Radio Commentary
Many people believe that children today lack good manners and too often display rude behavior.
That may be a bad “rap” for the younger generation as a whole. Clearly, there are examples at both extremes of the spectrum when it comes to displaying good manners for every age group.
The fact remains that good manners must be taught; they do not come naturally.
In fact, bad manners are usually natural, selfish impulses that children are sometimes allowed to demonstrate.
Curbing poor manners and developing good ones requires parents to place real limits on their children. A caring adult may need to have a tug of war with a child who has developed the habit of a me-first attitude.
It involves taking away ordinary privileges, and saying “no.” Sometimes that’s harder for the parent than for the child.
Remember that good manners are not just about rules. It’s also about showing children how to be gracious and respectful.
Simple words like “please,” “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “excuse me,” go a long way, as well.
Teaching manners may start out with a negative approach of restrictions and consequences. But the outcome should always be a form of civility, respect, and love.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Monday, July 20, 2015
Children of addicts
Radio Commentary
Research shows that one in four young people lives in a family where a person abuses alcohol or suffers from alcoholism.
Children in these situations need to know they are not alone. Addiction to alcohol or drugs is a disease. When one member of the family has this disease, all family members are affected.
Children need to know it is not their fault. They didn’t cause the disease and they can’t make it stop. They need and deserve help for themselves.
It is critical to know that young people with addicted parents are four times more likely to become addicted if they choose to drink alcohol or use illegal drugs.
They need to keep firmly in mind that they can’t get addicted if they don’t drink or use drugs.
Children in these situations should talk with an adult — a teacher, school counselor, or school nurse, a friend’s parent, a doctor, grandparent, or neighbor — anyone who will listen and help them.
They can also ask a school counselor or social worker to recommend a support group.
These are great places to meet other young people struggling with the same problems at home.
Children should know it is important to find caring adults who can provide the guidance and support they need to stay healthy.
They will feel better and can have a safe and productive life. It’s in their power if they understand these facts and act.
Research shows that one in four young people lives in a family where a person abuses alcohol or suffers from alcoholism.
Children in these situations need to know they are not alone. Addiction to alcohol or drugs is a disease. When one member of the family has this disease, all family members are affected.
Children need to know it is not their fault. They didn’t cause the disease and they can’t make it stop. They need and deserve help for themselves.
It is critical to know that young people with addicted parents are four times more likely to become addicted if they choose to drink alcohol or use illegal drugs.
They need to keep firmly in mind that they can’t get addicted if they don’t drink or use drugs.
Children in these situations should talk with an adult — a teacher, school counselor, or school nurse, a friend’s parent, a doctor, grandparent, or neighbor — anyone who will listen and help them.
They can also ask a school counselor or social worker to recommend a support group.
These are great places to meet other young people struggling with the same problems at home.
Children should know it is important to find caring adults who can provide the guidance and support they need to stay healthy.
They will feel better and can have a safe and productive life. It’s in their power if they understand these facts and act.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Summertime activities K-3
Radio Commentary
Young students need activities that help them learn and stay sharp over the summer, and parents can choose from many simple ones for their children who are in kindergarten through the third grade.
Sorting and stacking helps teach classification skills. Ask your child to match and stack dishes of similar sizes and shapes.
Also have children sort silverware — forks with forks, spoons with spoons.
This is like recognizing the shapes of letters and numbers.
You can also use comic strips to help with writing.
Cut apart the segments of a strip and ask your child to arrange them in order.
Then ask your child to say the words of the characters out loud.
It also helps to encourage hypothesizing or guessing.
Use objects such as soap, a dry sock, a bottle of shampoo, and a wet sponge. Ask which objects will float when dropped into water in a sink or bathtub.
Then drop the objects into the water one by one to see what happens.
This all helps make learning fun, and it keeps young minds active over the summer months.
Young students need activities that help them learn and stay sharp over the summer, and parents can choose from many simple ones for their children who are in kindergarten through the third grade.
Sorting and stacking helps teach classification skills. Ask your child to match and stack dishes of similar sizes and shapes.
Also have children sort silverware — forks with forks, spoons with spoons.
This is like recognizing the shapes of letters and numbers.
You can also use comic strips to help with writing.
Cut apart the segments of a strip and ask your child to arrange them in order.
Then ask your child to say the words of the characters out loud.
It also helps to encourage hypothesizing or guessing.
Use objects such as soap, a dry sock, a bottle of shampoo, and a wet sponge. Ask which objects will float when dropped into water in a sink or bathtub.
Then drop the objects into the water one by one to see what happens.
This all helps make learning fun, and it keeps young minds active over the summer months.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Car safety tips
Radio Commentary
More parents are traveling these days with ever-younger children in tow. When it comes to traveling safely, there are two practices that could save a young life.
First, when traveling in a car, always secure an infant in a car seat in the back seat.
The rear of a car is a far safer place in the event of an accident. Above all, never use an infant seat in the front of a car that has a passenger-side air bag.
If the bag deploys, it can seriously injure an infant by striking the back of the safety seat.
In a case where an older car only has lap belts in the rear, or shoulder straps that cross over the neck or face of a toddler, it is still important to use a safety belt.
In fact, any belt is better than no belt. Use a booster seat for a young child who has outgrown an infant seat. This will elevate the child so that the shoulder strap crosses the chest, not the neck.
If the rear seat has no shoulder straps, buy a booster seat with a harness or a shield. These devices have saved young lives.
Second: Remember that preventive and defensive driving is always the best bet — and drivers should take special precautions when traveling with young passengers.
But sometimes unforeseeable circumstances occur, or other drivers are not exercising the same care as you are.
At those times, it is far better to be prepared by making sure your child is adequately protected.
More parents are traveling these days with ever-younger children in tow. When it comes to traveling safely, there are two practices that could save a young life.
First, when traveling in a car, always secure an infant in a car seat in the back seat.
The rear of a car is a far safer place in the event of an accident. Above all, never use an infant seat in the front of a car that has a passenger-side air bag.
If the bag deploys, it can seriously injure an infant by striking the back of the safety seat.
In a case where an older car only has lap belts in the rear, or shoulder straps that cross over the neck or face of a toddler, it is still important to use a safety belt.
In fact, any belt is better than no belt. Use a booster seat for a young child who has outgrown an infant seat. This will elevate the child so that the shoulder strap crosses the chest, not the neck.
If the rear seat has no shoulder straps, buy a booster seat with a harness or a shield. These devices have saved young lives.
Second: Remember that preventive and defensive driving is always the best bet — and drivers should take special precautions when traveling with young passengers.
But sometimes unforeseeable circumstances occur, or other drivers are not exercising the same care as you are.
At those times, it is far better to be prepared by making sure your child is adequately protected.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
No smiling matter
By Bill Cirone
School is out for summer, we know. “In” are barbeques, baseball games, and U.S. Women’s World Cup titles. And viral video challenges, apparently. Last year’s Ice Bucket Challenge, designed to raise awareness of ALS, became a global social media phenomenon in July and August, with everyone from celebrities to schoolteachers getting doused. According to their website, the ALS Foundation received an astounding $115 million in donations during a six week period last summer.
Of course, it doesn’t take a million YouTube views or 10,000 “likes” on Facebook to signify a meaningful contribution to making a difference. Oftentimes it is the efforts of people and organizations who operate with low profiles, but who possess the requisite passion, focus, and expertise, who can change their parts of the world in measureable ways.
The dedicated staff of the County Education Office’s Health Linkages program and the amazing generosity of local funders, under the auspices of the Santa Barbara County Children’s Oral Health Collaborative, is a wonderful local example of that quiet yet determined commitment to improving lives.
But first, some statistics. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, despite the fact that it is largely preventable. The CDC reports that, as of 2012, nearly 23% of children ages 2-5 had untreated decay in their primary teeth. And it gets worse. In Santa Barbara County, it affects nearly 35% of children attending subsidized preschool programs.
When cavities and decay become severe, a number of complications can follow. It can cause pain that interferes with daily living and which prevents kids from going to school. It can lead to nutrition problems resulting from painful chewing. Tooth loss invariably affects a person’s appearance, to say nothing of his or her confidence and self-esteem. And, while rare, a tooth abscess has the potential to cause serious and even life-threatening infections.
In short, oral health concern in children is nothing to smile about. Indeed, it is the seriousness of this issue that prompted the above partnership here in Santa Barbara County. And together they have made a difference. Their advocacy was instrumental in Santa Maria’s decision to fluoridate its water in 2005, the first and only city in Santa Barbara County to do so. The results are remarkable: in 2009, the dental disease rate in screened schoolchildren in Santa Maria peaked at 50%; that number currently sits at just over 20%.
But the partners in this effort also realized they should not to limit their attention to chronic tooth decay. Together, with the help of extraordinary generosity of the Orfalea Foundation, they launched pilot orthodontia projects over a three-year period in Lompoc and Santa Barbara. A total of 52 students were identified through oral screenings as having severe need, no untreated decay, excellent hygiene, and a financial need based on free and reduced lunch status.
“There is a tremendous need for orthodontic services for children in Santa Barbara County who cannot afford them,” says Georgene Lowe, who runs the Health Linkages program. “Matching resources to meet needs will always be a challenge in work like this. But working with community partners who care deeply, like the Orfalea Foundation, and who in turn change lives, makes the work incredibly rewarding.”
“We are interested in creating sustainable solutions through entrepreneurial partnerships,” says Orfalea Foundation Vice President Catherine Brozowski. “We know there are smart, compassionate people in our community with the resources and expertise to help transition this orthodontia project from the ‘pilot’ stage to permanence. That’s when the community partnerships can truly flourish.”
Oral Health Program Manager MaryEllen Rehse agrees. “I have personally seen the physical — and emotional — changes this pilot project has made in these kids’ lives,” she said. “To see a kid smile, after being too embarrassed to do so previously? That is the kind of thing that can make your day. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of making that happen for a young girl or boy?”
That’s a great question. “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do,” Mother Teresa once said. Smiles do matter. Our efforts to create smiles in Santa Barbara may not come with the fanfare of a viral video campaign, but that does not diminish their importance.
If you are interested in creating smiles for schoolchildren in Santa Barbara County, please contact MaryEllen Rehse at 964-4710, ext. 4465.
School is out for summer, we know. “In” are barbeques, baseball games, and U.S. Women’s World Cup titles. And viral video challenges, apparently. Last year’s Ice Bucket Challenge, designed to raise awareness of ALS, became a global social media phenomenon in July and August, with everyone from celebrities to schoolteachers getting doused. According to their website, the ALS Foundation received an astounding $115 million in donations during a six week period last summer.
Of course, it doesn’t take a million YouTube views or 10,000 “likes” on Facebook to signify a meaningful contribution to making a difference. Oftentimes it is the efforts of people and organizations who operate with low profiles, but who possess the requisite passion, focus, and expertise, who can change their parts of the world in measureable ways.
The dedicated staff of the County Education Office’s Health Linkages program and the amazing generosity of local funders, under the auspices of the Santa Barbara County Children’s Oral Health Collaborative, is a wonderful local example of that quiet yet determined commitment to improving lives.
But first, some statistics. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, despite the fact that it is largely preventable. The CDC reports that, as of 2012, nearly 23% of children ages 2-5 had untreated decay in their primary teeth. And it gets worse. In Santa Barbara County, it affects nearly 35% of children attending subsidized preschool programs.
When cavities and decay become severe, a number of complications can follow. It can cause pain that interferes with daily living and which prevents kids from going to school. It can lead to nutrition problems resulting from painful chewing. Tooth loss invariably affects a person’s appearance, to say nothing of his or her confidence and self-esteem. And, while rare, a tooth abscess has the potential to cause serious and even life-threatening infections.
In short, oral health concern in children is nothing to smile about. Indeed, it is the seriousness of this issue that prompted the above partnership here in Santa Barbara County. And together they have made a difference. Their advocacy was instrumental in Santa Maria’s decision to fluoridate its water in 2005, the first and only city in Santa Barbara County to do so. The results are remarkable: in 2009, the dental disease rate in screened schoolchildren in Santa Maria peaked at 50%; that number currently sits at just over 20%.
But the partners in this effort also realized they should not to limit their attention to chronic tooth decay. Together, with the help of extraordinary generosity of the Orfalea Foundation, they launched pilot orthodontia projects over a three-year period in Lompoc and Santa Barbara. A total of 52 students were identified through oral screenings as having severe need, no untreated decay, excellent hygiene, and a financial need based on free and reduced lunch status.
“There is a tremendous need for orthodontic services for children in Santa Barbara County who cannot afford them,” says Georgene Lowe, who runs the Health Linkages program. “Matching resources to meet needs will always be a challenge in work like this. But working with community partners who care deeply, like the Orfalea Foundation, and who in turn change lives, makes the work incredibly rewarding.”
“We are interested in creating sustainable solutions through entrepreneurial partnerships,” says Orfalea Foundation Vice President Catherine Brozowski. “We know there are smart, compassionate people in our community with the resources and expertise to help transition this orthodontia project from the ‘pilot’ stage to permanence. That’s when the community partnerships can truly flourish.”
Oral Health Program Manager MaryEllen Rehse agrees. “I have personally seen the physical — and emotional — changes this pilot project has made in these kids’ lives,” she said. “To see a kid smile, after being too embarrassed to do so previously? That is the kind of thing that can make your day. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of making that happen for a young girl or boy?”
That’s a great question. “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do,” Mother Teresa once said. Smiles do matter. Our efforts to create smiles in Santa Barbara may not come with the fanfare of a viral video campaign, but that does not diminish their importance.
If you are interested in creating smiles for schoolchildren in Santa Barbara County, please contact MaryEllen Rehse at 964-4710, ext. 4465.
Poisoning
Radio Commentary
We’ve made a lot of progress in reducing the number of children who are accidentally poisoned each year. Much of the credit is due to public education on the topic.
In the 1960s, more than 450 children under the age of 5 were dying from accidental poisoning each year. That total has fallen to about 30. But it’s still too high.
Simple precautions remain critical:
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 9-1-1 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 there.
Stay calm and give the professionals short, precise answers, because time is often critical.
We’ve made a lot of progress in reducing the number of children who are accidentally poisoned each year. Much of the credit is due to public education on the topic.
In the 1960s, more than 450 children under the age of 5 were dying from accidental poisoning each year. That total has fallen to about 30. But it’s still too high.
Simple precautions remain critical:
- Keep medicines in their original childproof containers, stored out of reach.
- Follow the 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 9-1-1 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 there.
Stay calm and give the professionals short, precise answers, because time is often critical.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
TV rules
Radio Commentary
In setting up rules about television viewing — especially over the summer — be sure to monitor what your children watch.
Encourage them to choose programs that make them think; that are free of violence and sex; and that feature characters whose values are similar to your own.
When watching TV with your children, ask questions like, “Why do you think that person did what he did?” Encourage your children to ask questions as well, and answer them honestly.
Limit overall television viewing time. During commercials, review what you just watched and ask children to predict what will happen next.
Turn off the television if you see things on it that you don’t like — but be sure to explain to your child why you are doing so. Say: “I don’t like what those people are doing because . . .”
Remember that when children are watching TV it takes them away from other activities like reading and sports. Plan games, trips to the library, and trips to parks and playgrounds to take the place of TV.
Once you’ve established a basic foundation for TV viewing, try to find new ways of using the television to teach and to have fun. Television can help teach your child geography and math, for example.
Have reference materials or a computer near the TV so additional information is available. Have your child look up new words in a dictionary, or look at an atlas to find places mentioned in a show. This way it’s fun and educational.
In setting up rules about television viewing — especially over the summer — be sure to monitor what your children watch.
Encourage them to choose programs that make them think; that are free of violence and sex; and that feature characters whose values are similar to your own.
When watching TV with your children, ask questions like, “Why do you think that person did what he did?” Encourage your children to ask questions as well, and answer them honestly.
Limit overall television viewing time. During commercials, review what you just watched and ask children to predict what will happen next.
Turn off the television if you see things on it that you don’t like — but be sure to explain to your child why you are doing so. Say: “I don’t like what those people are doing because . . .”
Remember that when children are watching TV it takes them away from other activities like reading and sports. Plan games, trips to the library, and trips to parks and playgrounds to take the place of TV.
Once you’ve established a basic foundation for TV viewing, try to find new ways of using the television to teach and to have fun. Television can help teach your child geography and math, for example.
Have reference materials or a computer near the TV so additional information is available. Have your child look up new words in a dictionary, or look at an atlas to find places mentioned in a show. This way it’s fun and educational.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Planning for shopping
Radio Commentary
It can be trying, and even stressful, to shop in a grocery store or mall with a small child. Here are some steps that have helped other parents in the same situation:
First, before the shopping trip even begins, plan ahead by explaining the rules.
Say: “Stay close to me.” “Use your quiet voice,” and “No begging for candy or toys.”
Select a secret word or signal that you can both use to get the immediate attention of the other.
Role-play at home about how to act at the store. Agree on the rewards for good behavior. A favorite snack food or a stop at the park are good examples.
Promise to read a story or play a game at home.
It also helps to pack a treat. Bring a nutritious snack, such as raisins, cut-up apples, or nuts.
Bring a storybook. Keep a supply of little action figures or small toys handy. Try bringing a favorite blanket, toy, or book from home.
For a small child, tie a favorite soft toy to the handle of the shopping cart or stroller.
Check your child’s emotions. Is your child too tired or hungry to shop? Are you? If the answer is yes, postpone your trip or find a sitter for your child.
Don’t wait until the end of a tiring day. Go when you and your child are rested.
It can be trying, and even stressful, to shop in a grocery store or mall with a small child. Here are some steps that have helped other parents in the same situation:
First, before the shopping trip even begins, plan ahead by explaining the rules.
Say: “Stay close to me.” “Use your quiet voice,” and “No begging for candy or toys.”
Select a secret word or signal that you can both use to get the immediate attention of the other.
Role-play at home about how to act at the store. Agree on the rewards for good behavior. A favorite snack food or a stop at the park are good examples.
Promise to read a story or play a game at home.
It also helps to pack a treat. Bring a nutritious snack, such as raisins, cut-up apples, or nuts.
Bring a storybook. Keep a supply of little action figures or small toys handy. Try bringing a favorite blanket, toy, or book from home.
For a small child, tie a favorite soft toy to the handle of the shopping cart or stroller.
Check your child’s emotions. Is your child too tired or hungry to shop? Are you? If the answer is yes, postpone your trip or find a sitter for your child.
Don’t wait until the end of a tiring day. Go when you and your child are rested.
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