Carolyn Moynihan
If your parents were negative and harsh with you growing up, that’s theway you will be with your kids. And if they were positive andaffectionate, well, lucky for your kids. That’s the assumption behind apopular theory of parenting, but researchers who have done long-termstudies say it’s wrong. Read more...
Showing posts with label child rearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label child rearing. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
The UN’s sex-ed plan for kids
Carolyn Moynihan
Some years ago I saw a cartoon whose subject becomes more real by the day. It showed a Brave-New-Wold nursery in which newborns were being instructed via a loudspeaker: “Today you will be going home, but before you go, here is your first sex education lesson...” I was reminded of it by a Fox News report of a new universal sex-ed curriculum from UNESCO.
The UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has decided that, “in a world affected by HIV and AIDS”, it is “imperative” to teach children as young as 5 about masturbation as well as “gender roles, stereotypes and gender-based violence”.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/the_uns_sex-ed_plan_for_kids/
Some years ago I saw a cartoon whose subject becomes more real by the day. It showed a Brave-New-Wold nursery in which newborns were being instructed via a loudspeaker: “Today you will be going home, but before you go, here is your first sex education lesson...” I was reminded of it by a Fox News report of a new universal sex-ed curriculum from UNESCO.
The UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has decided that, “in a world affected by HIV and AIDS”, it is “imperative” to teach children as young as 5 about masturbation as well as “gender roles, stereotypes and gender-based violence”.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/the_uns_sex-ed_plan_for_kids/
All shall be poor
Barbara Kay
How today’s sexual narcissists insist on propagating their dreary values.
A hot new must-read book making the rounds is Frenchwoman Corinne Maier's No Kids: Forty Good Reasons Not To Have Children. Having read her embarrassingly superficial Maclean's interview and perused the jejune list of what constitutes "reasons" for Maier --kids cut into your "fun," kids are "conformists" --I'll pass on actually reading the book. Yet, because it would seem there was both money and celebrity to be gleaned from time Maier might otherwise have idly frittered away in an afternoon nap, I'm tempted to give the idea a whirl myself.
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/all_shall_be_poor/
How today’s sexual narcissists insist on propagating their dreary values.
A hot new must-read book making the rounds is Frenchwoman Corinne Maier's No Kids: Forty Good Reasons Not To Have Children. Having read her embarrassingly superficial Maclean's interview and perused the jejune list of what constitutes "reasons" for Maier --kids cut into your "fun," kids are "conformists" --I'll pass on actually reading the book. Yet, because it would seem there was both money and celebrity to be gleaned from time Maier might otherwise have idly frittered away in an afternoon nap, I'm tempted to give the idea a whirl myself.
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/all_shall_be_poor/
Friday, August 28, 2009
What the Experts Are Saying Now
The most recent research in child development. Among the findings: 4-year-olds lie once an hour.
By KAY HYMOWITZ
For more than a century American parents—ever more distanced from grandmothers and suspicious of tradition—have looked to social science to explain their children to them. Thus they have gobbled up books and articles by experts who periodically deliver the latest truths about child-rearing. Back in 1945, when Dr. Spock published his "Baby and Child Care," readers' devotion to expert opinion was so intense that he began his book with the reassuring words: "Trust yourself." Not that he believed it. The book was jammed with advice.
Now, in "NurtureShock," Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman survey the newest new findings about child development. Little in the book is all that shocking, but given our enthusiasm for turning tentative child research into settled policy, the studies that the authors discuss are of more than passing interest.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203706604574371422231600220.html
By KAY HYMOWITZ
For more than a century American parents—ever more distanced from grandmothers and suspicious of tradition—have looked to social science to explain their children to them. Thus they have gobbled up books and articles by experts who periodically deliver the latest truths about child-rearing. Back in 1945, when Dr. Spock published his "Baby and Child Care," readers' devotion to expert opinion was so intense that he began his book with the reassuring words: "Trust yourself." Not that he believed it. The book was jammed with advice.
Now, in "NurtureShock," Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman survey the newest new findings about child development. Little in the book is all that shocking, but given our enthusiasm for turning tentative child research into settled policy, the studies that the authors discuss are of more than passing interest.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203706604574371422231600220.html
Art galleries that don’t respect children
Carolyn Moynihan
Is it safe to take your children to an art gallery these days? A writer complains in the New York Times about taking his twin boys, aged 7, to one of his favourite galleries and running into an exhibition with “graphic images”. The name, “And/Or”, provided no clue to the genitalia displayed; the warning sign at the entrance was in very small print.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/art_galleries_that_dont_respect_children/
Is it safe to take your children to an art gallery these days? A writer complains in the New York Times about taking his twin boys, aged 7, to one of his favourite galleries and running into an exhibition with “graphic images”. The name, “And/Or”, provided no clue to the genitalia displayed; the warning sign at the entrance was in very small print.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/art_galleries_that_dont_respect_children/
Children are worth having
Barbara Lilley
Are people who have children selfish? Would the world be better off if more of us were childless?
In an August 3, 2009 Maclean's Magazine article, “No Kids, No Grief”, author Anne Kingston takes a look at what appears to be a growing and vocal section of society – people who have decided against having children.
The reasons for refusing to procreate seem to run along the lines of the following: it's better for the environment, children are expensive, having them means you have to give up some material things you'd rather not and my personal favourite, childless marriages are far happier.
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/children_are_worth_having/
Are people who have children selfish? Would the world be better off if more of us were childless?
In an August 3, 2009 Maclean's Magazine article, “No Kids, No Grief”, author Anne Kingston takes a look at what appears to be a growing and vocal section of society – people who have decided against having children.
The reasons for refusing to procreate seem to run along the lines of the following: it's better for the environment, children are expensive, having them means you have to give up some material things you'd rather not and my personal favourite, childless marriages are far happier.
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/children_are_worth_having/
Monday, August 17, 2009
A parent's guiding influence
Mark Gregston
A parent's desire to hold on to a child's innocence in his early years is normal and necessary. Early childhood is obviously not the right time for them to know certain things. But kids today are exposed to negative influences at earlier and earlier ages, and it is often out of a parent's control.
Age 16 used to be the benchmark for teens. It was the age most could begin to drive, and when given a set of car keys, the influence a parent has on how much of the world their teen experiences changes dramatically. But today, a younger teen has the keys to "drive" on over to some of the seediest places on earth, with the click of a mouse button. The Internet has changed everything.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=640998
A parent's desire to hold on to a child's innocence in his early years is normal and necessary. Early childhood is obviously not the right time for them to know certain things. But kids today are exposed to negative influences at earlier and earlier ages, and it is often out of a parent's control.
Age 16 used to be the benchmark for teens. It was the age most could begin to drive, and when given a set of car keys, the influence a parent has on how much of the world their teen experiences changes dramatically. But today, a younger teen has the keys to "drive" on over to some of the seediest places on earth, with the click of a mouse button. The Internet has changed everything.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=640998
Monday, July 27, 2009
New Zealand parents reject smacking ban
Carolyn Moynihan
The Great Smacking Debate is in full flight in New Zealand where a lawchange two years ago specifically banned the use of “force” for thepurpose of correcting children. Opponents of the new law collectedenough signatures to secure a referendum on the smacking issue, whichtakes place next month. A New Zealand Herald poll last week shows that85 per cent of parents of young children plan to vote No on thequestion: “Should a smack as part of good parental be a criminaloffence in New Zealand?”
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/new_zealand_parents_reject_smacking_ban/
The Great Smacking Debate is in full flight in New Zealand where a lawchange two years ago specifically banned the use of “force” for thepurpose of correcting children. Opponents of the new law collectedenough signatures to secure a referendum on the smacking issue, whichtakes place next month. A New Zealand Herald poll last week shows that85 per cent of parents of young children plan to vote No on thequestion: “Should a smack as part of good parental be a criminaloffence in New Zealand?”
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/new_zealand_parents_reject_smacking_ban/
Monday, June 29, 2009
'Raising children properly' requires stay-at-home parent: Alberta minister
Liberal leader demands apology from Iris Evans for 'outrageous claims'
Alberta's Liberal leader is demanding an apology from Finance Minister Iris Evans, who suggested that in order to raise children "properly" one parent should stay at home while the other goes to work.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/06/17/education-iris-evans-alberta-minister.html?ref=rss
Alberta's Liberal leader is demanding an apology from Finance Minister Iris Evans, who suggested that in order to raise children "properly" one parent should stay at home while the other goes to work.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/06/17/education-iris-evans-alberta-minister.html?ref=rss
Friday, June 19, 2009
Internet, the thief of family time
Carolyn Moynihan
If anybody doubted it, research by one of America’s leading journalisminstitutes confirms that the Internet is making inroads into familytime. Members are dealing with each other less face-to-face, women inparticular are tending to feel ignored at times, and parents worry thattheir children are spending too much time online.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/internet_the_thief_of_family_time/
If anybody doubted it, research by one of America’s leading journalisminstitutes confirms that the Internet is making inroads into familytime. Members are dealing with each other less face-to-face, women inparticular are tending to feel ignored at times, and parents worry thattheir children are spending too much time online.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/internet_the_thief_of_family_time/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tiger Woods: ‘Nothing beats fun with the kids’
Carolyn Moynihan
What is it about golf and fatherhood? Jack Nicklaus was the super dad(of five) of his day. A few years ago it New Zealand whiz-kid MichaelCampbell who carried the torch for family life. Now it’s Tiger Woods,poster boy for Father’s Day as he delights in the recent expansion ofhis family.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/tiger_woods_nothing_beats_fun_with_the_kids/
What is it about golf and fatherhood? Jack Nicklaus was the super dad(of five) of his day. A few years ago it New Zealand whiz-kid MichaelCampbell who carried the torch for family life. Now it’s Tiger Woods,poster boy for Father’s Day as he delights in the recent expansion ofhis family.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/tiger_woods_nothing_beats_fun_with_the_kids/
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dealing with teen anger
Mark Gregston
Anger in your teenager can take on many faces. It can be a seething anger kept quietly below the surface, or a tidal wave unleashed on everyone around them. Anger can manifest itself in a covert refusal to comply with your household rules or wishes, or outright acts that can ruin their relationships, undermine their own future or bring harm to themselves. And if left unchecked, it can lead to violence and trouble with the law.
Anger in teenagers usually comes from some unmet need or heart-longing. Such "wants" can be immature and selfish; like wanting more material things. Or the more complicated want for control and independence. But these can also be a smokescreen for deeper wants, like the want for love, acceptance, or even the want for more clearly defined rules to live by. Or, it can be a want for life to be the way it was before a major event took place, like the breakup of the family, the loss of innocence, or a betrayal. Anger can also come from the want to not be ridiculed or bullied, or the want to be "normal" as defined by today's teen culture.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=560652
Anger in your teenager can take on many faces. It can be a seething anger kept quietly below the surface, or a tidal wave unleashed on everyone around them. Anger can manifest itself in a covert refusal to comply with your household rules or wishes, or outright acts that can ruin their relationships, undermine their own future or bring harm to themselves. And if left unchecked, it can lead to violence and trouble with the law.
Anger in teenagers usually comes from some unmet need or heart-longing. Such "wants" can be immature and selfish; like wanting more material things. Or the more complicated want for control and independence. But these can also be a smokescreen for deeper wants, like the want for love, acceptance, or even the want for more clearly defined rules to live by. Or, it can be a want for life to be the way it was before a major event took place, like the breakup of the family, the loss of innocence, or a betrayal. Anger can also come from the want to not be ridiculed or bullied, or the want to be "normal" as defined by today's teen culture.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=560652
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Fighting parents drive teens to drink
Carolyn Moynihan
The research is clear: adolescents tend to fare better -- academicallyand behaviourally -- when they live with both biological parents. And that’s a couple of scientists talking. But there is an exception: when their parents frequently argue, young adults are much more likely to binge on alcohol; they also tend to smoke, and their poor school grades are similar to those of peers who don’t have their own mum and dad at home.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/fighting_parents_drive_teens_to_drink/
The research is clear: adolescents tend to fare better -- academicallyand behaviourally -- when they live with both biological parents. And that’s a couple of scientists talking. But there is an exception: when their parents frequently argue, young adults are much more likely to binge on alcohol; they also tend to smoke, and their poor school grades are similar to those of peers who don’t have their own mum and dad at home.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/fighting_parents_drive_teens_to_drink/
Imaginary friends are natural
Carolyn Moynihan
Are children who have imaginary friends a little abnormal? Are theycompensating for a lack of real friends or for some internal malaise?Not at all, according to Australian researchers at La Trobe University.In fact, it seems to come naturally to the majority of children toinvent an invisible companion. What’s more, it gives them better socialskills than those who don’t.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/imaginary_friends_are_natural/
Are children who have imaginary friends a little abnormal? Are theycompensating for a lack of real friends or for some internal malaise?Not at all, according to Australian researchers at La Trobe University.In fact, it seems to come naturally to the majority of children toinvent an invisible companion. What’s more, it gives them better socialskills than those who don’t.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/imaginary_friends_are_natural/
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Fearless parenting
Mark Gregston
Fearful parents of teenagers today often believe that they'll avoid trouble by keeping their teenager always in their sight, by fixing their every problem, and by generally keeping them under their control. But I've learned that parents will gain more in the long run, and could avoid a season of teenage rebellion, by taking decisive steps to give up some of the control they have over their teen's daily life.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=551698
Fearful parents of teenagers today often believe that they'll avoid trouble by keeping their teenager always in their sight, by fixing their every problem, and by generally keeping them under their control. But I've learned that parents will gain more in the long run, and could avoid a season of teenage rebellion, by taking decisive steps to give up some of the control they have over their teen's daily life.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=551698
Love isn’t enough
Trayce L. Hansen Ph.D.
Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Children need the love of both.
Proponents of same-sex marriage believe the only thing children really need is love. Based on that supposition, they conclude it’s just as good for children to be raised by loving parents of the same sex, as it is to be raised by loving parents of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, that basic assumption—and all that flows from it—is false. Because love isn’t enough!
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/love_isnt_enough/
Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Children need the love of both.
Proponents of same-sex marriage believe the only thing children really need is love. Based on that supposition, they conclude it’s just as good for children to be raised by loving parents of the same sex, as it is to be raised by loving parents of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, that basic assumption—and all that flows from it—is false. Because love isn’t enough!
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/love_isnt_enough/
Sunday, May 31, 2009
From grades to goals: middle schoolers and education
Carolyn Moynihan
Helping middle school students with their homework may not be the bestway to get them on the honour roll. But telling them how importantacademic performance is to their future job prospects and providingspecific strategies to study and learn might clinch the grades,according to a research review.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/from_grades_to_goals_middle_schoolers_and_education/
Helping middle school students with their homework may not be the bestway to get them on the honour roll. But telling them how importantacademic performance is to their future job prospects and providingspecific strategies to study and learn might clinch the grades,according to a research review.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/from_grades_to_goals_middle_schoolers_and_education/
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Many teens wired, caffeinated well past bedtime
By Anne Harding
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Caffeine-fueled teens are texting, Web-surfing and gaming for hours into the night, which is affecting their alertness and ability to function during the day, a new study in Pediatrics shows.
"They're up at night and they're dong a lot less homework than we thought and a lot more multitasking," Dr. Christina J. Calamaro of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the lead researcher on the study, told Reuters Health.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
WETZSTEIN: It's not always just about you
It isn’t just about you. Thankfully, some scholars and media commentators are getting the point that “self-esteem” is not an unlimited good: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/24/wetzstein-its-not-always-just-about-you/
Posted by Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Think family, not soul-mate, Singapore tells singles
Carolyn Moynihan
Singapore’s National Family Council is pushing the boundaries of taste somewhat in its latest effort to promote marriage and family life, but the island nation’s dismal fertility rate of 1.09 children per woman helps explain why.
As part of its Think Family campaign the council is running a competition for the “most imperfect-perfect couple” (prize: romantic getaway) and an ad in which a widow pays a funny/sad tribute to her deceased husband’s “imperfections” at his funeral. A trifle crass, but evidently a necessary wake-up call for Singapore singles waiting too long for the perfect mate to turn up.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/think_family_not_soul_mate_singapore_tells_singles/
Singapore’s National Family Council is pushing the boundaries of taste somewhat in its latest effort to promote marriage and family life, but the island nation’s dismal fertility rate of 1.09 children per woman helps explain why.
As part of its Think Family campaign the council is running a competition for the “most imperfect-perfect couple” (prize: romantic getaway) and an ad in which a widow pays a funny/sad tribute to her deceased husband’s “imperfections” at his funeral. A trifle crass, but evidently a necessary wake-up call for Singapore singles waiting too long for the perfect mate to turn up.
http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/think_family_not_soul_mate_singapore_tells_singles/
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