Choking Game Death

I wouldn’t be a responsible blogger if I failed to correct something I addressed in my last blog, “You Just Never Know.” I mentioned the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy at my son’s middle school, from what was believed to be suicide. Yesterday an automated message was sent to every family from the school. It has been ruled an accidental death caused by the “choking game.” In spite of this, many children still claim the poor boy was the victim of bullying. So I had to ask myself, “Which is worse?” A young boy taking his own life or … Continue reading

Dangerous Websites for Teens

I saw a report a couple of weeks ago regarding dangerous websites that teens are visiting. One of them is called “Formspring,” which is actually a social media outlet that allows members to ask and respond to anonymous questions. The problem with this website is that it also promotes cyber-bullying. Vicious notes can be sent anonymously. This opens the door to all kinds of bullying like obscene language, derogatory comments and other unkind ways of interacting. I wanted to personally look more into this website but it required signing up and I wasn’t quite ready for that. However it is … Continue reading

The Waiting Game

So, daughter number two made her entry into the “real world” on December 8. Katie is a quiet, sweet baby and her big sister Maggie just adores her. It’s been a good week – aside from the hormones and emotions that are wrecking havoc on my body. Oh, the crying. It doesn’t help that I have been filled with anxiety over the results of Katie’s newborn screening test. Maggie has cystic fibrosis. And any other child we have will have a 25% chance of having CF as well. So, granted, I’ve been nervous. However, I spent the entire pregnancy trying … Continue reading

3 Fun Water Games to Keep Kids Wet and Cool

Are you looking for some fun water activities for your kids? In the hot summer months, water is almost a necessity. Many families have a pool, but it isn’t required to have a great time and continue to beat the heat. Here are a few activities for having fun with water that don’t require the use of a pool. Water Balloon Toss This can be a fun game for kids of all ages. When dealing with extremely young children, tossing the water balloon at a box or board is a better alternative than having them throw it at someone. In … Continue reading

The Dangerous Book for Boys – Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden

The Dangerous Book for Boys isn’t really that dangerous. It’s a fun book, though you may have a bit of trouble convincing the kids of that. At first glance, the book seems a bit old fashioned and looks a little like a history book. On the other hand some of this stuff is questionable, and a bit dangerous. Matches, a Swiss army knife, and a fishhook are considered essential gear. The authors, Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden, are brothers. They are encouraging boys to get out an play, explore, and learn about the world. The book is a great resource … Continue reading

Winning in the Game of Life

The internet astounds me. I love the way it connects us with people from all over the world and all walks of life, who might not otherwise have met. Recently Dr Jeffrey Brown, a clinical and sport psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, contacted me. He’d been reading some of my blogs here at families.com on Christian parenting. As a result, he thought I might be interested in reading his book, ‘The Competitive Edge – how to win every time you compete,’ and had his publisher send me a copy. If you think the idea of winning every … Continue reading

Ask a Baby Blogger: The Gory Details

Question: I wanted to ask you, since you are clearly in favor of breastfeeding, what you think about women who put down other women for not breastfeeding? Also, do you think there’s a limit (please say yes) to how much information should be shared by other moms in a conversation regarding breastfeeding and child birth. I almost answered this question privately, as really it doesn’t have to do with babies as much as motherhood and manners. But then I went back to my own early days as a mother. . .even during my pre-mothering days when I was pregnant. I … Continue reading

Hot EA Games Now on the Mac

EA games are now available for the Mac. Apple announced the release of six new titles of video games that are playable on the Mac, along with gaming gear to enhance the playing experience. Apple is recommending that these games be played on the newer Intel-based Macs. Some of the games list the Intel processor as a requirement, although rumor has it that the games are all playable on older Macs, but with either a decrease in performance or with glitches that may pause the games or require them to be restarted. Some of the games are available right now, … Continue reading

The Most Dangerous Game

My son is really into martial arts. He’s constantly spinning, jumping kicking, punching, and defeating imaginary foes. (I think they are usually Decepticons) When we finish a crate of eggs, I let him destroy the egg crate that they came in with kick, chops, and punches, as if it were a piece of wood or a block of cement. He must be Bruce Lee in his mind’s eye. Recently a new program debuted on the History Channel called Human Weapon. In it, two fighters travel around the world studying the traditional martial arts of the countries that they visit. After … Continue reading

The Let’s Talk Pregnancy Blog Top Ten: How to Induce Labor Naturally

If you’re attempting to have the most natural labor possible, you’re going to want to avoid artificial induction at all costs. Not only are artificially-induced contractions often significantly stronger and more painful, but starting labor unnaturally can likely lead to further complications. The current state of your cervix will determine how likely the onset of labor is. No amount of any of these, save number one maybe, will produce a baby if it’s not time. Sure, there are plenty of old wive’s tales for starting labor naturally, including eating spicy foods or taking a ride down a bumpy road. But … Continue reading