Unschooling?? I am too concerned about my kids future!!

I just became aware of the Unschooling movement. Huh? I knew about homeschooling, but unschooling? It sounds like an oxymoron. But apparently it is quite a growing movement in the country.

Currently it is estimated that anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 children are following this unconventional method of learning. Unlike the home school method of learning, unschooled children follow no set curriculum, rather they learn what they want, when they feel so inclined. This is because the philosophy of the learning method states that humans have an ingrained need to learn and will do so if theft t their own devices.

Okay, I can buy that. But it seems like a fairly large leap of faith. You only have once chance to ensure that your child receives the best education possible. What if your child feels the need to play video games rather than explore the beauties of math? Or what if your kid decided to spend his entire childhood reading only comic books? What then? Or never learning to read at all?

What kind of qualifications will they have in this ever changing world where knowledge is power? And education is key to success? 



Homeschooling itself is controversial. The National Parent Teacher Association opposes the practice, as do the National Education Association and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Unschooling is even more controversial. To some educators it’s tantamount to uneducating. They worry that while the popularity is gaining, it’s not a good idea for many families.

“If the parents are highly educated and/or from a higher socioeconomic level, the kids are going to get all kinds of rich experiences because the nature of the home is going to be about books, experiences, education and learning,” says Myron Dembo, a University of Southern California professor of education. “These kids won’t be harmed as much from [unschooling] as the kids who have parents without much education. One thing I worry about, though, is that the parent may be less competent than the parent thinks.”

Dembo, the author of "Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success," agrees that the best education comes when children are self-motivated, but he says without formal matriculation some kids risk simply being left out. They may not master basic skills, they won’t receive so much as a high school diploma, and their chances for productive futures could become nonexistent.



Proud Mama To

Raising a well-behaved child or teen is easy, if parents are willing to work at it!

1. Parental Accountability. Whether good or bad, parents must share some responsibility for their children’s actions. However, instead of raising their own children, parents are relying on teachers and other authority figures to fill the role of mom and dad. Are the parents of kids who commit crimes so detached they don’t realize their offspring are walking time bombs? To counteract trouble, it is imperative that parents become familiar with their children’s universe: habits, friends, social network and extra curricular activities.
2. Setting the Rules. Parents should set their own standards, however, it is a good idea to check with other parents and perhaps the school, about the prevailing views on curfews, alcohol and other issues pertinent to teens. You can’t always trust children to accurately report about regulations in other families. It is also a good idea to remember that each family is different, so rules will vary.
3. Parents should not differentiate on the rules. Both parents should agree on a course of action and support each other. Kids will use every opportunity to take advantage of differences between parents. For example: Justin, a 15-year-old with an overactive libido is told by his macho dad that it’s normal for a young man to have sex with multiple partners, but his mom espouses abstinence. As a result of this discrepancy, Justin is totally confused.
4. Discuss the rules with your children. Explain your position calmly, and be prepared to back up your ideas. Remember, things have changed a great deal since you were your children’s age. Listen carefully to your children. Particularly the oldest, who usually has the toughest time because he or she is a trailblazer for those who follow.
5. Rules must be geared to the ability of the child to handle responsibility. Development in adolescence is uneven not only physically, but also emotionally. One 16-year-old may be able to manage a flexible curfew, but another may not be mature enough. If rules are not followed, parents must first examine their own roles, expectations and motivations. Are they contributing to the problem? Are the demands arbitrary and unreachable? Example: Vulgar language. What kind of language do the parents use? If every word out of their mouth is filthy or offensive, there’s a strong probability the children will develop the same habit. Racist Behavior. Children aren’t born with prejudices, they are learned from parents and other adults. If you detest minorities, your attitude will reflect that view.
6. Let children know who’s in charge. Parents who are afraid of their children and let them run amuck are bound to have problems. Unlike prior generations, a barrage of laws protect today’s youth, which makes it difficult for parents to dispense discipline. Despite the legal process, parents should make it clear that they are in charge, and children as long as they are under their roof are obliged to obey the rules.
7. Avoid hostile confrontations. Create an atmosphere where troubling situations are expressed with positive reinforcement. If parents discover their daughter is using drugs they should refrain from losing control. Instead, they should remain calm and point out the dangers of substance abuse. After explaining your position, seek professional help. If the child refuses to undergo treatment, as a parent you are required to see that she is admitted to a chemical dependency program within 36 hours.
8. Never tag a child with the worthless label. According to experts, children are very impressionable. If a youngster is repeatedly told he is no good, he will act in accordance with that image. Thus, he begins to live up to that reputation and is more likely to get into trouble. Defiant behavior is often used to get attention or to test limits.
9. Always deal with your child with understanding. Children react to fairness. However, it is OK to be angry if your anger is motivated by your concern for their safety. It is your job to protect them however parents should not protect their children if they commit a serious crime. If a child is found guilty of stealing or destroying public property, he or she should be given the punishment befitting the crime.
10. Treat each child equally. Avoid paying too much attention to one child, while purposely ignoring the other. Remember that each child is born with unique abilities, unlike anyone else. Learn to appreciate each child’s talent and individuality. If parents follow these suggestions, perhaps unruly behavior will become a thing of the past, rather than a trend of the future.



Proud Mama To

Sixty-four percent of online teens say that most teens do things online that they wouldn’t want their parents to know about.

Take a moment and think about all the technology your teen uses on a regular basis. Computers, televisions, cell phones, gaming devices, “Blackberries,” and iPods may come to the top of your mind. Have you ever asked yourself, “What does my teen do with all this ‘stuff’?” That’s a VERY good question! You’ve probably seen your teen doing homework, Instant Messaging (IM’ing) friends and listening to an iPod all at the same time. Multi-tasking at its finest—or is it?
It can be overwhelming to keep up with all of these advanced technologies. If you haven’t paid enough attention to your teen’s media and technology activities because you don’t understand what they are doing, if you’re intimidated by these new technologies, or you fear intruding on your teen’s privacy, then this “Teens and Technology” section is a must-read.
A good place to start is Digital Technology 101, which provides parents with simple information to help you understand new technologies and monitor your teen’s digital activities in the interest of safety.

While technology offers many positive things, like connectedness and information, those same attributes, if misused, can also be quite harmful. Without the proper guidance and monitoring, teens can be lured into a sphere of digital and real-world dangers. Just as you monitor where your teens go and with whom they spend their time, so, too, you should be monitoring their digital activities.
Perhaps you are already aware of the risks facing your teen through new communication technologies and have taken steps to protect your kids. If not, try going to your Internet browser, select a search engine (popular ones are Google, AOL and Yahoo), and type in the word “MARIJUANA.” Notice what sites come to the top of the list. Some links are to anti-drug Web sites, such as this one, TheAntiDrug.com. But an overwhelming number of others promote marijuana and general drug and alcohol use with great enthusiasm. For example, when you type “How to Beat a Drug Test” into a Google search, it takes less than one half of a second to see a list of 19,000 citations. Searching for “Grow Marijuana” takes even less time and retrieves 156,000 citations.

"My friends and I ordered some 'legal marijuana' [sic. smoking herbs] online, which was terrible. I also learned how to make things from LSD to beer." SEAN, age 17

In the cyber “neighborhood,” teens can purchase prescription drugs without a prescription, then turn around and sell them to their peers at school. They can quickly access information about how much cough syrup a person can take based on his/her weight in order to get and maintain a “high” feeling, or find Web sites that encourage eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. And with a few quick clicks of a mouse, they can also download music, movies, and videos with pro-drug messages or themes.
Chances are your teen not only has access to a computer, but a cell phone and possibly a hand-held device (like a Blackberry), too. Do you know how they are using these items? Here’s what one 17-year-old, currently in treatment for drug addiction, revealed: “My cell phone was the most important tool for me to get drugs. I kept all of my drug dealers’ names in my phone book on my cell phone and would sometimes put them under other names so nobody could find out.”
Remember, parents are the most important influence in their child’s life and the biggest barrier against risky behaviors, such as drug use. Learn what you need to in order to be a part of their world…including their technological world!






Proud Mama To

Michele's kindergarten class performing Grand Ol' Flag

Proud Mama To

Now THIS is what childhood is all about!

Proud Mama To

Recalls

This message consists of the following:

1. Claire's Recalls Children's Metal Necklaces Due to Risk of Lead Exposure (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09039.html)

2. CPSC Public Calendar Vol. XXXVI No. 6 (http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html)

**************************************************

1. Claire's Recalls Children's Metal Necklaces Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2008
Release #09-039

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 859-9281
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Claire's Recalls Children's Metal Necklaces Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Best Friends Yin Yang Necklaces Sets

Units: About 67,000

Importer: Claire's Boutiques Inc., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled necklaces contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a set of two necklaces that have a silver-colored metal bead type chain and a lobster-claw clasp. One of the necklaces has a single, metal pendant with the word "Best" attached to a black, yin metal pendant. The other necklace has the word "Friends" attached to a white, yang metal pendant.

Sold at: Claire's stores nationwide from April 2007 through August 2008 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled products away from children and return them to any Claire's store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Claire's at (866) 859-9281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web sites at www.claires.com

Note: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by the Illinois Attorney General.

To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09039.html

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2. CPSC Public Calendar Vol. XXXVI No. 6

CPSC Public Calendar
Vol. XXXVI No. 6

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Bethesda, Maryland 20814

November 5, 2008

Commission Agendas

There are no Commission briefings or Commission meetings scheduled for the week of November 10, 2008. For a recorded message concerning the latest agenda information call (301) 504-7948.

Meetings Between Commission Staff and Outside Parties

All meetings listed below are open to the public unless otherwise stated. For information on a specific meeting or to attend a meeting, please call the contact person listed for that meeting.

Abbreviations: we use asterisks (*) to identify meetings for the current week which have not appeared before in the printed Public Calendar. If the meeting involves discussion of a "substantial interest matter," defined by CPSC's Meetings Policy, we show the date when we posted notice of the meeting on the Master Calendar. The Master Calendar is in the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, telephone (301) 504-7923. We indicate whether a meeting is of substantial interest by the symbol (S); we use the symbol (N) to indicate non-substantial interest meetings. The Commission offices are located in the Bethesda Towers Building, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland.

Under the Meetings Policy, a staff person holding or attending a substantial interest meeting must file a log of the meeting with the Office of the Secretary within 20 days.

Week of November 10 thru November 16

Wednesday, November 12

Bob Ochsman and Tonya Smith-Jackson, Directorate for Engineering Sciences/Human Factors; Richard O'Brien and Laurie Hopkins, Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs; and Andy Stadnik, Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, meeting with Eric Shaver, Senior Consultant with Benchmark Research and Safety of Boise, Idaho to discuss Mr. Shaver's recent meetings in China as a representative of the Idaho Governor's Trade Mission; Bethesda Towers, room 717 and CPSC Lab. For additional information contact Bob Ochsman, (301) 504-7686.

Thursday, November 13

*Patricia Pollitzer, Office of the General Counsel, John Murphy, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, and John Boja, Office of Compliance and Field Operations, meeting with representatives from the Portable Fuel Container Manufacturer's Association (PFCMA) to discuss new requirements for child resistant portable gasoline containers; 10:00 a.m., Bethesda Towers, room 715. The meeting was requested by the PFCMA. For additional information contact John Murphy, (301) 504-7541. Posted on Master Calendar 10/30/08. (S)

Thursday, November 13

*Kristina Hatlelid, Directorate for Health Sciences, giving a presentation to a University of Pennsylvania environmental studies class on regulation of chemicals in consumer products; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. For additional information contact Kristina Hatlelid, (301) 504-7254. (N)

Thursday, November 13

CPSC staff from the Directorate of Engineering Sciences attending a meeting with Ian Thomas from the Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia to discuss the role of location on the effectiveness of smoke alarms; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Bethesda Towers, room 410 B/C. For additional information contact Arthur Lee, (301) 504-7539 or email: alee@cpsc.gov. (S)

Future

Tuesday and Wednesday, November 18-19

Acting Chairman Nancy Nord, Gib Mullan, Director, Office of Compliance and Field Operations, and Richard O'Brien, Director, Office of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs, attending and participating in the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization's (ICPHSO) 4th European Meeting and Training Symposium; Brussels, Belgium. For additional information contact Frederica Clair, (301) 504- 7522. (S)

Thursday, December 4

This meeting will review the new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) with regard to phthalates, including, but not limited to, the scope of products covered, test methods to determine phthalate levels and the use of phthalates in children's products more generally; 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Bethesda Towers, 4th Floor Hearing Room 420. Pre- registration is required. The meeting will also be available live via webcast. For registration and additional information visit, http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/phth.aspx

Addendum

Meeting notices printed in this section did not reach the Office of the Secretary in time to meet the Tuesday noon deadline for the previously printed Public Calendar. Under the CPSC Meetings Policy, however, staff persons, including Commissioners, can meet the seven-day notice requirement by placing notice of the meeting on the Master Calendar at least seven days before the meeting. The Master Calendar is in the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, Bethesda Towers Building.

In addition, the policy allows the Office of General Counsel to waive the seven-day notice requirements of meetings of the staff personnel, and individual Commissioners can waive the requirements for themselves and their personal staff.

Friday, October 31

Acting Chairman Nancy Nord spoke before the National Association of Manufacturers regarding the new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA); 11:00 a.m., 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. The invitation was extended by Jim Neill. For additional information contact Autumn Moore, (301) 504-7040 or e-mail: amoore@cpsc.gov. Posted on Master Calendar 11/4/08.

To see the public calendar on the website, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.




Proud Mama To

Positive parenting idea of the day

When you model and teach wise money management, your children have a better chance of becoming financially successful.  When you also share with them the fact that you give money to charities, causes , and disaster relief, you show them that that money can be used for humanitarian as well as personal purposes.

-- Kerby T. Alvy, The Positive Parent: Raising Healthy, Happy and Successful Children, Birth through Adolescence.

 



Proud Mama To

Recalls

This message consists of the following:

1. Sherwin-Williams Co. Recalls Krylon UV Fabric Protector Due to Respiratory Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09036.html)

2. Toy Xylophones Recalled by King Import Warehouse Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09037.html)

3. OKK Trading Recalls Toy TVs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09038.html)

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1. Sherwin-Williams Co. Recalls Krylon UV Fabric Protector Due to Respiratory Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2008
Release #09-036

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 304-3769
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Sherwin-Williams Co. Recalls Krylon UV Fabric Protector Due to Respiratory Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Krylon "Outdoor Spaces" UV Fabric Protector

Units: About 75,000

Manufacturer: The Sherwin-Williams Co., of Cleveland, Ohio

Hazard: Overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist from the product can pose a serious respiratory hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Sherwin-Williams has received one report of an incident involving a consumer who experienced coughing and difficulty breathing requiring overnight hospitalization.

Description: The recall involves Krylon "Outdoor Spaces" UV Fabric Protector, which is an aerosol coating used to protect fabric. The part number (#2900) is printed above the UPC (724504029007) on the side of the can. The front of the 11-ounce aerosol can is tan with a picture of a patio containing outdoor furniture. "UV Fabric Protector" and "Outdoor Spaces" are also printed on the front of the can.

Sold at: Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware and other retail stores nationwide from January 2006 through September 2008 for about $7.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Sherwin-Williams toll-free at (888) 304-3769 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.sherwin-williams.com or www.krylon.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09036.html

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2. Toy Xylophones Recalled by King Import Warehouse Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2008
Release #09-037

Firm's Recall Hotline: (972) 241-5464
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Toy Xylophones Recalled by King Import Warehouse Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Toy Xylophones

Units: About 144

Importer: King Import Warehouse, of Dallas, Texas

Hazard: Surface paint on the toy xylophone contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a miniature toy xylophone with item number KW20119. The toy xylophone measures about 12 inches long by 5 inches wide. It has a lavender frame, a lavender mallet, and four bars which are orange, yellow, green, and white. The item number can be found on the packaging.

Sold at: Dollar Zone "giant", Sam 99 Cent Store, and 99 Cents Mart in Texas from December 2007 through February 2008 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and return them to Dollar Zone "giant", Sam 99 Cent Store, and 99 Cents Mart in Texas for a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call King Import Warehouse collect at (972) 241-5464 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09037.html

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3. OKK Trading Recalls Toy TVs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2008
Release #09-038

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 655-8697
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

OKK Trading Recalls Toy TVs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: "Mini-Televisor" Toys

Units: About 2,100

Importer: OKK Trading, of Los Angeles, Calif.

Hazard: Surface coating on the toy television could contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a plastic TV toy. This plastic TV toy has a microphone and is powered by 2 AA size batteries. There is a "TV Painting Board" sticker label on the front panel and carrying handle of the toy.

Sold at: OKK Trading's Web site at www.okktoys.com from July 2008 through September 2008 for about $1.

Manufactured in: Hong Kong

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact OKK Trading for a refund or an exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OKK Trading toll-free at (877) 655-8697 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.okktoys.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09038.html



********************************************************

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.



Proud Mama To

Day one of NaBloPoMo!

Today is the first day of National Blog Posting Month! I know I have signed up for Blog 365 (Still need to transfer those posts ugh!) But this is what started it all! 
Happy posting!
   

Proud Mama To

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is just a few days away. Amidst pumpkin carving and putting the finishing touch on your Halloween décor, make some time to plan your kids’ Halloween experience. A little planning and some Proactive Teaching can help make this a fun and safe Halloween for everyone. Here are a few helpful hints for a Happy Halloween.

Costumes: Most store bought costumes are made of lightweight material. If necessary, buy the costume a size larger so that your little Barbie Princess or Star Wars Storm Trooper can wear warm clothing underneath. And if the temperature drops low enough, kids may need to wear a coat, gloves and a hat over their costume. Other costume do’s:

• Wear reflective clothing or a glow-stick necklace or bracelets.
• Wear sturdy shoes, even if they don’t match the costume.
• Props should be made of plastic or other flexible material.
• Make sure child can walk in the costume. Costumes that drag on the ground or are too bulky to move in cause problems.
• Masks and/or makeup should not block vision. If need be, pull mask up when walking between houses.

Trick or Treating with Younger Kids: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or older teen. Know what your child can handle and plan your route accordingly. Planning for details beforehand can prevent tears and temper tantrums later. A few other pre-trick or treating tips:

• Have your child eat dinner before trick or treating.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Only go to houses that are lit.
• Before leaving the house (and perhaps a few times along the way) proactively teach your children to:
  • Stay together and in sight of adults.
  • Walk only on sidewalks. Don’t cut across yards.
  • Stop at street corners and wait for adult to cross with you.
  • How to Trick or Treat: Ring doorbell, Say “Trick or Treat”, Wait your turn,
    Say “Thank You!”

Trick or Treating for Older Kids: How old is too old to Trick or Treat? The people of Belleville, Ill., decided Halloween is for small children. Mayor Mark W. Eckert recently signed an ordinance banning kids older than 8th grade from Trick or Treating. The Mayor and Police Chief expect parents to explain and enforce the new rule to trick or treat-minded teens, reminding them that officers patrolling Halloween night will send older trick-or-treaters home. If teens don’t comply, parents can be fined $25.

Whether or not you agree with the people of Bellville, the story reminds us that even, and sometimes especially, older Trick or Treaters need adult guidance as well as a few rules in order to have a safe and happy Halloween. If you do allow older Trick or Treaters to go out alone, make sure they follow all the guidelines mentioned and that they also:

• Go with and stay with a group.
• Carry a cell phone and a flashlight.
• Plan and inform you of their route before they leave.
• Know the rules (where they can go, use manners like “please” and “thank you,” what time to be home or check in) as well as the consequences if they fail to follow the rules.

Check the Bag: When trick or treating is done, it’s time to dig in, right? Let younger and older kids alike know that for their safety, you’ll be checking the contents before anything is eaten. Even though it’s rare for unsafe items to be found in a trick or treater’s bag, it can happen. In this case it’s much better to be safe than sorry. It’s also good to set a limit on how much candy can be consumed at a time. Have kids pick out a few favorite goodies to eat that night and put the rest away for another day.

Following these simple but important guidelines can help young and old alike enjoy a happy, healthy and safe Halloween!


Proud Mama To

Here is my Tuesday toot!

We are expecting our 4th baby in June! Yes, after this, we will take measures to make sure that there are no more!

Proud Mama To

Turn Off TV To Teach Toddlers New Words

Toddlers learn their first words better from people than from Teletubbies, according to new research at Wake Forest University.

Children younger than 22 months may be entertained, but they do not learn words from the television program, said Marina Krcmar, associate professor of communication at Wake Forest and author of the study.
"With the tremendous success of programs such as 'Teletubbies' that target very young children, it has become important to understand what very young children are taking away from these programs," Krcmar said. "We would like to think it could work, that Teletubbies and other programs can teach initial language skills. That is not true."
In the study, Krcmar evaluated the ability of children ages 15 -- 24 months to learn new words when the words were presented as part of a "Teletubbies" program. She then evaluated their ability to learn the new words from an adult speaker in the same room with them.
Children younger than 22 months did not accurately identify an object when taught the new word by the television program, but they were readily able to connect the word with the object when the word was presented by an adult standing in front of them, she said.
"During the early stages of language acquisition, and for children who still have fewer than 50-word vocabularies, toddlers learn more from an adult speaker than they do from a program such as 'Teletubbies,'" Krcmar said.
The results of this study have important implications for language acquisition. It indicates exposure to language via television is insufficient for teaching language to very young children. To learn new words, children must be actively engaged in the process with responsive language teachers.
"We have known for years that children ages 3 and older can learn from programs like 'Sesame Street,'" Krcmar said. But, it seems television programming for children under the age of 2 does not help build vocabulary.

The results confirm the recommendation of the Academy of Pediatrics to avoid television for children under 2 years old.
As part of the study, Krcmar also found that the children were just as attentive to an adult speaker on the small screen as they were to the Teletubbies characters. And, the children identified the target words more successfully in response to a video of an adult speaker than to the Teletubbies.
"The idea that television can help teach young children their first words is a parent's dream, but one not supported by this research," she said.
The study was published in the June 21 issue of Media Psychology.




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Recall

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2008
Release #09-003

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 934-4497
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Necklaces, CD and MP3 Players Sold at Limited Too and Justice Stores Recalled by Tween Brands Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Children's Ball and Heart Necklaces, Portable CD and MP3 Players

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio

Hazard: Surface coatings on these products could contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a Ball and Heart Necklace with pink beads of varying sizes and a pink heart located in the center; a Portable CD Player with flowers and dots available in blue and pink; a pink MP3 Player with purple, green, blue, yellow, and red hearts; and a light blue MP3 Player with a picture of a monkey's face on the front.

Sold at: Limited Too and Justice retail stores nationwide, the Limited Too catazine (catalog), and on www.limitedtoo.com from May 2007 through August 2008. The Ball and Heart Necklace sold for about $8, the Portable CD Players sold for about $25, and the MP3 Players sold for about $55.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled products away from children and return them to any Limited Too or Justice store for a full refund and a coupon for a 15% discount off a future purchase.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Tween Brands at (800) 934-4497 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web sites at www.limitedtoo.com and www.shopjustice.com

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

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Baby Einsteins: Not So Smart After All

The claim always seemed too good to be true: park your infant in front of a video and, in no time, he or she will be talking and getting smarter than the neighbor's kid. In the latest study on the effects of popular videos such as the "Baby Einstein" and "Brainy Baby" series, researchers find that these products may be doing more harm than good. And they may actually delay language development in toddlers.


Led by Frederick Zimmerman and Dr. Dimitri Christakis, both at the University of Washington, the research team found that with every hour per day spent watching baby DVDs and videos, infants learned six to eight fewer new vocabulary words than babies who never watched the videos. These products had the strongest detrimental effect on babies 8 to 16 months old, the age at which language skills are starting to form. "The more videos they watched, the fewer words they knew," says Christakis. "These babies scored about 10% lower on language skills than infants who had not watched these videos."

It's not the first blow to baby videos, and likely won't be the last. Mounting evidence suggests that passive screen sucking not only doesn't help children learn, but could also set back their development. Last spring, Christakis and his colleagues found that by three months, 40% of babies are regular viewers of DVDs, videos or television; by the time they are two years old, almost 90% are spending two to three hours each day in front of a screen. Three studies have shown that watching television, even if it includes educational programming such as Sesame Street, delays language development. "Babies require face-to-face interaction to learn," says Dr. Vic Strasburger, professor of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. "They don't get that interaction from watching TV or videos. In fact, the watching probably interferes with the crucial wiring being laid down in their brains during early development." Previous studies have shown, for example, that babies learn faster and better from a native speaker of a language when they are interacting with that speaker instead of watching the same speaker talk on a video screen. "Even watching a live person speak to you via television is not the same thing as having that person in front of you," says Christakis.

This growing evidence led the Academy to issue its recommendation in 1999 that no child under two years old watch any television. The authors of the new study might suggest reading instead: children who got daily reading or storytelling time with their parents showed a slight increase in language skills.

Though the popular baby videos and DVDs in the Washington study were designed to stimulate infants' brains, not necessarily to promote language development, parents generally assume that the products' promises to make their babies smarter include improvement of speaking skills. But, says Christakis, "the majority of the videos don't try to promote language; they have rapid scene changes and quick edits, and no appearance of the 'parent-ese' type of speaking that parents use when talking to their babies."

As far as Christakis and his colleagues can determine, the only thing that baby videos are doing is producing a generation of overstimulated kids. "There is an assumption that stimulation is good, so more is better," he says. "But that's not true; there is such a thing as overstimulation." His group has found that the more television children watch, the shorter their attention spans later in life. "Their minds come to expect a high level of stimulation, and view that as normal," says Christakis, "and by comparison, reality is boring."


He and other experts worry that the proliferation of these products will continue to displace the one thing that babies need in the first months of life — face time with human beings. "Every interaction with your child is meaningful," says Christakis. "Time is precious in those early years, and the newborn is watching you, and learning from everything you do." So just talk to them; they're listening.




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Evaluating Children In Preschools And Early Childhood Programs

Growing interest in publicly funded programs for young children has drawn attention to whether and how Head Start and other early childhood programs should be asked to prove their worth.

Congress asked the National Research Council for guidance on how to identify important outcomes for children from birth to age 5 and how best to assess them in preschools, child care, and other early childhood programs.
The Research Council's new report concludes that well-planned assessments can inform teaching and efforts to improve programs and can contribute to better outcomes for children, but poor assessments or misuse of the results can harm both children and programs.  The report offers principles to guide the design, implementation, and use of assessments in early childhood settings.  
Federal agencies, states, school systems, and other organizations that evaluate early childhood programs or the children they serve should make the purpose of any assessment explicit and public in advance, the report says.  For example, a state should specify whether an assessment will be used to help teachers gauge the progress of individual children or to help public agencies decide whether to continue a program's funding.
"The goal of the assessment should guide the choice of the assessment tools used, and assessments that will have widespread effects should meet high standards of rigor and validity," said Catherine Snow, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University and chair of the committee that wrote the report.  "For example, using a standardized test with a sample of children in a program would be suitable if the goal was to determine whether the program is bringing children closer to national norms, but if the purpose is to guide instruction within a specific classroom, a nonstandardized assessment linked to the curriculum would be appropriate."
Effective assessment must be part of a larger system with a strong infrastructure to support children's care and education, the report says.  Facets of this system should include clearly articulated standards for what children should learn and what constitutes a quality program.  Other aspects include professional development opportunities, training to familiarize policymakers, teachers, and administrators with standards and assessments, and continuous monitoring to ensure that all elements of the system are working together to serve the interests of the children.
The report urges extreme caution in basing high-stakes decisions -- such as determining whether a program will receive continued funding or whether a child is eligible for services because of an identified disability -- on assessments of young children.  Models such as those set forth in the No Child Left Behind Act strive to link yearly progress assessments to explicitly defined academic content areas for children in grades three through 12.  It would be inappropriate to borrow this model unchanged and apply it to early childhood settings, the committee said, because well-defined academic content areas are not characteristic of excellent care and education for younger children.
Cutting a program's funding or imposing other negative consequences based on assessments of the participating children should happen only under certain conditions -- if the program has been given enough resources to meet expectations, for example, and if the level of children's development when they entered the program has been taken into account.  Child assessment results should never be the only information considered.  And a program should not be closed or restructured if doing so would have worse consequences for children than leaving it open, the report adds.
Likewise, decisions to penalize a teacher should never rest solely on findings from assessments of students in his or her classroom, without considering children's starting points, how the test is related to the curriculum, and whether the teacher has adequate support, professional development, and other resources.
Programs' quality should be evaluated based not only on how they affect children's academic skills such as language and mathematics, but also on whether they improve other important aspects of child development, such as social and emotional skills, the report says.  While good measures of certain outcomes -- such as literacy and language development -- currently exist, tools to assess other abilities such as problem-solving and creativity remain underdeveloped, and more effort will be required to improve their quality.
In addition, the report notes, some assessment measures have only been tested with populations that do not represent the diversity of children enrolled in today's early childhood programs.  Care should be used in assessing the status or progress of young children with special needs and those for whom English is a second language, because many existing instruments have not demonstrated their validity for these groups.
The report was sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council make up the National Academies.  They are private, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under a congressional charter.  The Research Council is the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.



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