits that make a teen more prone to give in to peer pressure.

RISK FACTORS:

Low self esteem
Lack of confidence
Poor academic performance
Feeling isolated from peers
Lack of strong ties to friends

METHODS USED TO PRESSURE:

Threaten to withhold friendship
Insults or name calling
Makes a teen feel he/she has to participate in order to be cool
Alienation from peer group
Bullying
Harassment

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?:

Develop a close relationship with your teen, so they feel they can come talk to you when they are being pressured to do something they know is wrong.
Encourage friendships with teens who have positive qualities.
Know where your teen is, who your teen is with, and what your teen is doing at all times.
Don't criticize your teen's friends. Make an effort to get to know their friends, invite them to your house, let your house be the teen "hangout" spot.
Teach assertiveness - how to stand up to others.
Provide discipline when appropriate, but avoid lecturing (a big turnoff for teenagers), limit privileges instead. As I have always said, the punishment should fit the crime, and always let your teen know why they are being disciplined.
Encourage individuality and independence.
Have clear expectations and talk about these expectations with your teen. Talk about the issues of drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. Studies show that teenagers who talk with their parents about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and other risky behavior are less likely to participate in these activities.
Be involved in your teen's life; go to ballgames, dance recitals, etc. Teenagers who have a good relationship with their parents are less likely to submit to peer pressure.
Pick your battles - So, you really don't like the music your teen is listening to, but if he/she is doing well in school and is not displaying defiant behavior, then what he/she listens to is really not worth an argument. *"Your teen will be more willing to listen when it really matters if you avoid nit-picking when it doesn't."
Role play - practice different responses to various situations.

TEACH WAYS TO RESPOND:

Say "no" and leave
Ignore the person and walk away
Say you're not allowed
Give reasons why you can't
Give reasons why it is a dumb idea
Go hangout with someone else
Help your teen figure out where he/she stands on key issues, such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. If they are prepared beforehand, they will be better able to withstand the peer pressure.
Tell your teen to never be afraid to speak up and let others know they have crossed the boundaries. Again, role play.

Below is a link to a quiz that helps you "role play" with your teen and will help them think through the answers they should give when faced with tough issues:

http://library.thinkquest.org/C0117922/activities/peerpressurequiz.htm

*QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR TEEN: (in a non-confrontational manner - think casual conversation)

Which kind of pressure is hardest for you to resist?
How can you prepare yourself for these situations?
Is it harder to resist friends or people you don't know?
Have you ever tried to pressure a friend? Why?
Would you risk losing a friend over something you felt strongly about?
What consequences are you thinking of when someone tries to pressure you?

STATISTICS:

Age 13 is the common age for first drink of alcohol.
In the year 2000, according to the NHSDA, an estimated 46 million teens, age 12 and older, were binge drinkers.
In the year 2000, more than 2 million teens, age 12 to 17, reported using inhalants at least once in their lifetime.
1 in 6 teens have been approached by someone selling drugs.
According to NHSDA, 2.7 million teens, age 12 to 17, reported that most or all of their friends used marijuana.
Approximately 30.2% of teens are given, offered or sold drugs in middle school and high school.
The American Lung Association reports 3.1 million teens smoke.
Approximately 50% of teens, age 12 to 17, feel pressured to have sex.
The Alan Guttmache Institute reports that every year roughly 9 million new STD's occur among teens and young adults in the U.S.
The U.S. continues to have the highest teen pregnancy rate in the developed world.
*"In the United States, approximately three-fourths of all deaths among persons aged 10-24 years result from only four causes: motor vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. Results from the 1999 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey demonstrates that numerous high school students engage in behaviors that increase their likelihood of death from one of these four causes, including alcohol and illicit drug use.

Have you had this conversation with your tween/ teen?

*www.teachervision.fen.com

*www.parenting-ed.org

*www.peersunited.com

HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN AMERICA...WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 20:51:00 +0000

You talk to your tween/teen about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, smoking cigarettes, texting while driving. You have probably even talked to your child about sex before marriage, unprotected sex, STD's, pregnancy, but have you talked to your tween/teen about human trafficking in America?

The United States is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children. More than 100,000 children in America are at risk of being sexually exploited each year. Men, women, and children are subjected to forced labor, debt bondage, involuntary servitude, and sex trafficking, including brothels, massage parlors, street prostitution, hotel services, agriculture, manufacturing, janitorial services, construction, health and elder care, and domestic service.

You may be thinking, "not my child". "She's a cheerleader." "She's an honor's student." "I don't have a daughter; I have a son." It's time for parents to wake up, because it can happen to your child - daughter or son. Having sex with a child is as easy as ordering a pizza.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN? "Many pimps/traffickers often use a “lover-boy” technique to recruit girls from middle and high schools. A lover-boy will present himself as a boyfriend and woo the girl with gifts, promises of fulfilled dreams, protection, adventure – whatever she perceives she is lacking. After securing her love and loyalty, he will force her into prostitution."

HOW IS SHE CHOSEN? "Age is the primary factor of vulnerability. Pre-teen or adolescent girls (and boys) are more susceptible to the calculated advances, deception, and manipulation tactics used by traffickers/pimps – no youth is exempt from falling prey to these tactics. Traffickers target locations youth frequent such as schools, malls, parks, bus stops, shelters and group homes. Runaway or homeless youth, as well as those with a history of physical and sexual abuse, have an increased risk of being trafficked."

And you may be thinking, "why doesn't she just leave?" Sharon Cohn Wu of International Justice Mission says, “It’s easy to rescue someone who wants to be rescued. These kids don’t want to be rescued.” So you think, "why?"

Victims are told that traffickers/pimps are their daddies. They are now part of a new “family” that loves them and cares for them. Only the traffickers have their best interests at heart, they’re told; everyone else is against them, particularly law enforcement.
Traffickers lie to victims and threaten their families. “If you try to run, I’ll kill your mother. Or your little sister.”
Many victims are constantly drugged, further messing up their minds. Add to that constant inhumane treatment and nightmare conditions, physical and mental abuse, threats (often carried out), and more.
Often victims don’t know what city, state, or even country they’re in because they’re moved around so often.
Many victims do not even realize they’re victims.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

You can join Abolition International during the month of July for 31 Days of Freedom to help raise awareness about the thousands of women and children, who are enslaved in America and other countries.

I am also hosting a give-away to help spread the word! All you have to do to enter this give-away is write a post on your blog about human trafficking (it can be as short as a paragraph or two), or post on your Facebook page about Abolition International's 31 Days of Freedom with a link to their web page or tweet about 31 Days of Freedom. Make sure to leave a link to your blog post, Facebook post or tweet in the comment section below.

This give-away is not about me gaining followers on my blog, but about bringing awareness to the problem of human trafficking in America.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

You will win a Freedom bracelet from Abolition International, plus a Freeset Tote Bag. (These items can also be purchased here.)

Please join me in raising awareness about human trafficking in America.

Do you feel it is important to discuss human trafficking with your tween/teen?

Picture courtesy of: http://www.dreamcenter.org/dream-center/human-trafficking/

TEEN TRENDS: GO AHEAD...TALK TO YOUR TEENAGER!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:33:00 +0000

I hadn't realized that it has been almost a month since I last posted, but...what can I say? Since my mother passed away, I haven't been excited about doing anything. I did graduate on April 27...finally!! I also have a job as a special education teacher starting August 1.

I decided to bring one of my older posts to the front line, because it is so important that parents talk to their teens (and I mean more than just a couple of minutes of asking "how was school today?") If you still have little ones at home, I give tips on starting to talk to your child early.

I promise I will start to work on other articles to post real soon :)

Talking with your teenager is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. But, the thought of talking to their teen about sex, drugs, etc. sends some parents into hiding, leaving their teen to figure out these life situations on their own, which means they will more than likely look for answers elsewhere. But, I'm here to tell you that you can talk to your teen about these issues, plus many more, and survive.

IMPORTANT TOPICS:

Cigarettes
Alcohol
Drugs
Premarital sex
Abstinence
Safe sex
Pregnancy
STD's
Cheating
Bullying
Racism/discrimination
Dating violence

TIPS:

- Start talking to your child when they are young.
       I started talking to my girls when they were around 3 or 4. I first started talking
       about cigarettes, because they are everywhere - TV, movies, out in public (age
       appropriate talk of course). As they got older, I started talking about alcohol and
       then drugs. The older they got, the more I talked. (Of course, if you didn't start
       talking to your teen when he/she was young, it is still never too late to start.)
- *"It's better...too much, too soon than too little, too late."
- If you start talking to your child about these issues when they are young, when they become
       teenagers and have questions, it will be second nature for them to come to you.
- Start talking (and demonstrating) to your child about your values, so they grow up knowing
       what you believe and what you expect.
- Ask questions.
       I know "who, what, when, where, why, and for how long" before my girls walk out the
       door. (Hollie turned 20 in January, and I still ask her these questions.)
- Don't have one big talk, but have lots of small talks...while driving in the car, eating dinner,
       when you're out shopping. If you look for opportunities to talk to your teen, you'll find
       them. Just be there. Your teen wants your guidance (even though they may not come
       right out and ask for it). I even have little talks with my daughter's friends, because, it's
       sad to say, but their parents don't talk to them and they have questions.
- One of the most important things to remember is that no matter what you teen tells you or
       how bad the situation is, you cannot yell, cuss or freak out or your teen won't come
       to you again. Hollie would usually come to me when I was watching a Lifetime Movie,
       and she would say, "momma, I did something I wasn't suppose to do", and I'd be
       thinking "Oh God". I never knew what she was going to tell me. Or she would write
       me a letter after I went to bed and leave it on my bathroom counter for me to see
       when I got up. When I would see that piece of paper on my counter, I would first
       say a little prayer. Now, April (who is 14) has started leaving me notes on my
       bathroom counter. (But she is usually apologizing for being sassy.) Hollie talks to
       her all the time about these teen issues, which has been very helpful.
- It is usually best to wait until the next day to talk to your teen about the situation,
       especially if it's bad. This gives you time to calm down and think about what needs
       to be done. Just calmly tell your teen, "we'll talk about this tomorrow", and always
       tell your teen that you love him/her no matter how upset you are.
- As I've said in an earlier post, when talking to your teen, that old saying "do as I say
       and not as I do" won't work. Believe it or not, you are your teen's biggest role
       model.
- But, if you are talking to your teen, and he/she asks if you ever smoked pot, etc. and
       you did, don't lie and say you didn't. Your teen needs you to be honest with them, and
       your smoking pot is not going to make your teen want to go out and do it. Explain the
       negative effects it had on you, and explain why your teen shouldn't smoke, etc. Just
       don't lie.
- According to About.com, "because I said so" actually works when you are being pulled
       into a power struggle in a discipline situation. You are the parent, and you have the
       final word. But it is best if you explain your reasoning whenever possible.
- And please, be careful how you talk to your teen. Don't try to hurt or humiliate your teen.
       Hollie's dad thought calling her "fat" would make her want to lose weight or calling her
       "stupid" would make her want to study more. Talking to your teen like this will destroy
       him/her. Hollie has had so many problems because of this abuse.  (See my post on
       Emotional Abuse.) And as my mother always told me, "if you can't say anything nice,
       don't say anything at all". Just walk away.
- During these conversations with your teen, be prepared for your teen to laugh at you or
       think you're lame. That's okay. My girls laugh at me all the time (not in a
       disrespectful way), but the language has changed so much over the years.
- *Look for clues that your teen needs to talk. He/she will give hints, without coming right
       out and saying, "let's talk".

THINGS TO NEVER SAY TO YOUR TEEN:

"You're too young to understand."
"If you say that again, I'll...."
"I don't care what your friends are doing."
"Don't come to me if you mess up."

Of course, a big part of talking to your teen is knowing how to listen.

TIPS ON LISTENING:

- Stop what you are doing and give your full attention.

- Look at your teen while talking.

- Don't judge, just listen.
- Sometimes all your teen needs is for you to listen.

Always make sure that your teen knows that you will love him/her no matter what they do and that they can come to you at any time.

And again, please remember I am no expert. These are just things I did as my girls were growing up, and while I'm sure they don't tell me everything, they know they can talk to me about anything. But I must admit, sometimes they tell me things I really did not want to know.

*www.aish.com

*www.parentingteens.suite101.com

YOU ARE MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN YOU THINK!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:18:00 +0000

I know I have neglected my blog, and I apologize, but I graduate April 27!!! And I have a job interview, with the special education director of a local school district!!!

In the past, I have promoted Dove. I love how Dove instills in girls that there is more to a girl than just her looks. As women, we tend to be critical of how we look (at least I know I do). Our teenage daughters are especially critical of themselves, comparing their looks and body to those of TV stars and models.

Well, Dove did it again. In the video below, two people describe the same person. The difference between the two descriptions is remarkable.

I think every mother should sit down with her tween/teen daughter (or even her son) and watch this video together.

How do you see yourself? How do you think others see you?

Take A "Peep" Into The Past

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:16:00 +0000

Who remembers loving marshmallows as a child? Okay! I'll admit I still LOVE those marshmallow peeps. So in honor of the "Peep" (and Easter), here are a few facts about Peeps:

Marshmallow Peeps are 59 years old this year (2013).

In 1953, it took 27 hours to create one peep. Today, it takes six minutes.

This Easter, more than 700 million peeps chicks, bunnies, and eggs with be consumed b y men, women, and children throughout the United States and abroad.

Strange things people like to do with peeps: eat them stale, microwave them, freeze them, roast them, and use them as pizza topping.

Peeps come in five colors: yellow, pink, lavender, blue, and white.

Each peep has 32 calories (160 calories per five-chick serving) and 0 grams of fat.
The first Peeps were squeezed one at a time out of a pastry tube and the eyes were painted on by hand. Now, machines create 3,500 Peeps' eyes per minute.

Yellow Peeps are the most popular, followed by pink, lavender, blue, and then white.
During Easter, Peeps outsell jelly beans.
Just Born's Bethlehem, PA factory makes more than 1 billion Peeps a year - that's 4 million Peeps a day.

Visit the peeps official website for delicious recipes for those leftover peeps.

And I hope everyone has a great Easter full of Peeps!

MINUTE - READY TO SERVE (RICE)

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:00:00 +0000

I have a very picky eater in my house; a beautiful, 17-year-old teenager. She has always been a picky eater, even as a baby. Her diet mainly consists of chicken, french fries, mac & cheese, and pizza, with a burger every now and then. The only vegetable she will eat is corn.

While I also like chicken, french fries, mac & cheese, and pizza, there are other foods that I also enjoy. The only problem is...I am a single mom, and although I have two girls, April (above) is the only one left at home. Soooo, if I want to enjoy other food besides chicken, french fries, mac & cheese or pizza, I am left with a lot of leftovers, which usually end up in the refrigerator where they are soon forgotten. And that poses a big problem, because it is such a waste, especially since money is tight.

I love rice (April doesn't), and I discovered rice in a single serve container. Last year, I came across Minute® Ready to Serve Rice.

Minute® Ready to Serve Rice comes in plain white, brown & wild rice, and chicken flavored. While all three are delicious (the chicken is a little salty for my taste), I prefer the plain white rice. They also have Spanish rice, multi-grain rice, new jasmine rice, Italian rice, yellow rice, and pilaf rice mix, but I haven't tried all these varieties.

Since my daughter only eats chicken, french fries, mac & cheese, and pizza, I usually serve Minute® Ready to Serve Rice with chicken. Here is a picture of our supper tonight.

Yes, it is very simply and quick to fix. I had rice, with butter. April had french fries. I usually prefer my rice with butter, but it is also good with gravy.

The best thing about Minute® Ready to Serve Rice is that it is fixed fast in the microwave (just 60 seconds), and it is a single serving, so no leftovers.

Another way I like to eat Minute® Ready to Serve Rice is in the morning with butter and sugar...don't turn your nose up until you try it, because it tastes so good...warm rice, with butter and a little sugar...YUM!!

Minute® Ready to Serve Rice is a healthy and convenient option for the busy mom and working professional who wants more than your typical sandwich for lunch.

And while rice and chicken are so good together, I might have to try rice with french fries, mac & cheese, and pizza.

Minute® Ready to Serve Rice is an ideal portable solution for lunch or breakfast because you can eat it on the go, straight from the cup. In just 60 seconds, you have fully cooked rice for any meal or snack. You’ll never get bored with your lunch since there are 10 flavorful and wholesome varieties. If you’re looking for a healthy option, Minute® Ready to Serve Rice provides easy portion control since it’s conveniently packaged in two individual single-serve cups.

Visit http://www.minuterice.com/ for recipes, including Minute® Ready to Serve Stir it Up recipe ideas and more information about the Minute® Rice family of products.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Minute® Ready to Serve Rice.

10 TELLTALE SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:12:00 +0000

I know it has been quite awhile since I last posted, but I have been so busy with student teaching. And last Wednesday, my dear, sweet momma lost her battle with cancer, and honestly, I have not felt

like writing, but I don't want to neglect my blog and readers, so I have a guest post by NannyAgency.net.

Bullying has been in the headlines a lot lately, but would you know if your child was being bullied? Chances are your child won't tell you if he/she is being bullied...maybe out of fear or embarrassment. Below are ten telltale signs that your child is being bullied.

"Bullying is a problem of epidemic proportions and can affect every aspect of a child’s life. While visibility around the issue has been raised, as the most severe cases make national news, there is still a prevailing idea that bullying is part of childhood and is only a sign of “kids being kids.” Parents of children who are frequently the butt of bullies’ jokes know that the problem is much more severe than mere child’s play. If you’re concerned that your child may be the target of schoolyard or cyber-bullying, here are some signs to be on the lookout for:

Withdrawal from Activities – Has your child lost interest in extracurricular activities he once enjoyed? This could be a sign that your child is being bullied. If he once loved his after-school clubs or teams and now actively avoids them, there could be harassment taking place that makes him reluctant to attend.
Eating and Sleeping Habit Changes – Noticeable changes in your child’s eating or sleeping patterns can indicate that he’s under some sort of stress, which could be the result of being targeted by bullies. He could have a lessened appetite because of the thoughts running through his mind of his tormentor. If he’s eating more at home than usual, it could mean that his lunch is being stolen. His sleeping habits could have changed because he now has nightmares about the person picking on him. There are a variety of potential causes for these changes, so they should be investigated.
Irritability – Being picked on can put anyone in a bad mood, so try to look for the root of increased irritability or a shortened temper after school. Bullies wear on a child’s self-esteem, and a child with low self-esteem can lash out from that added tension.
Avoiding School – The occasional faked stomachache is a common ploy to get out of school for a few hours of sleep or to miss a test he’s not prepared for, but regular attempts to get out of going to school may be a sign of a child who’s actively avoiding his tormentors.
Decrease in Grades – It’s difficult to concentrate on schoolwork and getting good grades when that mean kid in class keeps kicking your chair or making fun of you. Your child’s grades might be suffering, not due to indifference to school, but due to a bully constantly nagging.
Fidgeting – If your child used to sit still very well and for long periods of time, but now seems to fidget, it could be because of a bully. A physical bully may spur the “flight” half of the “fight or flight” instinct, causing them to be hyper-aware of their surroundings and always ready to bolt.
Unwilling to Discuss School – A child who avoids answering questions about his day or answers evasively could be hiding the fact that someone was picking on him. The part of the school day that has the longest impression on your child right now may be the fact that someone doesn’t like him or he’s being made fun of. It’s tough to remember the exciting parts of the day when your child’s thoughts are consumed by the torment of a classmate.
Acting Out – Increased aggression and violent outbursts can be an indicator of bullying, as kids who spend their days being harassed seek an outlet for their frustrations. Any sudden personality change should be cause for concern, but a turn in a more aggressive direction should be addressed immediately.
Being Mean to Younger Siblings – Is your child starting to pick on your other children? If so, he might have a bully he’s dealing with when you aren’t there. It’s natural to want to unload your burden onto someone else in the same way it was unloaded onto you. Your child could just need to get his anger out, but doesn’t know how to, so he resorts to doing the same thing to his younger siblings that is being done to him.
Unexplained Bruises or Injuries – Physical bullies do still exist. If your child comes home with bruises or injuries that are not linked to the regular rambunctiousness of a child, it’s time to get concerned. Yes, it’s possible that he fell down on the playground, but it’s also possible that he was pushed down by a bully and is scared to tell you about it.

The shame and embarrassment that can accompany being bullied is often enough to keep kids quiet about their troubles, especially if they’re afraid that they’ll be subjected to retribution for tattling. Be patient with your child and let him know that you’re on his side, and that you’ll find a solution to the problem together."

I'm not sure if you watch America's Got Talent, but in 2010, there was a sister duo, Christina and Alli, who both had cystic fibrosis. They made the finalists, but didn't win. They wrote an anti-bullying song that should be shared. It is called The Same Way.

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS READY FOR A CELL PHONE

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:36:00 +0000

I am back to student teaching. I am teaching 2nd graders until March. I have asked several of the students what they got for Christmas, and over half of the students I asked said they got an iPhone...an iPhone!! I don't even have an iPhone, which brings up the question, "when is a child really ready for a cell phone.

According to the Pew Internet Project, over 50% of children 12 and under now own a cell phone. That’s up from 18% in 2004, great, but how do you know when your child is ready for one? Is it at a certain age, or is every child different? What are the signs to look for? Below are ten ways to know that your child is ready for their first cell phone, recommended by PhoneTVInternet.com:

Middle School – Typically, children start to want a cell phone when they reach the middle school years. Anne Collier, co-director of ConnectSafely.org, says “Children become very social creatures around middle school.” Coincidently, children also start spending more time unsupervised at that age. So this is prime time for the first cell phone.
Supervision – As children grow up, supervision naturally decreases. While this teaches children responsibility, it can also be a stressful time for parents. Having a cell phone may be just the compromise you need.
Responsibility – You don’t want to give a cell phone to a child who is not responsible enough to use it correctly. Limits must be set on who can be called and when. What constitutes and emergency. How many texts can be sent and when texting is appropriate. The dangers of sexting and cyberbullying must be addressed before your child is set loose with a cell phone. “Every parent has to establish rules for technology use,” Collier says.
Self-control – Your child must be able to control themselves and follow the rules. If they can’t do simple tasks, like cleaning their rooms or taking out the trash, how do you expect them to follow your directions with cell phones? It takes a strong child to resist the lure of texting twenty-four seven.
Money – Your child knows what it means to save. They know not to go overboard. “The average kid sends and receives over 2,000 text messages a month,” Collier says. That can add up quickly at ten cents or more per text. Your best bet is to go with an unlimited texting plan, but if that isn’t feasible, make sure your child knows the importance of saving money. And a plan on how to pay you back if they go over their time.
Safety – Sure, it feels safer for your child to be able to contact you no matter where they are, but make sure they don’t give out their number like candy. Just like the internet, cell phones are another way a predator can get to your children without your knowledge.
Internet – Speaking of the internet, may cell phones come equipped with internet access, allowing your child to get online without your supervision. If you feel they aren’t responsible enough for that, simply turn it off. May phone companies offer family plans that allow limits or restrictions to be placed on certain lines.
Appropriate – Make sure your child knows when to have their cell phone on and when to turn it off, or at least silence it. Schools are notorious for taking away children’s cell phones when they go off in class, and those fines can add up quickly. Not to mention they should be listening, not texting, in class.
Polite – It’s not only in school that cell phones should be silenced. Church, funerals, weddings, and other events should be a cell-free zone. Make sure children know when it is okay to talk and text and when the phone should be put away.
Distraction – Cell phones can be a huge distraction. In school this annoys teachers, but on the street it could be fatal. Make sure children know to stop and get someplace safe before texting or talking. They should always be paying attention to what is around them and not the phone.

These are just ten simple ways to know if your child is ready for their first cell phone. In the end, it is your decision. Do you think your child is ready? Can they handle the responsibility and stay safe? Is your wallet ready for the next bill? If the answer to these questions is yes, then, by all means, give your kid a phone. Just make sure they are aware of the responsibilities that go along with it.

STOP DA VIOLENCE

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:06:00 +0000

This talented 9-year-old boy is much wiser than his years. We need to stop and listen to what our children are telling us.

TEEN TRENDS: WOULD YOU KNOW IF YOUR TEEN WERE SHOPLIFTING?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:35:00 +0000

Your daughter is wearing jewelry or clothes you've never seen before. Your son's CD collection seems to be growing. Would you recognize signs that your teen is shoplifting? (With Christmas right around the corner, shoplifting is more tempting for teens wanting to give nice gifts to friends and family, but have no source of income.)

"Five finger discount", "lifting", "jacking", "racking", "nicking", and "boosting" are some of the slang terms used for shoplifting. No matter what it is called, shoplifting is a crime that could land your teen into big trouble.

FACTS:

About 23 million people steal from retail stores...that's 1 in 11 Americans.
1 out 4 shoplifters caught is a teenager.
Shoplifters steal an estimated $25 million from stores each year.
Teens age 13 to 17 account for 25% of all shoplifters arrested.
89% of teens say they know other teens who shoplift.
Boys and girls, age 12 to 14 or younger, get involved with shoplifting.
20% of adults who shoplift say they started stealing in their teens.

WHY TEENS SHOPLIFT:

For the thrill.
On a dare or because of peer pressure.
As a form of rebellion.
The desire for things they can't afford.
Some teens shoplift so they can in turn buy drugs or alcohol.
Poor impulse control.
Some teens shoplift to show off.
Some teens will shoplift because they feel unworthy, unattractive or not accepted.
Teens who shoplift may be depressed, confused or mad at the world.
For an older teen, shoplifting may be a sign of a disorder, such as kleptomania.
Teens typically steal items they can't afford or are not allowed to have, such as CDs, makeup, clothes, and cigarettes.

YOU GET THAT DREADED PHONE CALL, NOW WHAT?

First, take a deep breath. If this is your teen's first time shoplifting, it doesn't been he/she is headed for a life of crime.
Decide on the consequences beforehand.
Find out who is in charge and if charges are being filed. (Most businesses won't file charges on a first offense.)
Avoid confronting your teen at the scene. Don't try to humiliate your teen.
Once you get home, allow yourself time to cool off. It is probably best to wait until the next day to discuss the incident, after you have calmed down, and your teen isn't defensive.
Follow through with the consequences.
Don't try to protect your teen if legal consequences are involved. Be there for your teen and support him/her, but let him/her suffer the consequences. There is no greater "eye-opener" than spending the night in a juvenile detention center.

WHAT TEENS NEED TO KNOW:

Teens that are caught shoplifting are detained instantly.
Shoplifters may be handcuffed and publicly escorted through the store to the manager's office.
In most states, the punishment for shoplifting depends on the value of the merchandise stolen and whether or not the teen has shoplifted in the past.
When a teen steals something with a value less than $300 to $500, the teen is usually charged as a petty theft misdemeanor. When a teen steals merchandise with a higher value or the crime is a repeat offense, he/she may be charged with a felony.
The penalties for teen shoplifting can include punitive fines, community service, and jail time.
Continued stealing can lead to greater consequences, including juvenile detention.
He/she can be prosecuted, and retailers can demand and collect financial damages in civil court.
Repeat offenders are arrested on the spot, and serious offenses involving weapons are remanded to adult court.
Make sure your teen understands that if he/she keeps stealing and putting himself/herself at risk, you won't be able to protect him/her.

You may be thinking that only troubled teenagers shoplift, but even "model" teens can have trouble with stealing.

If the problem continues or if it's accompanied by other destructive behaviors, such as violent behavior, depression, falling grades or suspected substance abuse, you may need to consider seeking professional help.

http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/criminal_law/shoplifting/teen.html
Picture cururtesy of www.toptenz.net

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: SUCH HORROR!!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:34:00 +0000

10 THINGS TO NEVER CARRY IN YOUR WALLET!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 03:26:00 +0000

I know it has been awhile since I posted, but my mother had surgery for esophageal cancer, and I have been spending all of my free time with her. Since the holiday season is just around the corner, with a lot of shopping in most everyone's plans, I decided this was a good time to have a guest writer, who will tell you exactly what NOT to carry in your wallet.

We carry a great risk of becoming victims of identity theft every day, and it all starts in the wallet and purse. Every piece of plastic, every password, and every receipt you put in your wallet or purse could be the very thing thieves use to compromise your finances and steal your identity. The best way to protect yourself and your belongings is to use common sense and not carry the following items:

1. SOCIAL SECURITY CARD OR NUMBER

Your Social Security number is incredibly valuable and it can be detrimental if someone gets access to it. You may use your Social Security number for work documentation and government services, but very rarely will you have to show your Social Security card. If your card gets into the wrong hands, there’s no telling what a person will do with it. Thieves can open a credit card in your name, apply for loans, and much worse. If you can’t memorize this number for the life of you, DO NOT write the numbers on paper and leave it in your wallet or purse. Even if you delete the dashes, a thief can figure out what number this is because all SSN have nine digits. Be smart and leave your Social Security card and number in a safe place with other important documents.

2. PASSPORT

When traveling abroad, you can’t really get around carrying your passport on you. However, American travelers are advised to pack extra passport photos and a photocopy of their passport information in case it is lost or stolen. These documents and photos should be left in the hotel, preferably in a hotel safe. This will make getting a replacement easier and protect you from other identity theft dangers.

3. CHECKBOOK

It might be convenient to keep your checkbook on hand, but it can be a big mess if someone gets ahold of it. One look at your checkbook and a thief will have access to your account number, routing number, and possibly your signature. If they’re really sneaky, they might be able to forge your signature and cash a check. Avoid this fiasco by keeping your checkbook at home in a safe place.

4. PASSWORDS

Passwords, such as PIN numbers, e-mail passwords, and even alarm codes should not be carried around in your wallet or purse. It doesn’t take much for a thief to figure out that four digits could be your PIN number. If you cannot remember important passwords that you need to use on a regular basis, then store them on a protected computer or phone.

5. GIFT CARDS AND CERTIFICATES

Many people carry gift cards and certificates in their wallet because they never know when they’ll end up using them. This might seem convenient, but if your wallet or purse gets stolen, you’ll be kicking yourself for not leaving these gifts at home. Gift cards and certificates are as good as money, and you don’t have to show an ID to use them. Avoid this risk by leaving gift cards and certificates at home until you’ve picked a day to use them.

6. USB DEVICES

As wonderful and convenient as USBs are, they can be very problematic if a thief gets ahold of one. Many USBs contain confidential files and personal information that a thief would love to have. Not to mention, all of your hard work and important documents could be lost in an instant if someone snags your purse or wallet.

7. RECEIPTS

Many people disregard receipts and leave them hanging around or stuffed into a purse or wallet, but these small pieces of paper can be quite telling, especially to a smart thief. Some receipts contain your credit card information and signature, which opens the door for identity theft and forgery. Also, if a thief has access to your address and they can see what you bought on a receipt, they may go as far as to rob your house.

8. UNPROTECTED CELL PHONE

A cell phone without a password is a dangerous thing to carry around. A thief will have full access to your e-mail and other personal information stored in your phone. Placing a password on your phone could deter a thief from taking your phone in the first place and prevent them from accessing any personal information. If your phone does not have a password option, then carry it in a pocket or on your body instead of in a bag.

9. TOO MANY CREDIT CARDS

Carrying all of your credit cards in your wallet can be very risky and quite the hassle if they get stolen. Not only will you have to cancel each and every credit card, but you’ll also have to use cash or write checks while you wait on new credit cards to be sent. To avoid this fiasco, only carry the cards you use on a regular basis and leave the rest at home so you’re not completely S.O.L.

10. LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH

Carrying a lot of cash in your wallet or purse is risky for many obvious reasons. If you get mugged, you’ll be out a lot of money. It’s never a bad idea to keep some cash on you, especially when traveling, but be sure to bring only as much as you need and don’t flash it around for others to see.

I know if you are a mother, you probably carry a purse with you, with everything you could possibly need when you are out with your children. You are prepared for every type of emergency possible. But there are certain documents that you should never carry in your purse, as these items leave you open to identity theft if you ever lost your purse or if your purse was stolen.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: HEY ST. JUDE!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:58:00 +0000

HELLO, HERMAN...

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 02:51:00 +0000

October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Bullying is a topic I have covered in the past, and it is a topic we need to keep in the forefront, because 28% of students ages 12 to 18 are bullied in school over the course of the year.

"Hello, Herman” is a movie that features the tragic story of a young man who is pushed over the edge by bullying. "Hello, Herman" is a poignant examination of the making of a teenage school shooter. Its provocative and powerful subject matter speaks to teens, parents, and educators, as well as anyone who has endured the universal experience of needing to be heard."

This trailer sent chills up my spine, as I live in Pearl, Mississippi where a school shooting took place on October 1, 1997, where two students were killed and seven were wounded. The student had been bullied every day, and he said, after the shooting and killing his mother, "I killed because people like me are mistreated every day," he said. "I did this to show society: Push us and we will push back." *Bullying was a factor in 2/3 of the 37 school shootings reviewed by the US Secret Service."

Did you know, 49 states have anti-bullying laws on the books (Montana is the only exception). "In schools where there are antibullying programs, bullying is reduced by 50%".

"There are numerous locations at a school where kids are more susceptible to bullying. School playgrounds and bus stops are locations where bullying happens quite often, even though there is usually some type of supervision on site. 43% of middle school children avoid the bathroom and locker rooms at all costs due to the certainty of being bullied. Read more

"Hello, Herman" is more than a movie...it's a movement. Join the 1 Million Kids Movement now.

Get Started!

LET'S TALK...

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 01:34:00 +0000

According to Wikipedia, self-esteem is "a term in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs (for example, "I am competent", "I am worthy") and emotions, such as triumph, despair, pride, and shame. The self-concept is what we think about the self; self-esteem, the positive or negative evaluation of the self, is how we feel about it."

If you read my blog, you know I wrote a post on the emotional abuse my oldest daughter suffered at the hands of her father, and how, because of that abuse, she suffered from very low self-esteem, which led to her cutting, using drugs, and depression. I think a lot of parents make comments to their daughter(s), without realizing the effect that it has on her self-esteem and her overall self worth. And as Dr. Phil always says, she will replay those comments over and over, and those words cut to the core of a girl and changes who she is.

But girls, of all ages, also have to deal with the constant presence of what the "ideal" girl/woman looks like...thin, good looks, fabulous clothes...and the list goes on and on. Turn on the TV...look inside any magazine, including the cover...there is a lot of pressure for young girls to fit this unrealistic mold. Did you know, six out of ten girls stop doing what they love because they feel bad about their looks? Dove® research shows that it is still important for us to address girls' anxiety about looks, as there is a universal increase in beauty pressure and a decrease in girls' confidence as they grow older. Key findings from Dove's latest research include:

• Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful (up from 2% in 2004)

• Only 11% of girls globally are comfortable using the word beautiful to describe themselves

• 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful

• 80% of women agree that every woman has something about her that is beautiful but do not see their own beauty

• More than half (54%) of women globally agree that when it comes to how they look, they are their own worst beauty critic. ((SOURCE: Dove Research: The Real Truth About Beauty: Revisited))

Over the past few years, Dove has changed their advertising to include a variety of women...all shapes, sizes, and races...not just thin, white girls. Now, Dove is holding a national rally about beauty, confidence, and self-esteem. Dove is encouraging you to sit down with a girl in your life and talk. To help you start this conversation, you can download Dove's Toolkit or send a note of confidence to a special girl in your life, letting her know she is perfect just the way she is. You can also join Dove on Facebook and continue the conversation there.

Do you, or have you ever, suffered from low self-esteem, and if so, how did you overcome this issue?

This post is sponsored by Dove

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: THE LAST WORD - NO OTHER WORDS ARE NEEDED!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Please take the pledge! Don't be a distracted driver!

TEEN TRENDS: TEENS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:46:00 +0000

A few years ago, I wrote about a dangerous teen trend known as pharming parties. Prescription drugs are still the easiest drugs for teenagers to get a hold of. You probably have prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet as your read this post.

Today, I have a young man, who is willing to share his story about his use of drugs.

As a teen, I used lots of drugs. I knew I was doing wrong when I ingested cocaine, but when my friends brought their mother’s prescription pain killers to school, I thought little of taking them. I can’t even say I knew the real name of the drugs, yet I would swallow them without the slightest hesitation. What followed was a blacked-out school day and health risks. Ultimately, my high school use led to full blown heroin addiction and dropping out of college. Looking back on the issue of prescription abuse, I see how my path could have been directed in a healthier direction. Parents better understanding of what their kids are really up against in the high school drug scene gives them greater opportunity to help their teens.

Among students who are 12 to 17 years old, 7.7-percent reported prescription drug abuse last year. According to the 2010 Monitoring the Future survey, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are the third most commonly abused drugs by 12th graders following alcohol and pot. The most commonly used drugs are pain relievers (such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin), central nervous system depressants (Xanax, Valium), and stimulants (Ritalin and Adderall). Teens are also abusing over-the-counter cough suppressants containing DXM (dextromethorphan). Students who report prescription abuse are also more likely to report street drug abuse; making medications a less known “gateway drug.” Teens use these drugs for a number of reasons, including to get high, to treat pain, or because they think it will help them with their school work. Prescription drugs are misunderstood by teens and parents; making their use particularly dangerous.

Prescription drugs are not safer than street drugs. Prescription drug abuse occurs whenever someone takes a drug prescribed to someone else or in a larger than recommended dose. Prescription opioids work the same way as heroin in the brain and overdose can cause respiratory arrest and death. Drugs like DXM land many high school students in the hospital. Abusing any mind-altering chemical can affect judgement and inhibition and may put teens at risk for STDs or car accidents. Abusing prescription drugs is illegal and carries the same legal penalties as street drugs. Parents have more influence over prescription meds than street drugs.

Parents might unknowingly be the source of these drugs. Teens get their prescription pills from relatives or friends more often than from drug dealers. In a survey, 54-percent of high school seniors said that opioid drugs other than heroin (Vicodin) would be easy for them to get. Keeping tabs on prescriptions at home helps, however prescribed drugs can still be found in almost any American medicine cabinet. Despite the drugs’ rampant availability, parents can support their teens by informing them of dangers and creating a safe environment for communication.

When I was younger, I feared talking to my mother about drug use in my school. My parents had an unrealistic perspective of my world; they knew what they thought my world should be instead of what it really was. Drugs are a big part of teen life. If your kid isn’t doing drugs, they at least know someone who is trying them. Many kids are prescribed drugs for ADD (Ritalin, Adderall) and share them with their friends. Drugs are seen as cool by many students. Try to empathize with the dual nature of drugs in a high school kid’s brain. Society at large knows that drugs are bad, but the high school atmosphere sees substances much differently; putting kids in limbo. A parent cannot fully understand or be with their child every step of the way, but they can stay as close as possible.

Adolescence is a time when mistakes can be made in a relatively safe space if parental support is implemented. As a teen, I feared my mother’s reaction to honesty about my drug use, so I completely hid it from her and ended up in a lot of scary situations with no adult to help me out. My path could have been different if I hadn’t feared condemnation for the experimentation I’d done. It’s tricky, because no parent wants to approve of their child’s drug use, but you can have compassion for your kid’s difficult position. Deep down, teens want to please their parents. Express to your teen what you know about prescription drug abuse and ask them what issues they’re aware of or confused about. Inviting the discussion before trouble arises will create a safe place in the home for your child to visit if the day comes when they are tempted to abuse prescriptions.

Sources:

“Facts on Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs” from the NIDA U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

*Image: http://www.drugsbestbuy.com/images/prescription_drugs.jpg

DANGEROUS WEBSITES PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:08:00 +0000

Did you know there are websites that teach young people how to become anorexic and bulimic? This frightening trend is on the rise. Why are our tweens/teens so anxious about their weight? Well, we all know TV/movies/models - Hollywood in general - plays a big role in this trend, because, according to Hollywood, thin and skinny equals beauty and healthy.

One such website is Thinspro (Thinspiration). This website is a collection of images, quotes, and "mantras" meant to inspire or motivate an individual to be thin. I took a look at this website. It has pictures upon pictures upon pictures of very thin...too thin...dangerously thin girls.

"Let me be empty and weightless and maybe I'll find some peace tonight."

"Every day is another day to change your life."

"Make them regret the day they called you fat."

"Just because you are breathing doesn't mean you are alive."

"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." (Kate Moss)

The above are just a few of the quotes scattered throughout the pictures of these too thin girls that are intended to be encouraging.

Thinspo also has many tips for weight loss:

How to make your metabolism faster

Facts on how to burn a pound, because "a pound lighter is a pound lighter"
Eat loads of vegetables and fruit to fill yourself up during every meal
Use diet pills to reduce body fat
Learn how to fast, binge and take laxatives and diuretics
Drink lots of water (even when you're not thirsty) to burn more calories by preventing you from storing fat
Burn 100 calories to music
Every 2 jumping jacks equal 1 calorie burnt
100 jumping jacks equal one pound GONE

There are also Pro-Ana (pro-anorexic) websites, like PrettyThin, known as the world's largest eating disorder community and forum.

One Pro-Ana site lists the THIN COMMANDMENTS:

1. If you aren't thin, you aren't attractive
2. Being thin is more important than being healthy
3. Buy clothes, cut your hair and take laxatives to
make yourself look thinner
4. Thou shall not eat without feeling guilty
5. Thou shall not eat fattening food without punishing
afterwards
6. Thou shall count calories and restrict intake
accordingly
7. What the scale says is the most important thing
8. Losing weight is good, gaining weight is bad
9. You can never be too thin
10. Being thin and not eating are signs of true
willpower and success

Clinical psychologist Lavinia Rodriguez, author of Mind Over Fat Matters: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management. "Pro-Ana fuels the denial that already exists in the disorder and entices vulnerable young people to go down the dangerous path of self-destruction termed 'anorexia.'

These online communities are no secret. An individual can "google" any of these keywords to find all the help they need to maintain their eating disorder.

Eating disorders are not just for teens. Children as young as 4 and 5 can develop an eating disorder, and boys are also prone to eating disorders.

If you are a parent, you may want to look into blocking these types of websites from your computer. As I said above, all your child has to do is "google" the right keywords, and they will be taken to one of these dangerous websites.

*www.sheknows.com

It's Okay NOT To Diet When...

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 14:25:00 +0000

I was looking through some old magazines, and I came across this cartoon in Family Circle, dated October 25, 1983. Since we seem to always be on a diet (or at least a lot of us are), here are the times when it's okay NOT to diet. (Written by Joan M. Scobey)

You've been working really hard and you need the energy.
You've just received good new!
You jogged all the way to the mailbox.
There are only two cookies left in the box.
You just received bad news.
You're going to the dentist and may not be able to eat again for hours.
You can still squeeze into your bathing suit.
Your son/daughter just got his/her driver's license!
It's in your honor.
White truffles are in season.
You're sneezing.
You have a fever.
You haven't tried the ice cream of the month.

Well, my 16-year-old daughter just got her driver's license last week, so NO dieting for me this week!!

Also, as a mom, we experience stress. I came across this Women's Stress Diet at my MIL's house.

Breakfast

1 Grapefruit

1 slice whole wheat toast

1 cup skim milk

Lunch

Small portion lean, steamed chicken with a

cup of spinach

1 cup herbal tea

1 Hershey kiss

Afternoon Tea

The rest of the Kisses in the bag

1 tub Hagen Daas Ice Cream with

Chocolate Chip topping

Dinner

2 loaves of garlic bread

1 family size supreme pizza

3 Snickers bars

Late Night Snack

Whole frozen Sarah Lee cheesecake

(eaten directly from the freezer)

Diet Rules

If no one sees you eat something, it has no calories.
When drinking a diet Coke with a chocolate bar, the diet Coke cancels out the sugar in the chocolate bar
When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you do not eat more than they do.
Food used for medical purposes does not count (e.g., hot chocolate, toast, cheesecake).
If you fatten up the people around you, you will look thinner.
Movie theater related foods have zero calorie count as they are part of the entertainment package and not counted as food intake. This includes popcorn, Sno Caps, and ice cream.
Cookie pieces have no calories because breaking the cookies up causes calorie leakage.
Foods licked from spoons and forks have no fat if you are in the process of cooking something.
Anything eaten while standing has no calories due to gravity and the density of the calorie mass.
Food consumed from someone else's plate has no fat as it rightfully belongs to the other person and will cling to his/her plate.

Photos by: en.bestpicturesof.com

tipsforstressrelief.com

TEEN TRENDS - BINGE DRINKING

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:34:00 +0000

Do you have a son or daughter leaving for college soon? As a parent, it is hard to let go of our children, but every parent faces the "empty nest" sooner or later. So, while you are out shopping for supplies for the dormitory, there is an important talk you need to have with your son/daughter. Binge drinking...

The term “binge” drinking refers to the heavy consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks in a row by males and four or more drinks by females. A unit of alcohol is one standard drink:

Half a pint of beer - 3-9% alcohol by volume (ABV);
A small glass of wine (125ml) at 8% ABV;
A pub measure of liquor (25ml) at 40% ABV;

Despite laws in every State that make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or possess alcohol, teens report that alcohol is easy to obtain and that many high school and college students drink with one goal in mind – to get drunk. About one-third of high school students and 45% of college students report binge drinking.

*“Highlights of SAMHSA’s 1998 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse include:

About 10.4 million adolescents ages 12 to 20 reported using alcohol. Of those, 5.1 million were binge drinkers and included 2.3 million heavy drinkers who binged at least five times a month.
Nearly 9 percent of boys and 7 percent of girls ages 12 to 17 reported binge drinking in the previous month.
White, non-Hispanic youth ages 12 to 17 reported the highest frequency of binge drinking (9 percent) as compared with 6 percent of Hispanic and 3 percent of black, non-Hispanic youth.
Binge drinking among youth ages 12 to 17 appears to occur most frequently in the north central region of the United States and in metropolitan areas.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the four leading injury-related causes of death among youths under the age of 20 are motor vehicle crashes, homicides, suicides and drowning. Alcohol is involved in many of these deaths.

WHY DO TEENS BINGE DRINK?

They drink to get drunk;
They’re curious;
They want to know what it’s like to drink alcohol;
The status associated with drinking;
They believe it will make them feel good;
They may look at alcohol as a way to relieve stress;
Peer pressure.

WHO BINGE DRINKS?

College students are more likely to binge drink, especially freshmen away from home for the first time;
If they were binge drinkers in high school, they are three times more likely to binge in college;
Binge drinkers are more likely to be white, male students;
Attend school in the northeast part of the country;
Be associated with fraternities, sororities or athletic activities;
Live in frat or sorority houses or dorms.

RISKS OF BINGE DRINKING:

*"Alcohol poisoning – a severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose – is the most serious consequence of binge drinking. When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the brain is deprived of oxygen. The struggle to deal with an overdose of alcohol and lack of oxygen will eventually cause the brain to shut down the voluntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate."
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
Vomiting
Unconsciousness
Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
Slow or irregular breathing (less than 8 breaths a minute or 10 or more seconds between breaths)

IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS ALCOHOL POISONING, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

SECONDARY EFFECTS OF BINGE DRINKING:

Of schools with high binge drinking rates, 34 percent of non-binge drinkers reported being insulted or humiliated by binge drinkers;
13 percent reported being pushed, hit, or assaulted;
54 percent reported having to take care of a drunken student;
68 percent were interrupted while studying;
26 percent of women experienced an unwanted sexual advance.

DID YOU KNOW?

Frequent binge drinkers were eight times more likely than non-binge drinkers to miss a class, fall behind in schoolwork, get hurt or injured, and damage property;
Nearly one out of every five teenagers (16 percent) has experienced “black out” spells where they could not remember what happened the previous evening because of heavy binge drinking;
More than 60 percent of college males and almost 50 percent of college females who are frequent binge drinkers report that they drink and drive;
Binge drinking during college may be associated with mental health disorders, such as compulsiveness, depression, anxiety or early deviant behavior;
In a national study, 91 percent of females and 78 percent of the males who were frequent binge drinkers considered themselves to be moderate or light drinkers.

TYPES OF TREATMENT:

Group Counseling - Teens respond very well to group counseling. Individual counseling may be helpful as well, but it can be difficult to get teens to open up in a one-on-one situation.
Education About Teenage Alcoholism - Education is an extremely important part of the treatment of teenage alcoholism. Teens rarely understand the dangers of drinking alcohol. They need to be educated about the health risks they face when they drink.
Family Counseling - Family counseling is a crucial part of the treatment for teen alcoholism. Family counseling is geared towards repairing the relationship between parents and teens. Parents and teens need to learn healthy communication skills. Family members need to learn how best to support teens in recovery.
Medical Treatment - Teens that have been drinking heavily may need to detox. Detoxing should always be done under medical supervision.

We all know that TV and movies glamorize drinking; very seldom do they show any consequences of drinking, so teenagers don't realize how dangerous drinking can be. As parents, we have to talk to our teens, and explain to them that drinking too much alcohol too fast in a very short period of time is like writing their own death certificate. Take it from someone who knows, with teens, you have to be blunt and give them all the facts. This is one discussion you can't afford to put off having with your teen, especially if he/she will be living on campus.

*http://www.ncadi.samhsa.gov/

TEEN TRENDS - BULLYING

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:45:00 +0000

(This blog is written to inform parents & others of disturbing trends of teenagers.)

As the new school year begins so does the homework, sports, cheer-leading, other extracurricular activities, and sadly, bullying. This is an old post that I did last school year, but as the new year starts up again, the bullying will soon follow, so I thought it was important to put this topic back into the forefront of all parent's minds. Even though a lot of attention has been placed on bullying, a solution for this huge problem has not been found, so it is up to parents to take a stand and fight for their child. Every child has the right to attend school, without the fear of being the victim of a bully.

BULLYING is the assertion of power through aggression in a repeated, hostile behavior by one or more people, which is intended to harm others.

BULLYING TAKES ON MANY FORMS:

Physical violence, including hitting, tripping, punching, kicking, shoving, pinching. Verbal threats, taunts, teasing, name calling, put-downs, and spreading of malicious rumor.
Threats and intimidation.
Stealing money and possessions.
Exclusion from peer groups, rejection, isolation, humiliation.
Cyber-bullying, including harassing e-mails or IMs, as well as hurtful and threatening postings on websites or blogs.

"Bullying is not about anger. It is not a conflict to be resolved, it's about contempt - a powerful feeling of dislike toward someone considered to be worthless, inferior or undeserving of respect. Contempt comes with three apparent psychological advantages that allow kids to harm others without feeling empathy, compassion or shame. These are: a sense of entitlement that they have the right to hurt or control others, an intolerance towards difference, and a freedom to exclude, bar, isolate, and segregate others." (Barbara Coloroso "The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander")

WARNING SIGNS OF BULLYING:

Damaged or missing clothing or other personal belongings
Unexplained bruises or other injuries
A loss of friends
Reluctance to go to school
Poor school performance
Headaches, stomachaches or other physical complaints
Trouble sleeping or change in eating habits
A loss of interest in activities he/she previously enjoyed
Low self esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts

WHY DO SOME KIDS BULLY?

They may see it as a way of being popular.
To make themselves appear tough and in charge.
To get attention or make other people afraid of them.
They may be jealous of the person they are bullying.
They may have been bullied themselves.

KIDS WHO BULLY ARE MORE LIKELY TO:

Do poorly in school.
Be suspended or expelled from school.
Not be respected or trusted.
Be seen as mean and unpleasant.
Smoke and drink alcohol.
Commit crimes in the future.
Have their first serious encounter with the law in their mid-20's.

*FACTS ABOUT BULLYING:

Bullying occurs in school playgrounds every 7 minutes and once every 25 minutes in class.
11 to 12 year old students reported bullying others more than younger (9-10 year old) and older (13-14 year old) students.
Boys report more physical forms of bullying; girls tend to bully in indirect ways, such as gossiping and excluding.
Boys who bully are physically stronger and have a need to dominate others.
Girls who bully tend to be physically weaker than other girls in their class.
Bullies have little empathy for their victims and show little remorse about bullying.
Boys and girls are equally likely to report being bullied.
Research has not supported the popular stereotype that victims have unusual physical traits.
85% of bullying episodes occur in the context of a peer group.
83% of students indicate that watching bullying makes them feel uncomfortable.
Bullying stops in less than 10 seconds 57% of the time when peers intervene on behalf of the victim.
In playground observations, peers intervened in 11% of the bullying episodes, while teachers only intervened in 4% of bullying episodes.
Bullies often come from homes that are neglectful, hostile, and use harsh punishment.
Bullying is a learned behavior.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO (If you suspect your child is being bullied)?

Talk often with your child and listen carefully.
Ask about your child's school day and friends.
Ask if your child feels safe at school.
Encourage your child to share his/her concerns.
Learn as much as you can about the situation. (Ask your child to describe how and when the bullying occurs, who is involved, and if other children or adults have witnessed the bullying.)
Teach your child how to respond to bullying. (Don't encourage fighting back against a bully, as this could lead to him/her getting hurt or getting in trouble.)
Contact school officials. You may also want to encourage school officials to address bullying as part of the curriculum.
Followup. Keep in contact with school officials if the bullying continues. Be persistent.
Boost your child's self-confidence. Help your child get involved in activities to raise self esteem, such as sports, karate, music or art.
Know when to seek professional help. Consider professional or school counseling for your child if his/her fear or anxiety becomes overwhelming.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO (When your child is a bully)?

Take is seriously. Don't treat bullying as a passing phase.
Teach that bullying is disrespectful and can be dangerous.
Talk to your child to find out why he or she is bullying.
Help build empathy for others and for those who are physically different. Have them spend time with people of different backgrounds, races, ethnicity, mental and physical disabilities.
Talk to your child about how it feels to be bullied.
Ask a teacher if your child is facing any problems at school.
Teach that bullying on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation is a form of hate behavior and is, in some cases, a hate crime.
Become a part of the bullying prevention efforts and programs at your school.

As if traditional bullying wasn't enough, kids are now being bullied online, called CYBER bullying.

i-SAFE America research team surveyed more than 1500 students in 4th to 8th grade across the country that revealed:

58% admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online.
53% admit having said something mean or hurtful to another online.
42% have been bullied online.
58% of kids have not told their parents or any adult about being bullied online.

CYBER-BULLYING INCLUDES:

A threatening email.
Nasty instant messages (IMs)
Repeated texts sent to cell phone.
A website setup to mock others.
"Borrowing" someones screen name and pretending to be them while posting a message.
Forwarding supposedly private messages, pictures or video to others.

PREVENTION TECHNIQUES FOR AVOIDING BULLIES ONLINE:

Don't give out private information, especially passwords. Not even to friends.
Don't send a message when you are angry-it is hard to undo things that are said in anger.
Never open, read or reply to messages from cyber-bullies.
If it is school related, tell your school.
Do not erase the messages. They may be needed to take action.
If bullied through chat or IM, the bully can often be blocked.
If you are threatened with harm, call the police.
By speaking out and telling an adult, online bullying can be stopped.

Bullying is an age old problem, but gone are the days when we can sit back and say, "kids will be kids". Bullying has gone too far. School administrators, teachers, school staff, students, and parents have got to accept the responsibility to recognize, report, and intervene when bullying occurs. We can no longer close our eyes to it. Studies have shown that acts of serious school violence (school shootings) stem from bullying issues, along with suicide.

The video below is by Christian rock band Super Chick, called "Hero". It was made in remembrance of those killed in the Columbine school shootings. Please watch and listen to the words.

WILL YOU BE SOMEONES HERO?

YOUR TEEN AND IMMUNIZATIONS (Which ones do they really need?)

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 18:19:00 +0000

It is hard to believe, but school starts back in less than a month (at least here in Mississippi), so it is time to take a look at immunizations that are important for your teen/tween.
As mothers, it is up to us to provide our children with all they need (not all they want) to grow into healthy, happy adults - food, clothing, education, and immunizations. I do know there are some mothers who do not agree with getting their children immunized, but I'm not here to debate this somewhat controversial topic. This is a personal decision that everyone has to make.

As our children grow into the tween/teen years, you may think you are finally finished with the immunizations, but there are some very important immunizations tweens/teens need to ensure they stay disease-free:

Td/Tdap:

- Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

- Tdap vaccine is the first vaccine for adolescents and adults that protects against:

Tetanus (Lock Jaw):

Causes painful muscle spasms, usually all over the body.

It can lead to tightening of the jaw muscles so the victim cannot open his/her mouth or swallow.

Tetanus kills about 1 out of 5 people who are infected.

2. Diphtheria:

Causes a thick covering in the back of the throat.

It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and death.

3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough):

Causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep.

It can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures, passing out from violent coughing, and pneumonia.

(These three diseases are all caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds.)

WHICH VACCINE AND WHEN?

Routine: Adolescents 11-18

A dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents who got the DTaP or DTP as children and have not yet gotten a booster dose of Td. The preferred age is 11-12.

Adolescents who did not get all their scheduled doses of DTaP or DTP as children should complete this series using a combination of Td and Tdap.

Age 19 to adults should get a booster dose of Td every ten years.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Mild/Moderate Problems:

Tdap

Pain (3 in 4)

Redness or swelling (about 1 in 5)

Mild fever (up to 1 in 25)

Fever over 102 (about 1 in 100)

Headache (about 4 in 10)

Tiredness (about 1 in 3)

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache (up to 1 in 4)

Chills, body aches, sore joints, rash, swollen glands (uncommon)

Pain (up to about 8 in 10)

Redness or swelling (up to about 1 in 3)

Fever (up to about 1 in 15)

Fever over 102 (rare)

Headache or tiredness (uncommon)

MENINGOCOCCAL:

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children ages 2-18. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

About 1,000-2,600 people get meningococcal disease in the U.S. each year.

Even when treated with antibiotics, 10-15% of these people will die. Of those who survive, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, suffer seizures or stroke.

College freshman who live in dormitories and teenagers 15-19 have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics. Still, about 1 out of 10 people who get this disease dies from it, and many others are affected for life.

This is why preventing the disease through use of meningococcal vaccine is important.

There are two kinds of meningococcal vaccine in the U.S.:

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in 2005. Preferred vaccine for people 2-55 years of age.

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) has been available since 1970s. It is the only vaccine in people older than 55.

Both vaccines can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease. The vaccines cannot prevent all types of the disease, but both vaccines work well and protect about 90% of people who get them.

WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE AND WHEN?

A dose of MCV4 is recommended for adolescents 11-18 years of age.

College freshman living in dormitories.

U.S. military recruits.

Anyone who has a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed.

Anyone who has an immune system disorder.

People who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Mild/Moderate Problems

Redness or pain at injection site (as many as half)

Fever (rare)

Serious allergic reactions within a few minutes to a few hours of the shot (very rare).

A serious nervous system disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (rare).

HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS):

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the U.S.

More than half of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some time in their lives.

About 20 million people are currently infected.

Most HPV infections don't cause any symptoms, and go away on their own.

HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

In the U.S., about 10,000 women get cervical cancer and about 4,000 are expected to die from it.

HPV is associated with less common cancers, such as vaginal and vulva cancer in women and other types of cancer in men and women.

It can also cause genital warts and warts in the throat.

WHO SHOULD GET THE HPV VACCINE AND WHEN?

HPV vaccine is recommended for girls 11 or 12 years of age. It may be given to girls starting ate age 9. It is recommended at this young age, because it should be given before their first sexual contact.

Once a girl has been infected with the virus, the vaccine might not work as well or might not work at all.

Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of the HPV vaccine or anyone who is pregnant SHOULD NOT get the HPV vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Mild/Moderate Problems:

Pain in the injection site (about 9 in 10)

Redness and swelling at the injection site (about 1 in 2)

Fever of 99.5 or higher (about 1 in 8)

Headache or fatigue (about 1 in 2)

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain (about 1 in 4)

Muscle or joint pain (up to 1 in 2)

Fainting

This post is getting a little long, so I'm going to condense these next few immunizations that tween/teens may need:

HEPATITIS B VACCINE - Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). All children should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and should have completed the vaccine series by 6-18 months. It is recommended that children and adolescents that did not get the vaccine when they were younger should be vaccinated. Hepatitis B can cause:

Loss of appetite

tiredness

pain in muscles, joints, and stomach

diarrhea and vomiting

Jaundice

Liver damage (cirrhosis)

Liver cancer

Death

PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE - Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable illnesses and death in the U.S. Pneumococcal disease can cause:

Blood infections

Pneumonia

Meningitis

Death

This vaccine is recommended for anyone 2 - 64 years of age who has long-term health problems, such as:

heart disease

lung disease

sickle cell disease

diabetes

cirrhosis

Hodgkin's disease

Lymphoma or leukemia

Kidney failure

multiple myeloma

HIV or AIDS

damaged spleen

organ transplant

receiving certain cancer drugs

radiation.

INFLUENZA VACCINE is a contagious disease and is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. The influenza vaccine is recommended for infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and certain health conditions, such as:

Heart, lung or kidney disease

a weakened immune system

(A severe allergic reaction could occur after any vaccine. They are estimated to occur less than once in a million doses.)

In my opinion (and again, I am not an expert):

All tweens/teens (and adults) should get a tetanus boost every ten years.

No one should hesitate to get their tween/teen the meningococcal vaccine. Meningitis is a very serious disease. There are several strands, but acute bacterial meningitis is the most common. Approximately 80 percent of all cases are acute bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can be life threatening. The infection can cause the tissues around the brain to swell. This in turn interferes with blood flow and can result in paralysis or even stroke. The onset of symptoms is fast, within 24 hours. If allowed to progress, you can die from bacterial meningitis.

When it comes to the HPV, personally, if you know your tween/teen is not sexually active, I wouldn't get this vaccine (and I'm sure there are a lot of people who would disagree with me).

As far as the other vaccines, influenza and pneumonia, if your tween/teen has a serious, life threatening illness or weaken immune system, they definitely need these two vaccines. The influenza vaccine is given yearly, but the pneumococcal vaccine is a one time shot.

How important are immunizations to you and your family?

*Picture by The Bridge Medical Service, LLC

WOULD YOUR 4-YEAR-OLD SAY "NO" TO DRUGS?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:56:00 +0000

I know you're thinking "what?" While you may not think about sitting your preschooler down to talk about drugs, it is a good idea. Our children are exposed to drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes at a young age. (I started talking to my girls when they were 4)

Since the foundation for all healthy habits — from nutrition to toothbrushing— is laid down during the preschool years, this is a great time to set the stage for a drug-free life. So how do you talk to your 4-year-old about drugs and these other substances? The Partnership at Drug Free.Org gives 7 tips to help you work with your preschooler, so he/she will grow up happy, healthy, and drug free:

Talk to your child about the joys of healthy living. Explain the importance of taking good care of our bodies – eating right, exercising and getting a good night’s sleep. Discuss how good you feel when you take care of yourself — how you can run, jump, play and work for many hours. A great conversation starter: "I'm glad I'm healthy because I can…"
Celebrate your child's decision-making skills. Whenever possible, let your child choose what to wear. Even if the clothes don't quite match, you are reinforcing your child's ability to make decisions.
Stress the need for your child to take personal responsibility for his own health, well-being and personal environment. Your instructions should be concrete, related to your child's experiences, and stated positively. Turn chores like brushing teeth, putting away toys, wiping up spills, and caring for pets into fun experiences that your child will enjoy. Break the activities down into manageable steps so that your child learns to develop plans.
Help your child steer clear of dangerous substances that exist in her immediate world. Point out poisonous and harmful chemicals commonly found in homes, such as bleach, kitchen cleansers and furniture polish. Read the products' warning labels out loud to your child. Explain that she should only eat or smell food or a prescribed medicine that you, a relative or other known caregivers give to her. Also, explain that drugs from the doctor help the person the doctor gives them to but that they can harm someone else.
Help your child understand the difference between make-believe and real life. Preschoolers give meaning to things they don't understand in order to make sense of their world — but their meaning doesn't necessarily reflect the real world. Ask your child what he thinks about a TV program or story. Let your child know about your likes and dislikes. Discuss how violence or bad decisions can hurt people.
Turn frustration into a learning opportunity. If a tower of blocks keeps collapsing during a play session, work with your child to find possible solutions to the problem.
Tell your child how proud you are of her when she helps you with things. There's never a bad time to give your child a boost of self-esteem.

But what is the best way to start the conversation with your 4-year-old. Below are several scenarios, that can get the conversation started:

Scenario Giving your child a daily vitamin.

What to Say
Vitamins help your body grow. You need to take them every day so that you’ll grow up big and strong like Mommy and Daddy—but you should only take what I give you. Too many vitamins can hurt you and make you sick, and never take vitamins from a friend or someone you don't know.

Scenario Your kids are curious about medicine bottles around the house.

What to Say
You should only take medicines that have your name on them or that your doctor has chosen just for you. If you take medicine that belongs to somebody else, it could be dangerous and make you sick. (And again, stress the importance of NOT accepting any medicine from friends or strangers.)

Scenario Your child sees an adult smoking and, since you’ve talked about the dangers of smoking, is confused.

What to Say
Grownups can make their own decisions and sometimes those decisions aren’t the best for their bodies. Sometimes, when someone starts smoking, his or her body feels like it has to have cigarettes—even though it’s not healthy. And that makes it harder for him or her to quit.

How young is too young to talk about drugs?

Image: http://benzbaby.wordpress.com/2009/09/20/stupid-criminal-of-the-day-dad-tells-4-yr-old-cocaine-is-candy/