I’m pretty sure almost every one of my oldest daughter’s friends got an iPod Touch for Christmas this year. We’re talking third-graders. And while even we here at Cool Mom Tech have recommended it as an option for a handheld gaming device for kids the iPod Touch has a lot of features that are decidedly not kid-friendly. So, unless you’re watching your child like a hawk every second she’s got it in her hands, you might be surprised what sorts of trouble they can get into, with just a couple of innocent clicks.

Read more: http://www.coolmomtech.com/2013/01/how_to_make_ipod_touch_safe_for_kids.php#ixzz2JUKk8qEw

And experts warn that even if youngsters get daily exercise, the increasing hours sat watching TV, playing computer games or surfing the internet could put them at a much higher risk of getting cancer in adult life.

Doctors fear long spells of inactivity while glued to a screen may lead to childhood obesity and the associated health dangers.

And they are now calling on parents to restrict the amount of time kids watch telly or play computer games to less than two hours a day and delay the age they start allowing toddlers to become viewers.

Experts have long been concerned about inactive children and obesity, but the World Cancer Research Fund has issued a fresh warning over kids who exercise and still turn to games and the TV.

The charity’s head of health information Kate Mendoza said: “People often assume sedentary behaviour is the same as physical inactivity.

“But someone can do the ­recommended amount of daily physical activity and still be sedentary.

“Children may well get plenty of physical activity at school through sports or playing but if they spend a lot of time sitting down at home they might develop habits which could increase their risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes in the future.

“By reducing their sedentary time children will lessen their chances of becoming obese.”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/cancer-and-obesity-risk-warning-of-sitting-1523980

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.
1.  Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
2.  Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient. Children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music, or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.
3.  Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.•   Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding childrenabout exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.•   Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school.They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.•   Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concretesuggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines (e.g. not providing building access to strangers, reporting strangers oncampus, reporting threats to the school safety made by students or community members, etc.), communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs.
4.  Review safety procedures. This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.
5.  Observe children’s emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and
1time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
6.  Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, eventeenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.
7.  Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
Suggested Points to Emphasize When Talking to Children
•   Schools are safe places. School staff work with parents and public safety providers (local police and fire departments, emergency responders, hospitals, etc.) to keep you safe.

•   The school building is safe because … (cite specific school procedures).•   We all play a role in the school safety. Be observant and let an adult know if you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous or frightened.•   There is a difference between reporting, tattling or gossiping. You can provide important information that may prevent harm either directly or anonymously by telling a trusted adult what you know or hear.

•   Don’t dwell on the worst possibilities. Although there is no absolute guarantee that something bad will never happen, it is important to understand the difference between thepossibility of something happening and the probability that it will affect our school.

•   Senseless violence is hard for everyone to understand. Doing things that you enjoy, sticking to your normal routine, and being with friends and family help make us feel betterand keep us from worrying about the event.

•   Sometimes people do bad things that hurt others. They may be unable to handle their anger, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or suffering from mental illness. Adults (parents, teachers, police officers, doctors, faith leaders) work very hard to get those people help and keep them from hurting others. It is important for all of us to know how to get help if we feel really upset or angry and to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

•   Stay away from guns and other weapons. Tell an adult if you know someone has a gun. Access to guns is one of the leading risk factors for deadly violence.

•   Violence is never a solution to personal problems. Students can be part of the positive solution by participating in anti-violence programs at school, learning conflict mediation skills, and seeking help from an adult if they or a peer is struggling with anger, depression, or other emotions they cannot control.
NASP has additional information for parents and educators on school safety, violence prevention, children’s trauma reactions, and crisis response at www.nasponline.org.©2006, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway #402, Bethesda, MD 20814

The school address is:

Sandy Hook Elementary School, 12 Dickenson Drive, Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Prayers and sending a card may seem something small, but at least, it’s something we can do.

I am thankful for…
…the mess to clean up after a party

because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

…the taxes I pay

because it means that I’m employed.

…the clothes that fit a little too snug

because it means I have enough to eat.

…the child who is not cleaning his room, but is watching TV

because that means he is at home and not on the streets.

…the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot

because it means I am capable of walking.

…all the complaining I hear about our government

because it means we have freedom of speech.

…that lady behind me in synagogue who sings off key

because it means that I can hear.

…lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

…my huge heating bill
because it means that I am warm.

…weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day

because it means that I have been productive.

…the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours

because it means that I am alive.

…Finally, for too much email

because it means that I have friends and family who are thinking of me.

The only thing I did differently is change toothpastes in April to Melaleuca Tooth Whitening Polish. When I told our team leader, Cindy, she wasn’t surprised. She said it’s known as a WOW product.

I’m sold. If you would like to try the tooth polish or any other products, email us at info@mykidsclubhouse.com to set up an appointment with Cindy.