Poisoning

Radio Commentary

We’ve made much progress in reducing the number of children accidentally poisoned each year. Much of the credit is due to public education on the topic.

But vigilance is important and some simple precautions are critical:

• Keep medicines in their original child-proof containers, stored out of reach.

• Follow doctor’s instructions carefully when giving medicine to children.

• Store household cleaners safely — a high percentage of poisonings involve everyday cleaning products, cosmetics, cough and cold remedies, antibiotics, and vitamins.

• Teach children never to eat anything you haven’t approved.

A typical household contains products such as bleach, fertilizers, or paint stripper that can be fatal to a child.

If your child swallows a poison, you must act quickly and calmly:

• If the child is conscious, determine exactly what was swallowed. The child could lose consciousness at any time.

• Call 911 or the local poison control center.

• Have the container on hand so you can tell the center the exact contents of what was swallowed. If the child must go to the hospital, be sure to take the poison container with you for the doctors on the scene.

• Stay calm and give the professionals short, precise answers because time is often critical.

Paying for college

Radio Commentary

Many families would like their children to attend college, but are concerned about the costs.

While paying for college can be a challenge, it is important to know that there are financial aid opportunities for everyone.

The factors that influence the cost of a basic college education are the type of school (public, private, or out-of-state), the time it takes your child to finish (the longer he or she stays, the more it will cost), and the location. 

Location affects the cost of housing, food and transportation. 

Federal and state governments both offer help, along with private sources and foundations like the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation.

Your high school is the best single source of information about aid.

Here are tips that help reduce college costs:

•  Reduce the number of classes needed at college by taking Advanced Placement classes or courses at a community college.

•  Enroll in a community college and then transfer to a four-year school.

•  Take part in a Tech Prep program that is formally linked to a college.

•  Take advantage of federal programs like the HOPE Scholarship tax credit.

Remember the guiding principle:  Where there is a will, there really is a way.

Summer experiences

 Radio Commentary

Summer can continue to be a time of learning for young people.

As a family, choose an important news event to follow for a day or two. Ask each person to find as much information on the topic as possible — read newspapers, listen to the radio, watch TV news, or check online. Then talk about what everyone has learned.

You can also make a family game of discussing a special issue. For example: “Teenagers should be allowed to vote.” Or, “There should never be any homework.”

Ask your children to think of all the reasons they can to support their views. Then ask them to think of reasons opposing their views.

Which views are most convincing?

For variety, you can assign family members to teams and have them prepare their arguments pro and con.

Exercise also helps keep the mind sharp, and summertime is a great time for fitness. Ask your children to do at least one kind of exercise every day. For example, they could run or walk briskly for 10 minutes. 

When possible, they should walk, instead of riding, for any distance less than a mile. 

Have your children create their own week-long exercise plans. Try to think of a modest reward for sticking to the plan. Then exercise right along with your children, for everyone’s health.

Opinion Differences

 Radio Commentary

There will come a time when you and your child have different opinions. It’s inevitable.

Accept this fact and understand that depending on a child’s age, personality traits, or peer influences, they may see things from a different perspective.

Accept these differences of opinion and use the opportunity to discuss the topic in question.

Encourage independent thinking and listening to others. Getting to know people better and understanding the perspectives of others are vital to future emotional and psychological well-being. 

It’s also very healthy and affirming for children to hear you say these words when appropriate: “You’re right – I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

When they grasp the idea that we can always learn something new and see something from another point of view, they are more likely to keep open minds as they engage in a spirited defense of their beliefs.

Help them flesh out their arguments and approach issues from different sides. Show them that everyone is entitled to an opinion but that not all opinions are equally valid, especially if they are based on emotion or misconceptions, rather than fact.

A thoughtful debate is often very thought-provoking. Helping your children become articulate, thoughtful, and respectful will help them at all stages of their lives.

Reading Maps

 Radio Commentary

Reading maps is an important skill for all to master.

Help by putting your child’s natural curiosity to work. Even small children can learn to read simple maps of their school, neighborhood, and community.

Go on a walk and collect natural materials like flowers or leaves to use for an art project. Map the location where you found each item.

Create a treasure map for children to find hidden treats in the yard or inside your home. This can even be a great idea for birthday parties. Encourage children to play the game with one another, hiding the treasure and drawing the map.

See if your child can find your street on a county or city map. Point out where your relatives or your children’s friends live.

Point out different kinds of maps, like state highway maps, city or county maps, bus route maps. Discuss their different uses.

Before taking a trip, show your children a map of where you are going and how you plan to get there. Look for other routes you could take and talk about why you chose the one you did.

Children sometimes like to follow the map as you travel. If you are on a long trip, you can point out what town you have just reached and ask children to find the next town on your route.

All these activities help with geography skills year-round.

Suicide Prevention

Radio Commentary

Change is a natural part of the teen years. But some changes are more serious than others. They may be warning signs of depression or potential suicide.

If a teen shows signs of a serious problem, encourage him to get help. Warning signs include:

•     Major changes in eating or sleeping habits.

•     Severely violent or rebellious behavior.

•     Withdrawal from family or friends.

•     Running away.

•     Persistent boredom or trouble concentrating.

•     Unusual neglect of appearance.

•     Radical personality change.

•     Preoccupation with the theme of death.

•     Giving away prized possessions, and

•     Expressing suicidal thoughts, even jokingly.

Parents can help a depressed teen.

First, listen. Don’t dismiss the problems as trivial. To him they matter a great deal.

Be honest. If you are worried about your teen, tell him. Professionals say you will not spark thoughts of suicide by asking about it.

Share your feelings. Let your teenager know she’s not alone. Everyone feels sad or depressed occasionally.

Get help. Find a physician, psychologist or qualified professional.

Don’t wait for it to “go away.” Simple depression can escalate to the point the teen may think of suicide as the only way out.

If you see signs of depression, take them seriously. You could be saving a life.

Citizenship

Radio Commentary

As we celebrate the nation’s independence, it is fitting to ask:  How can we help our children become contributing members of our communities?

Here are some ways we can help support and sustain our democracy:

•     Set a good example by your own actions and attitudes, and talk about the importance of communities.

•     Take trips to the post office, library, police, and fire stations.

•     Help your child understand the relationship between home, school, and community.

•     Foster sensitivity and understanding of various ethnic groups by encouraging friendships with all members of your community.

•     Take part in community organizations and activities, such as the PTA, to show your children how members of your family can be good citizens.

•     Explain the importance of voting, and what you feel it means to be an American.

Helping our children become responsible citizens benefits all of us. It is fitting that we reflect on the importance of those activities this time of year.

Bee Stings

Radio Commentary

     It is the time of year that parents should take precautions for their children in terms of bee stings.

     Honeybees will sting if provoked or defending their nests.

     The UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources published precautions children can take to prevent getting injured by bees. 

     First, children should be taught to stay away from ALL honeybee swarms and colonies.

     If they encounter a bee swarm, children should run away quickly. Teach them to protect their faces and eyes as much as possible while running. 

     Children should get inside a car or building to take shelter. 

     Tell children not to swat at bees. Rapid motions will cause them to sting. 

     If children do get stung, tell them to go quickly to a safe area, such as a building or vehicle. 

     The bee’s stinger should be removed as soon as possible. Do not squeeze the stinger because pressure will release more venom. Instead, scrape out the stinger with a fingernail or credit card.

     Wash the sting area with soap and water. Then, apply an ice pack for a few minutes to relieve pain and swelling. 

     Be sure to seek medical attention if your child has trouble breathing, or is stung numerous times. 

     These simple steps can go a long way to prevent and ease the pain of bee stings.