Article: The Science of Tantrums

Way back in July, yes the warm month of July... oh, sorry.  Let's try that again.  Back in July I posted a link to an article I read in Scientific American Mind about a study conducted that produced the Top 10 Most Important Parental Competencies that lead to happy, and healthy children.  If you didn't catch that post, make sure you read the post because not only is it interesting, but the discussions here spawned a series of posts by Mama T exploring each one.

Anyway, I am always on the look-out for scientific explainations or solutions/suggestions of things.. and as the perpetual "Uncle" to many, and with only the partial raising of a step-son under my belt, this type of stuff arms me with suggestions to offer others that I haven't personally tried myself.

And just in case you are thinking that I'm one of those nosy people that butt in and make suggestions to others about techniques they should use instead of what they are doing when raising their children... I am.  A little bit.  But I'm digressing again.

Seeing Is Believing?

I came across something yesterday about imparting religious or spiritual beliefs to our kids that really resonated with me.  As many of you know, I follow the blog "Single Dad Laughing" (SDL).  Well, yesterday, he posted an excerpt from his book, The Real Dad Rules, about how to share our beliefs with our kids. His thesis is that you shouldn't teach your kids what to believe - you should teach them how to believe.

I discussed this issue when we were examining Robert Epstein's article about what makes a good parent, and his top 10 areas of parental competency, which included religion. I discussed why I disagreed with that in the post, "Losing My Religion," but I also shared a viewpoint similar to SDL's. If you haven't had a chance to check out that post, please do.

It Only Takes a Second

Okay, I know we got off to a humorous start this week, but this is too important to save for another time.

I recently wrote about child safety issues in the context of our discussion about the parenting skills article.  In response to that, a friend shared a story with me on Facebook – a story that has been at the forefront of my mind ever since. Now, I want to share it with you.

Introverts Unite!

This is sort of an ironic title, given that we introverts aren't exactly the most comfortable in large crowds - even if they are comprised of our fellow introverts!

I came across an article by Jonathan Rauch in The Atlantic called "Caring for Your Introvert" - check it out if you have a moment. It's a little tongue-in-cheek vindication for those of us who are labeled "loners" and cause people to worry simply because we're not as gregarious as other people.

Article: Banning Kids - What?!

Ok, people, I don’t usually do it, but prepare for a rant.

I just read an article posted by some of my Facebook friends, which described increasing efforts to bar children from public places.

What?!?!

The article provides examples of places that have started to create kid-free zones or times, and they include: movie theaters, airlines, hotels, and (gasp) grocery stores. And that’s not all.

Seriously?