Highly realistic toy guns, computer and video games of mass destruction, and soldier action figures are some of the most popular items in toy stores today. Do these war and weapon toys promote violence and aggression in children? There is no longer any debate within the scientific community about the effects on children of media violence. Exposure to violent video games and … [Read more...] about What To Do About Toy Guns
Children
Dangers in Children’s Jewelry
It’s only natural to want the best for our kids. As parents, worrying about providing the safest environment for raising our sons and daughters comes with the territory. Daily, we modify our homes, vehicles, and toy boxes to eliminate potential hazards. In addition, we carefully seek nutritious foods and look for opportunities to enhance their learning. After all, it’s the lov … [Read more...] about Dangers in Children’s Jewelry
11 Retro Toys To Make Yourself
We're all worried about time and money this holiday season. Here are my top 10 retro toys that you can make yourself for not too much of either. First of all, remember that children's play is about imitating real life so they may not need as many toys as we think, especially during their younger years. As Geek Dad reminds us, the 6 Best Toys of All Time are: A Stick A … [Read more...] about 11 Retro Toys To Make Yourself
Gay Parents Good Parents
In the historic decision by the Supreme Court to recognize that the Constitution guarantees the right to same-sex marriage, Justice Kennedy said that marriage is especially important to couples raising children: “Without the recognition, stability, and predictability marriage offers,” he wrote, “their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. … [Read more...] about Gay Parents Good Parents
The Importance of Nature Play
We have all heard the tales... how once upon a time, children ran free, exploring, climbing, discovering the woods in solitude. They used to listen to the sounds of the morning forest, pick at dry sap on the trees, eat apples from a tree branch, rest on mossy ground when they were tired. But are they still out there? Let's visit the Netherlands, where one fortunate soul … [Read more...] about The Importance of Nature Play
End Corporal Punishment
At the end of WWI the German and Austro-Hungarian economies were on the verge of collapse and children in these countries were starving. Moved by their suffering, Eglantyne Jebb was arrested for handing out leaflets about their plight in Trafalgar Square. Jebb was from a wealthy, socially conscious family and she spearheaded a fundraising drive to bring relief to these British a … [Read more...] about End Corporal Punishment
Is There a Pink Gene?
My daughter Lucy resembles me in many ways. She is tall for her age, as I always was. She has big, blue eyes, long limbs and a penchant for sweets. She loves to draw and ride bikes and swim. She loves me dearly, I know, and looks up to me, as any five-year-old does her mother, but it has become clear to me lately that she pines for another. THE OTHER MOTHER This other … [Read more...] about Is There a Pink Gene?
Being Authentic with Kids
A few years ago, I was in an eye exam for my son Noah. The doctor wanted to get drops in Noah’s eyes and he was frustrated that Noah did not want to sit still. So he commanded me to hold Noah down while he put the drops in. Noah was crying wildly. I was taken off guard by the doc’s order, so I did it. I held Noah down forcibly, against his will, while the doctor put the drops in … [Read more...] about Being Authentic with Kids
Instead of Spanking
I started out hitting my kids. I would lose my temper when their behavior got out of my control, and I would hit. I never felt good about it, but I didn’t know what else to do. I thought it was effective because afterward I had regained control of the situation. I believed that I had to hit my children in order to control them and control seemed so important then. But it just d … [Read more...] about Instead of Spanking