This topic is not new.  With the expansion of cable networks, Internet and video games, our kids/teens are spending more time in front of “screens.”  Whether it is a television – computer – or cell phone – more and more kids, starting younger in age, are spending more time “watching” rather than reading.  What can we do to promote reading?  Learn more in this article from Connect with Kids and some great parenting tips.

Source: Connect with Kids

TV Inhibits Reading

“Television just presents material. It doesn’t question it. It’s the questioning and the understanding that the kids really need.”

– Suzanne Starkey, M.D., Psychiatrist

<!–a href="#" target="_blank"></a–>According to the latest Neilsen survey, the average 11-year-old watches more than 28 hours of television a week; the average five-year-old- 32 hours a week. And new research suggests that all those hours have an impact on their vocabulary.

Like most children, Zachary and his little sister, Brooklyn, like to watch television.

“Usually I watch Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Animal Planet,” says Zachary. Brooklyn’s favorite show: “Sponge Bob.”

The children’s parents try to set limits – usually an hour of television a day, sometimes more on the weekends.

“I do think too much is not good because you are just kind of brain dead when you are watching TV. A little of the right thing can actually be okay,” says Lisa Busman, Zachary and Brooklyn’s mother.

A University of Washington study finds that the more TV that a baby watches, the smaller their vocabulary. In fact, for every hour of TV, a child learns six to eight fewer words compared to babies who never watch TV at all.

Psychiatrist Dr. Suzanne Starkey explains, “Television just presents material. It doesn’t question it. It’s the questioning and the understanding that the kids really need.”

She says the same rules apply to videos that claim to be educational. To learn, babies require face to face interaction. “When we’re learning about language, the back and forth interaction between mother and child is very important. That’s where the child will learn sounds, and that’s where the child will learn some degree of inflection.”

Experts say instead of passive activities, children of all ages are better served by being active – playing, learning an instrument, spending time with family, and of course reading, which is exactly what Brooklyn and Zachary love to do.

Nearly 40 years ago, a critic dubbed television a “vast wasteland.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is weighing in with its own opinion. AAP officials released statements that say television can have negative long-term effects, such as weight problems and lack of creativity, on children.

Nancy Beyer has pulled the cable at home and bans all television on weekends for her 12-year-old daughter.

“It makes me use my imagination more than lots of kids do,” says Beyer’s daughter, Jessica.

Although Jessica’s mother hopes that the television ban will nudge her daughter to become more sociable, Jessica admits at times the opposite is true. She says she feels excluded at school when other kids are discussing what shows were on and she has to remind them that “we don’t have cable.”

Some experts say that by dismissing television, parents may miss some key teaching opportunities with their kids. Dr. Vincent Ho, a psychiatrist, says that parents should not let the television become a passive experience but should use it to stimulate discussion. He suggests that even bad television can be a good learning tool and that many opportunities to discuss what is going on exist.

Tips for Parents

A study completed by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 57% of parents with preschool children believe that television has done more good than harm. However, the opinions were different among parents with children aged 6 to 11. Their opinions were primarily based on the belief that a lack of quality programs for older children exists.

Based on its study, the AAP makes three major recommendations for children and television viewing:

• Children under 2 years old should not watch television. Children under 2 need to receive stimuli from interaction with older people for proper brain development.
• Older children should not have television sets in their bedrooms. By keeping televisions in common areas of the house, you are better able to monitor your child’s viewing.
• Pediatricians should have parents fill out “media history” forms along with medical history information. Spending too much time in front of the television (video games, computers, etc.), can lead to physical health issues, such as obesity. And in younger kids, it may contribute to the lack of development in cognitive skills.

While watching television can jumpstart discussions with your child, it is important that you encourage your child in other active and educational endeavors. The Medical College of Wisconsin offers the following advice for limiting your child’s television and other media intake:

• Ask your child to tell you what his or her favorite shows are and together predetermine which ones he or she will watch on a regular basis.
• Set limits to time spent on the computer when not engaged in schoolwork. More than one to two hours per day is excessive.
• Help your child to structure the rest of his or her time by looking for opportunities in the community, such as after-school sports, school-based clubs, scouting and school or community artistic endeavors (band, orchestra, etc.).
• Make frequent trips to the library and help your child choose age-appropriate books to read.
• Play games or sports with your child.
• Last but not least, set a good example by limiting your own television time.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Annenberg Public Policy Center
• Extreme Learning Center
• Medical College of Wisconsin
• Neilsen Survey

Part 7 of my sneak peek into Dr. Michele Borba’s world!  Actually into her BIG BOOK of Parenting Solutions, we will explore a characteristic in teens and children I hear from parents a lot – DEFIANCE!

Labels, labels and more labels.  Today we will talk about a common label “ODD” also known as Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Red Flags

Constantly resists your simplest requests, questions authority, pushes every limit; is blatantly disrespectful, noncompliant.

Turn to pages 76-85 and be prepared to learn all you ever wanted to know about defiant behavior.  This includes signs and symptoms, how to change and why to change, and most important early intervention as well as detailed steps to help you be an educated parent.  Michele Borba offers great advice and resources to help you help your child.

Could Your Child Have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Although all children will display a defiant streak and try pushing the limits every now and then, when such behaviors persist for at least every day for six months and are intense, they may be signs of a condition called Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  The American Psychiatric Association estimates that about 16 percent of American kids have this condition.  These kids relentlessly push the boundaries set for them by authority figures, and consistently use bad language, talk back, and refuse to comply.  If you have concerns about your child, seek the advice of a trained mental health evaluator.  If your child repeatedly displays any of these behaviors and you feel your parenting is not effective, see help ASAP.

• Is physically aggressive with people and animals
• Destroys property
• Has problems with the law or flagrantly violates rules
• Runs away
• Starts fires

Next sneak peek: Sibling Rivalry! (you don’t want to miss this one!)

Previous sneak peeks: (1) Gratitude Recipes: Big Book of Parenting Solutions, (2) Parenting 101: Ungrateful teens and children (3) Seven Deadly Parenting Styles, (4) Sex Talk with your Children, (5) Gifted children, (6) Money and your kids, (7) Oppositional Defiant Disorder, (8) Sibling Rivalry, (9) Overweight teens and children

For those that don’t have time to read, this is the perfect book for you since it is not the type of book you sit down to read. As parenting questions come up, you can go straight to the index and find the page number. Immediately you will see the pages divided by boxes, quick tips and advice and easy to read and understand resources. Did I mention she also gives you proven research and statistics?

Order The BIG BOOK of Parenting Solutions today! Whether it is for yourself or as a gift, you won’t be disappointed.

Click here for more articles on parenting. Don’t forget to subscribe to my latest articles, and you won’t miss the sneak peeks inside this valuable book as well as other great tips, resources and stories.

Reminder: Holiday Safety Tips.

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It is always better to give than it is to receive.  We hear that a lot and for good reason.  It is true! 

This is such an important topic, there will be two parts to this article.  VolunteerSpot is a fantastic organization designed to help you give back to your community.  There are no more excuses!  During this holiday season, take the time to learn more about your neighborhood and what their needs are.

The founder of VolunteerSpot, Karen Bantuveris, recently took time to answer questions about her mission and hopefully will give you inspiration to take steps to help others this holiday season and all year round!

Part 1:

1. Why and when did you start VolunteerSpot?

I’m a working mom and when my daughter entered school I knew I wanted to be active in the classroom and with her Scout troop, etc. I wanted to quickly and easily schedule my volunteer commitments with the rest of my business calendar, but my inbox kept filling up with back and forth emails over how many cupcakes to bring to the class party or whose turn it is to help at recess or other really clutter some communication – I knew several parents that just said ‘take me off the list’ because of this.

It’s not that parents didn’t want to help, it’s that there wasn’t a good way to ask them – so that’s when I got the idea for VolunteerSpot.

We launched our ‘Early Edition’ in the Spring of 2009. What started as a tool to help my PTA in Austin, TX has grown to helping more than 100,000 volunteers participate in their communities across the country.

2. VolunteerSpot offers many resources. What do you feel people benefit most from your organization?

We save volunteer leaders time and frustration and get more people volunteering. Typically we hear that it’s always the same people volunteering at school, little league, library, etc. With VolunteerSpot, we make it easy for more parents to volunteer – because it’s so easy to find a spot on the schedule that fits in their busy lives. Open an email, click to the schedule, click a shift and you’ve found a volunteer job. Plus parents also love our automated reminders so they never forget what they signed up to help with.

3. How many different states have participated in VolunteerSpot and how can people join?

We’re currently serving volunteers in more than 40 states (and several countries)! Anyone can launch a VolunteerSpot sign up – it’s really easy to get started with our simple planning wizard. It’s been truly remarkable seeing all the wonderful ways folks find to use VolunteerSpot. In addition to helping parents and teachers coordinate volunteers at school and sports, we see congregations and nonprofits using us for their good work like after school mentoring programs, literacy outreach, community arts festivals, handicapped riding programs, building teams and community kitchens.

4. Do you charge any fees? Do you have sponsors?

VolunteerSpot is free for teachers and grassroots volunteer leaders. We ask that workplace volunteer teams, leagues and nonprofits with budget contribute to keep us free for groups that can’t afford us. Sponsors are important to our business and we’ll be adding new features soon to help them support the good work of our volunteers.

5. What motivates you and what inspired you to start this wonderful organization?

Professionally, I’m a business process expert. When I saw good people drop out of volunteering, and leaders burn out over frustrating communication obstacles, I just knew that there had to be a better way! By simplifying the volunteer experience, our tool has increased volunteer participation by more than 20%, reduced leader burnout and increased donations to the organization that use us!
 

Part 2 continues with how VolunteerSpot can help you! Click here.

Follow VolunteerSpot on Twitter @VolunteerSpot and get updates on their Blog.

Reminder: Holiday Safety Tips!

Article on Holiday Jobs and Volunteering for Teens.

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Parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba, recently released her BIG BOOK of Parenting Solutions, 101 Answers to your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. Part 3 in this huge book, which is formatted like a cookbook, she writes about “character.”

The parenting recipes in this book are priceless! As the holidays approach, it is time to share some of these family recipes - all thoroughly researched and proven delicious for today’s parenting. This book makes an excellent holiday gift for any parent raising kids today. There isn’t a parenting topic that is missed. This is not only a HUGE book, it is the manual the hospital should have handed out when your children were born.

Part of your child’s character should be gratitude. As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, let’s review some of Dr. Borba’s proven advice on character building with gratitude.  This is a sneak peek of inside the Big Book of Parenting Solutions:

Thank you ABCs. This one is great for younger kids to do at the dinner table. You and your kids say the alphabet together, but for each letter include something you are grateful for: A, Aunt Helen; B, my brother; C, my cat and so on. Take it up one notch by having the person explain why he is grateful. Families with small kids rarely get beyond H, but the point is that you’re having fun together, and your kids are also learning to be appreciative. Older kids can reveal one thing they are grateful for that happened to them during the day and why.
Prayers of thanksgiving. Say a prayer of thanks together before meals. Some families take turns so that each night a different member leads the prayer.

Bedtime family blessings. Each child exchanges messages of appreciation for one another, followed by a goodnight hug and kiss.

Gratitude letters. Your child writes a letter to someone who has made a positive difference in his life but whom he has probably not thanked properly in the past (such as his teacher, coach, scoutmaster, or grandparent). Research shows that to maximize the impact, your child should read the letter to the person face to face. If the person lives far away, videotape your child reading the note and send it to the recipient, or have the child read his not over the phone.

Gratitude journals. Younger kids can draw or dictate things they are most grateful for; older kids can write in a diary or in a computer. Just remember to start one for yourself or for your family. Research show that your kids should write something they feel grateful for four times a week and continue for at least three weeks.

Focus on giving, not getting. Involve your child in the process of choosing, making and wrapping gifts. Give your kid the honor of handing out the presents to relatives during the holidays and giving a thank-you gift to the hostess, teacher, or coach. Switching the emphasis from the role of the getter to that of the giver may help your child recognize the effort and thoughtfulness that goes into selecting those gifts.

This is only a fraction of Michele Borba’s BIG BOOK of Parenting Solutions, she also states that practicing gratitude 365 days a year is what is important, not just at the holidays. Order this book today, whether for yourself or as a holiday gift and get ready to be blown away at all the valuable information you will read.

For those busy parents that don’t have time to read, this is the perfect book for you since it is not the type of book you sit down to read. As parenting questions come up, you can go straight to the index and find the page number. Immediately you will see the pages divided by boxes, quick tips and advice and easy to read and understand resources.  Did I mention she also lists proven statistics? 

Coming soon, more sneak peeks inside this Big Book of Parenting Solutions.  You will soon see you need this book in your kitchen, I mean library! 

Part 2 –  How do you handle “ungrateful” children? Click here.

Part 3 – Seven Deadly Parenting Styles

Click here for more articles on parenting.  Don’t forget to subscribe to my latest articles, and you won’t miss the sneak peeks inside this valuable book as well as other great tips, resources and stories.

Reminder:  Holiday Safety Tips!

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One of today’s largest challenges for parents keeping up with their kids technology.  Whether you have  teen that is wandering through areas of the web they shouldn’t be, or kids that are landing in chatrooms that are extremely risky, as a parent you need to be ten steps ahead of them.

Here are some great articles, tips, resources and more to help you be informed about parenting in the digital age.

Chatroom Safety Tips

Cyber Safety Awareness

Social Web Tips for Teens

Social Web Tips for Parents

Cell Phone Safety Tips

Teen Internet Addiction

Internet Predators

Maintaining Your Online Image

Yoursphere Safety

Mothers Against Predators

Internet Safety and Guidance Counselors

Click here to learn more about the author.

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One in 7 American … 32 million … can’t read according to a new study released by the U.S. Department of Education. And some among those millions are hiding their illiteracy from their family, friends and their teachers.

They can’t read, but they’re brilliant at keeping it a secret.

Chad, 18, was one of them. He remembers the embarrassment he felt in the 5th grade. “When I had to stand up in front of class or read out loud, for like, English, I couldn’t do it,” he says.

Chad was reading at a 2nd grade level. Yet, year after year, he was promoted to the next grade. How did he do it?

“[I] kind of, like, disappeared,” he explains. “Went into the corner, I always kept my head down when we had to read.”

Experts say kids are brilliant at hiding their illiteracy. Some poor readers will memorize stories that have been read to them. Others will be disruptive in class – or even simply ask to leave.

“Things like asking to get water, or asking to go to the bathroom, just things like that, because it’s difficult for them,” explains reading specialist LaSauna Johnson.

She says tactics like these are common in kids who can’t read very well. “It’s almost a strength that way, that they’ve gotten that far,” she says. “It’s a strength because they’ve been able to adapt and they’ve been able to use their strengths to apparently mask their deficiencies. But it’s by all means an injustice, because it hasn’t been caught by somebody in the educational system.”

Experts say the single most effective way to find out if you child is having trouble reading is to have them read out loud. “Read to them, have them read to you, alternate, you know,” says Johnson. “As a parent, you read a paragraph, they read a paragraph, and all those are ways to figure out, ‘hey, I don’t think my child is reading this very well.’”

Chad says the pain and embarrassment of not being able to read is what finally made him get help.

“It put me in like a cocoon, until I started to realize that I had to get out of it. I had to break the little shield that I had made for myself and go out there.”

Research has shown that reading aloud to your baby as he or she grows helps him/her get used to the rhythmic sound of your voice and associate it with a peaceful and secure time. In other words, your baby is learning to correlate words, language and reading with pleasure.

The average kindergarten student has seen more than 5,000 hours of television and has spent more time in front of the television than it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree. Preschool children whose parents read to them are better prepared to start school and perform significantly better in school than those who have not been exposed to reading. Many studies also link a child’s literacy development and school success to parental involvement and the child’s home literacy environment.

Between the ages of four and nine, your child will have to master some 100 phonics rules, learn to recognize 3,000 words with just a glance, and develop a comfortable reading speed approaching 100 words a minute. He/she must also learn to combine the words on the page with punctuation marks, creating a voice or image in his/her mind that gives back meaning.

When parents and children read together, an important bond is formed, one that can lead to a love of learning and reading that will last a lifetime. When a family literacy program is incorporated in activities in the home, a child will show improved skills — with up to three times the normal developmental gains — in language, literacy, creativity, social relations and initiative. As parents become more comfortable in their role as their child’s first teacher, it’s important to foster skills to support education in the home.

Youngsters with functionally illiterate parents are twice as likely as their peers to become functionally illiterate adults. If you feel your reading skills are sub-par, there are still ways to initiate a family literacy program at home:

• Look at books with your child — the pictures in children’s books help tell the story. As you and your child practice reading simple words and phrases, you’re building your own reading skills as well as your child’s.
• Recite nursery rhymes or make up your own. Children need to hear the rhyming sounds in words.
• Sing songs. Most songs are really poems set to music, and they can help build reading skills.
• Tell stories from your family, neighborhood or childhood.
• Ask questions that your child can’t answer with just a “yes” or “no,” such as “Why do you think that dog is barking” or “What do you see when you look out the window?” Talking with your child is one of the best ways to build language skills.
• Talk about colors and shapes.
• Draw and color pictures and “write” together.
• Remember to make these activities fun!

Tips for Parents

Experts say reading aloud with your child is one of the best ways you can help him/her grow into a successful reader. When you make reading a joyful, fun activity, kids will keep coming back for more.

As you discover adventures between the covers of a book, you discover things about each other as well. And with every turn of the page, your child expands his or her vocabulary, comprehension, reasoning and grammar skills. To maximize the benefit your child gains from reading:

• Create a “Reading Ritual” by reading together every day at the same time in a special place.
• Cuddle with your child while reading together so your child will associate reading with a sense of security. Children learn better when they feel safe.
• Use silly voices and sound effects to peak your child’s interest.
• Follow along with your finger as you read to show how text moves from left to right. This will help your child connect to the text you are reading.
• Point out the pictures in the book and talk about what you see.
• Point out different kinds of words around you like shopping lists, store signs and labels.
• Ask open-ended questions about the stories you read together.
• Children like and need to hear favorite stories over and over. It helps them recognize and remember words and gives them confidence about reading.
• Let your child touch and hold the book. Ask him or her to help you turn the pages.
• Don’t push your child to read beyond his ability. Choose age-appropriate books and congratulate any progress he or she makes with his or her reading skills.

References

• Facts on Illiteracy in America
• Literacy Statistics for the United States
• National Adult Literacy Database
• National Center for Family Literacy
• Reading Rockets
• Simple Things You Can Do To Help All Children Read Well
• University of Ottawa
• U.S. Department of Education

It doesn’t matter what your economic status is, it seems some teens from all financial backgrounds will try their “hand” at shoplifting. Why? Peer pressure? Is it cool? Part of the crowd?

What constitutes shoplifting? It doesn’t have to be only stealing, shoplifting can include changing price tags (which is harder to do now with the bar scans in some stores), consuming food or drink without paying for it, leaving a restaurant without paying, wearing items out of a store (again, hoping there isn’t an alarm tag on them) – this and more will land you in legal trouble if you are caught.

Teens seem to believe it could never happen to them – however more and more I am hearing from parents that have had to deal with this.

Why Children Steal and Your Role in Preventing Retail Theft

Very young children sometimes take things they want without understanding why it’s wrong. Elementary school-aged children know better, but may lack enough self-control to stop themselves. Most preteens and teens shoplift as a result of social and personal pressure in their lives. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

• Feel peer pressure to shoplift
• Low self-esteem
• A cry for help or attention
• The naïve assumption they won’t get caught
• The belief that teen stealing is “not a big deal”
• Inability to handle temptation when faced with things they want
• The thrill involved
• Defiance or rebelliousness
• Not knowing how to work through feelings of anger, frustration, etc.
• Misconception that stores can afford the losses
• The desire to have the things that will get them “in” with a certain group of kids.
• To support a drug habit.
• To prove themselves to members of a gang

Be an educated parent, you will have a safer teen.

For more information visit my website on Teen Mischief.  If you have a teen that is at risk, please visit Parents’ Universal Resource Experts. Also visit Teens Health on Shoplifting.

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College applications are a lengthy process that requires time and dedication. If your teen is in their junior year, the time is now to start learning about the college admissions process. Learning about scholarships and financing college is also a priority, especially in today’s economy. If you have a High School Senior, please take the time to also review last minute tips for college applications.

Here are some great college application tips to help you and your teen get started today:

•Start early – Being prepared can help you perfect your College Admissions Application.

•Apply to more than one school. You should apply to 3 to 5 colleges just in case you don’t get accepted to your first couple of choices. Many students have their wish list of colleges, however you need to be prepared with a backup plan such as a community college or one that is easier for you to be accepted in to if your desired schools don’t work out.

•Career and College Counseling – Some teens and parents prefer to meet with a college career counselor to go over any college admissions questions you may have. In many High Schools, your guidance counselor can be of great assistance to you and your child.

•Common Application – Become familiar with the Common Application. This can help you easily apply to more than one school at a time.

•Proofread the Application – Make sure you fill out the Application for Admission completely. Whether you are filling it out online or sending it in, always double check it. It is also beneficial to have a second pair of eyes (whether a parent or friend) read it also for typos or errors.

•FAFSA – This is for financial aid. If you will require this, get it in on time.  Take the time to review grants and scholarships. They can help can reduce your tuition costs.

•Deadlines for Admission – Be aware of the deadline for each individual application. There are different deadlines for admission applications, financial aid and transcripts.  Take the time to learn about Early Decision and Early Action.  This may benefit you if you are confident on the school you would like to attend.
•Apply Online - Many colleges give the option of applying for admission online. This is a great way to speed up the college application process. Again, be sure to double check your information before you hit the “send” button.

•Admission Application Fees - Remember to include any application fees, if required. Most schools have application fees, some are waived. Check the school you are applying to for their cost and be sure you include it with your application. Online application fees are usually accepted with a credit card.

•College Admissions Essay – Write about something you are enthusiastic and passionate about. Proofread many times and revise. Use your own words, rather than picking words out of the thesaurus.

•Letters of Recommendation – Have your best teachers write you letters of recommendation.

•Follow Up – Always make copies of your application and follow up with the school to be sure they have received all the necessary documents.

•SAT – You can take the SAT as many times as you like. A higher score will increase your chances of getting accepted. To increase your SAT Scores be sure read about SAT test tips.

•Stay in contact – If the college admissions department contacts you for more information, respond as soon as possible.

•College Evaluation – Thoroughly evaluate the college you would like to apply to. Prepare a list of questions, visit the campus, research articles on the school and talk to other students that have attended or graduated from there.

For more information on college applications and what college may be right for your child, resources and more visit College Board, College View, and Campus Grotto.
 

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It is that time of year again when many High School teens seniors are applying to colleges.  Are you running behind?  Struggling to get through the application process?  Here are some last minute college application tips from Peterson’s Guide. 

Applications are highly evolved documents, based on numerous admission deans asking themselves if they’re asking you the right questions. For that reason, how you fill out an application is almost as important as the information you include. In other words, follow directions!

Review the requirements
Applying to college typically involves a fair amount of paperwork. So before you hit the post office or hit send, take a long last look at your application.
 

• If you’re applying electronically, did you type carefully and check your spelling? If you’re applying on paper, was your application filled out neatly?
• Did you take shortcuts? A partially completed application is a clear signal that you are not an eager applicant.
• Did you send too much information? If a two-page essay is requested, did you send in four? Only do so if you’re not sending fluff!
• Did you send all the information that was asked for — including transcripts, test scores, and recommendations?
• Did you meet or beat deadlines?

Submit as early as possible
With deadlines in sight, keep in mind that admission offices are inundated with applications for a few months each year. When applying to college, consider getting your application in when the staff doesn’t have hundreds and hundreds of them to read.

Stragglers are accepted of course, but why send yours in at the last minute when you could get it there before the rush hits?

Double-check the writing in your college application
Nothing says “I don’t really care about this college” like inadvertently putting another college’s name somewhere in the application. The same goes with spelling the college’s name incorrectly. Either error signals a major lack of seriousness about really wanting to attend that particular school.

Avoid sending gifts
Gimmicks don’t impress application readers, either. No matter how tempting it may be when you really, really want to get into a particular school, sending cookies or balloon bouquets doesn’t make a good impression. It’s better to get noticed for the right things, like academic excellence and leadership qualities.

For more information visit College Board, Peterson’s Guide

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Last week in Florida is another tragedy involving teens and school violence. BULLYING is a major issue and needs to be taken seriously. The recent incident in Deerfield Beach of the young boy that was bullied and burned by his classmates is nothing short of despicable. It was only a month ago we were all brought to tears by the death of the teen in a Coral Gables stabbing at school.

As a Parent Advocate, I cannot express enough that parents need to be educated on bullying and how dangerous this behavior is.

What happened to 15 year old Michael Brewer should be a wake-up call to all parents, educators, and everyone that works with children today. Do we really need these wake-up calls? We read about these horrific acts almost daily with kids, whether it is in Chicago or South Florida, these stories are in the news.

Help STOP BULLYING today! Be an educated parent, you will have a safer teen.

What is bullying?

Bullying is an aggressive behavior that is intentional and malicious. Bullying can be physical contact as well as verbal abuse. Many have heard the adage “Sticks and stone can break your bones, but word can never hurt.” That has been proven a wrong statement over and over, as words can devastate a young child and scar them emotionally for a long time.

To learn more about bullying visit the following websites and take the time to become familiar with the warning signs, tips, articles, as well as how you can be proactive in your community.

Stop Bullying Now – All about bullying, prevention, intervention and more. Take a stand, lend a hand.

STOMP OUT BULLYING – What you can do. PSA’s and more, take the pledge to stop bullying today.

Kids Health Today – Educational articles, tips and more about bullying and your children.

Love Our Children USA – Report bullying, child abuse and neglect; learn how to protect children today.

Education.com Bullying Series – Everything you need to know about bullying and more.

Isn’t it time we, as a community, we work together to put an end to bullying and school violence? Let it start at home, talk to your kids about these serious issues. Communication is the pathway to understanding the problem and working together to stop it!

For more info: Miami Herald, Associated Press, NBC Miami, LA Times, National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, Parents Universal Resource Experts

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