Archive for February, 2008
« Previous EntriesTriple Word Score
Thursday, February 28th, 2008If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!“Zed,” my daughter announced with an air of triumph. “Triple word score!”
She has learned zed is another name for the letter z. More importantly, she’s figured out it can be worth 39 points.
I used to think I was good […]
Belief in God Makes Kids Happy
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008A new study offers proof that belief in God is important for a child’s happiness.
The Canadian study from the University of British Columbia asked kids ages 9 to 12 to rate the importance of such statements as: “I believe a higher power watches over me.”
The researchers compared each child’s answers with parents’ and teachers’ assessments […]
Splatter Art in the Kitchen
Monday, February 25th, 2008With several recent rounds of ice and sleet, my nature-loving family has spent more time indoors lately. When the inevitable boredom set in late last week, the kids and I turned to a library book about famous artists and their work.
My son and daughter were fascinated by the story of Vincent van Gogh cutting off […]
Coming of age
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008“I heard someone say 30 is the new 20,” my 10-year-old son remarked the other day. “And that 40 is the new 30.”
He paused thoughtfully.
“I guess that means 20 must be the new 10… So what does that make me?”
It was a cute question, but it got me thinking. Judging from images of little girls […]
Does bad parenting cause brain damage?
Monday, February 18th, 2008Here’s one more bit of evidence regarding the important role parents play in their children’s lives.
Kids who don’t enjoy good early relationships with their parents may have altered brain development, a neurology researcher says.
A study of children between the ages of 4 and 8 found obvious physical changes over time in brain scans of kids […]
Are American families staying inside to play?
Saturday, February 16th, 2008Public use of our nation’s parks and forests has decreased by 25 percent over the past decade, according to a University of Illinois study published this week.
The researchers blame the decline of outdoor involvement on today’s electronic lifestyle. An increasing number of people, they say, are choosing Xbox and TiVo over activities like camping and […]
This valentine is for the birds
Wednesday, February 13th, 2008It’s that time of year. I’ve been sweeping up bits of paper, dried paint and glitter for days in the wake of my 9-year-old daughter’s valentine-making marathon. In addition to the human members of the family, she has created cards for the dog, cat and parakeets.
Just when I thought it was winding down yesterday afternoon, […]
Embracing good enough
Wednesday, February 13th, 2008In honor of Valentine’s Day tomorrow, I am republishing an article that appeared last year in TPE magazine.
The first-grade teacher’s request seemed simple enough. Each child was to decorate a slotted box to take to school for Valentine’s Day.
“If you don’t have time to do a box, a paper lunch sack will work fine,” the […]
Letter to Hollywood: Stop hawking toxic films to toddlers
Saturday, February 9th, 2008What’s Hollywood thinking, marketing PG-13 movies to preschoolers?
That’s what a coalition of 21 advocacy groups is asking the Motion Picture Association of America. A letter written last month by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood urges the MPAA to restrict advertising of PG-13 films on children’s television; prohibit restaurant toy giveaways or other food promotions […]
IM and chat rooms pose risks to kids
Thursday, February 7th, 2008Parents concerned about social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace shouldn’t overlook the dangers associated with chat rooms and instant messaging, a report released this week warns.
Corresponding through chat rooms and IM may pose an even greater risk to youngsters than interacting with social networking sites, according to a study by Internet Solutions for Kids, […]
