My Memory of Senator Ted Kennedy

Alexandra Conway
August 30, 2009

 

Kennedy wanted a legacy of hard work for children’s rights, he told this Kid Reporter.

Back in 2004, when I was an 11-year-old Scholastic Kid Reporter, I covered the Democratic National Convention, attending numerous state delegation meetings and caucuses. I had many great experiences, but my most memorable one was my encounter with Senator Ted Kennedy.

I attended a delegation breakfast where he and then-Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack spoke. Kennedy spoke passionately about his interest in education. Following his speech, I weaved and tried to politely push my way through the crowd to get close enough to get his attention. I was eager to ask this notable and influential senator a question or two.

A large group of reporters trotted after the Senator as he left the event. I was with Scholastic Editors and two other Kid Reporters, including my little sister, Elizabeth. We were trying to stay ahead of the pack, when a man with a large camera on his shoulder swung around to get a shot of the Senator walking. I was so close to both of them that the camera hit me right on the head!

With a big throbbing egg on my forehead, I managed to pull myself together and keep running. Within moments, Senator Kennedy had stopped and was looking right at me. Wow!

Lots of other reporters had gathered around and were shouting out questions. Bright lights from the TV cameras were practically blinding me. Despite the glare, I looked Senator Kennedy right in the eyes and asked him how he would like to be remembered. He thought about it a moment before answering. Despite the chaos around him, he gave a measured and sincere answer.

“I want to be remembered as someone who helped children, someone who cares for children,” he said. “Children need good schools to go to, a place to live, good food to eat. The most important thing for children is to have a good education.”

I paid close attention to every word he said as cameras clicked and other reporters shoved. From then on I remembered Senator Kennedy as the most important political figure I ever had the opportunity to interview.

When I woke up this morning, I was devastated to hear that Senator Kennedy died last night. He died in his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, at the age of 77.

My first thoughts went back to my experience in 2004 and the question I had asked him. I know for sure that Senator Kennedy will be remembered as an outstanding public servant and so much more. His brother President John Kennedy once described him as “the best politician in the family.”

Senator Kennedy, who was known as the “last lion” of the senate, had a remarkable congressional career of 47 years. Only two other senators in history have served as long as he did.

His time in the senate was filled with many accomplishments. He was known—and often called—the most effective and hardworking legislator in Congress. He will forever be remembered as a great legacy from a family dynasty of legacies. President Obama said it all when he called Kennedy, “the greatest US Senator of our time.”

Editor’s Note: PHOTO: Scholastic Kid Reporter Alexandra Conway interviews Senator Edward Kennedy at a delegation breakfast during the Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, July 29, 2004. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

We would like to know what you think? dan@gooldcoastchronicle.com

Source: Scholastic News Online

Playing After-School sports

by Alexander
August 28, 2009
 

 

 

Dear Alexander,

 

(Q) My friends are playing after-school sports. I’d like to play with them, but how can I stay safe when there will be so many different people around me?

 

(A) You need to be prepared and to tell everyone about your food allergies. Talk about your situation with the coach. Your parents will want to talk to your doctor to get advice, so they can pass this advice and their knowledge on to the coach. The coach should know whether or not it is possible for you to play safely.

Once you’re playing, you’ll always want to have epinephrine on the sidelines, and you should make sure that there is an adult present who can use it at all times. Bring your own snacks and water. Luckily, in sports, snacks are usually eaten only at the end of the game.

Good luck!

Your friend

 

 

 

Alexander Elephant

 

 

Editor’s Note: The information above is not designed to take the place of a doctor’s instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: Food Allergy

Firefighter of the Week – Assistant Chief Gerard A. Barbara

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
August 25, 2009

A Dad and Yankees Lover

Since Sept. 11, scores of well wishers have packed the small Staten Island home of Gerard Barbara, assistant chief of the New York Fire Department. Mr. Barbara’s wife and two children recognize many of the faces, but not all of them. In an odd twist, they end up consoling some of the visitors, who appear lost. Many just want to hang on to any memory of the chief, who was widely respected and loved for his humanitarian spirit, said his wife, Joanne.

“People I’ve never seen before are saying, ‘You don’t understand, I loved your dad,’ ” said a son, Paul, 23. “I say, I do understand, he was my dad!’ ”

Mr. Barbara, 53, a 31-year veteran of the Fire Department, was one of the city’s highest-ranking supervisors. He was walking toward the lobby of the second trade center tower when the building collapsed.

Paul said that when he and his sister, Caren, were growing up, they had no idea that their father was an important member of the Fire Department, because he was just a dad who was wild about the Yankees.

Caren said: “If the terrorists think they have won, they haven’t. This whole thing just drove my dad deeper into our hearts. He died doing one of the things he liked best, trying to save people.”

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on October 4, 2001.

Source: Legacy

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

G-Force

Movie Review: G-Force

by Kerry Bennett
August 27, 2009

Guinea pigs finally get their chance to prove they are more than just laboratory test subjects in this live-action/animated tale. Sporting attitude and the latest high-tech equipment, these furry friends are an espionage force to be reckoned with!

In-Depth Review

G-Force is rated PG: for some mild action and rude humor.

Size doesn’t seem to matter to the guinea pigs that make up the covert government agency known as G-Force. Juarez (voice by Penélope Cruz), Darwin (voice by Sam Rockwell) and Blaster (voice by Tracy Morgan) may be small, but they’re still a power to be reckoned with when it comes to military operations.

However, like many other federally funded departments, their backing is about to be cut. Without it, they will be forced to shut down before uncovering the criminal activities behind Leonard Saber’s (Bill Nighy) household appliance empire. On the night prior to their project’s termination, they launch an unauthorized infiltration mission into Saber’s mansion and steal a computer file outlining his plans for world domination. They hope the information will help save their program. But when the guinea pigs’ boss Ben (Zach Galifianakis) tries to open the file for FBI Agents Killian (Will Arnett), Trigstad (Gabriel Casseus) and Carter (Jack Conley), they discover it has been infected with a computer virus.

Without any positive evidence against the suspicious industrialist, officers slap a closed sign on the animal experimentation operation and the rodents soon finds themselves incarcerated in a pet store cage with a hairy, flatulence-plagued pig (voice by Jon Favreau) and psychotic hamster (voice by Steve Buscemi). Refusing to burrow into the wood chips while Saber initiates his villainous plot, the furry agents and their mole friend Speckles (voice by Nicolas Cage) design an escape plan and arrange to rendezvous at Ben’s address.

Their adventures outside of the pet shop though are often too intense for young viewers. Along with scenes straight from an action flick (car chases, breaking plate glass windows and the threat of being crushed), these rodents are attacked by automated machines with whirling blades and other deadly appendages. They are also subjected to actions that could easily be imitated by children. Feigning interest in the pigs, a young customer in the pet store picks up one of the critters and then intentionally throws him into a cage with a hungry snake. Another is put behind the wheel of a remote control car and driven at high speeds through an obstacle course and over a jump. While children aren’t involved with the following depiction, a rodent finds himself locked inside a microwave oven where he is about to be cooked. During their undercover operations, the tiny squad also faces frequent moments of peril involving attack dogs, detonated explosives, exterminators and armed agents intent on hunting down the escapees.

Yet for children comfortable with these types of action-packed escapades, G-Force offers some more thoughtful moments, particularly after the guinea pig project is abandoned. Believing in the importance of their mission and trusting in one another, the beady-eyed critters stay the course despite some disappointing setbacks. And although the script may sometimes grow a little lame, this film’s special 3D effects prove to be engaging from the first frame to the final clip.

Studio: 2009 Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Visit the official movie site.

Content Details: Beyond the Movie Ratings…

Discussion Ideas: Talk About the Movie…

Source: Parent Previews

Editor’s Note: Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Along with authoring articles for several family-oriented publications, she has written for Parent Previews for nearly 10 years. She serves as Vice President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness. She and her husband Garry have four sons.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Hero of the Week – Country Star Keith Urban

By SJH/PIO
August 29, 2009

The patients and staff of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® received quite the unexpected and special treat this past June when Keith Urban stopped in to tour the facility and visit with the kids.

The country music star is a dear friend of St. Jude. His efforts and support have greatly contributed to the enormous success of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, and this dedication has influenced his fan club to join Fans Care for St. Jude Kids in 2002.

An added element of surprise to the visit was the VIP reception that Keith received upon his arrival: waiting to greet him and thank him for his support were Marlo Thomas, Tony Thomas, Dr. William Evans, St. Jude Director and CEO, Dave McKee, COO of ALSAC and Rick Shadyac, newly appointed CEO of ALSAC.

Also gathered to greet Keith in the Chili’s Care Center lobby were many excited patients and their families. After spending time with all of his fans, Keith proceeded on his tour, led by Dr. Larry Kun, who provided insight into the advanced imaging capabilities that the facility offers.

Dr. Mary Relling then gave a tour of her lab in the Pharmacology Department. Keith continued on to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, where he gave patients a treat they will never forget: each patient received a handwritten message on their window, as well as some special one-on-one time with Keith. His love and passion has always been the Kids of St. Jude, and this was evident by the attention given to every patient he met.

As he wrapped up his visit and tour, Keith shared with St. Jude staff members that much of his inspiration has come from Randy Owen, longtime supporter of the hospital, friend of Danny Thomas, and founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids.

Source: Country Cares

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Kids Can play Sports with Asthma

By Nicole Lukosius
August 28, 2009

Nearly 6.7 million children under the age of 18 suffer from asthma, but it doesn’t have to be something that hinders a youth football player’s experience.

Heading into the 11^th season of his career, St. Louis Rams middle linebacker Chris Draft has faced many formidable opponents on the field. But when he’s not lining up against some of the NFL’s best offensive playmakers, Draft battles another opponent off the field every day of his life.

Draft suffers from asthma, an inflammatory disease that affects the lungs, and has had to manage his health ever since his playing days at Stanford. Although asthma can usually be controlled once diagnosed, it may be more common than one might think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 22.9 million people living in the United States have asthma – with 6.7 million suffers under the age of 18.

Dr. David Callahan, Captain in the U.S. Public Health Service, said when it comes to youth athletes, parents and coaches need to educate themselves on how to handle the situation when an asthma attack strikes.

“If I had to pick two things for a coach to know, know which of your kids have asthma, and know what to do in an asthma emergency,” Dr. Callahan said. “Make sure that the kids with asthma have an asthma action plan from their physician.

“Parents of youth athletes should be working with their family physician to make sure that their asthma is well controlled and that they have both the appropriate controller medication and the appropriate rescue medication.”

Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Asthma is not curable, but attacks should only occur when a “trigger” bothers the lungs.

“Exercise itself can do it because of the increased rate of breathing, cold weather, cold air can be a trigger,” Dr. Callahan said. “Pollen also is a very common one and is at its peaks in the spring for trees and in the fall for ragweed. Something else to look for is air pollution.”

Because this disease affects nearly 9 percent of all children, the Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program (MDH) and the Utah Department of Health Asthma Program (UDOH) collaborated together to educate others on the disease through “Winning with Asthma.” A private-public partnership created by the National Lt. Governor’s Association and funded by the CDC, the “Winning with Asthma” campaign features a Coach’s Asthma Clipboard Program, which Draft has signed on with as the National Spokesman.

This issue has always been something Draft said is near and dear to him, and he hopes his example will encourage others to not let asthma interfere with following their dreams.

“It is controllable,” Draft said. “With the right attention and understanding of what asthma is, you can play and enjoy playing football. You can’t ignore it – it’s like football in a way.

“If a player is struggling on the field, you don’t ignore your stumbling block. You face it. You study it. You take it on. The “Winning with Asthma” program helps people get to that point.”

The Coach’s Asthma Clipboard Program is designed to help coaches learn about asthma, how it affects an athlete’s ability to compete and how coaches can help their athletes manage their symptoms while performing at their very best.

Dr. Callahan recommends these steps to follow when an asthma attack occurs:

“First of all, the athlete should tell the coach immediately, stop the activity that he’s doing, and immediately be given a rescue medication – usually Albuterol – with an inhaler or a nebulizer.”

And in the event that the asthma attack appears to be severe, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“If it’s a severe attack – if the athlete’s lips or nails are blue, or has difficulty talking, walking or drinking liquids – that’s an indication to call 9-1-1 right away,” Dr. Callahan said. “The other very good reason to call 9-1-1 is if the coach or child is simply unsure what to do. It’s never wrong to call, and minutes do count when things get severe.”

Dr. Callahan said one precaution those with asthma should take this fall involves a new vaccine. The 2009 H1N1influenza vaccine is in production and early testing now and should be available in early October.

“We recommend that for seasonal flu, all children with asthma get a flu shot, and this year, all persons with asthma should get a seasonal flu shot and also the H1N1 flu vaccine,” he said. “This is a new virus meaning it has not circulated before in the population, so because of that, there is very little immunity to it.”

He also encourages youth football coaches to look at the “Winning with Asthma” program online to learn more about how to help improve the experience for youth athletes.

“Our expectation for asthma is that youth athletes should be able to take part in activities without feeling restricted,” Dr. Callahan said. “They should be as much a member – and as good a member – of the team as children without asthma.”

Source: USA Football

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

What are They Learning

by Gary Drevitch
August 28, 2009

Editor’s Note: We will joining with Grandparents.com and Scholastic News Online to do this weekly series on what experts are saying grandchildren should learn in school, from grades K through 8

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

This week it is: Kindergearten

 So, what are you doing in school this year?

It’s the opening line in many conversations between grandparents and grandchildren. Unfortunately, as many grandparents learn, children are not always so forthcoming with the details of what they’re doing in, say, third-grade math or sixth-grade science. Now Grandparents.com has asked some experts to help fill you in — a team of teachers and writers who produce textbooks, magazines, and other products for the nation’s classrooms. They helped us compile a clear and concise guide to what your grandchildren should be learning, from kindergarten through grade 8, in the subject areas of English, math, science, and social studies.

Each article summarizes what grandchildren will learn during the school year; introduces controversial issues that students and teachers may face as they study together; recommends books and websites that will expand your grandchildren’s knowledge; and suggests activities you and your grandchildren can do together to reinforce and extend their classroom lessons. Now you’ll be prepared not only to talk with the kids about what they’re learning in the classroom, but to help them excel there as well.

 In kindergarten, it’s all about learning how to make friends, how to last through an entire day (or half-day) of school, and, yes, learning how to learn. In most programs, children learn how to interact with classmates, and to resolve conflicts, during unstructured imaginative play. Kids also begin to internalize the routines of the school day, as they shift between lessons in English, math, social studies, and science:

 

English. Reading and writing go hand-in-hand in kindergarten, as children learn their letters and begin to put them into words. Beginning readers start with the ABCs: Teachers typically dedicate one week to each letter of the alphabet, helping students equate written letters, both upper- and lower-case, with their respective sounds and the words that start with them. Kindergartners also start to recognize common words by sight, such as you, see, and up. As the year progresses, successful sight-readers will be able to read some simple stories independently. At the same time, children begin to craft their own tales using the storytelling skills they acquire from listening to a variety of books read aloud in the classroom. Teachers encourage kids to draw detailed pictures of their stories, and then to write words to accompany those images, as best they can. Children are encouraged to use “invented spelling” to write words, based on their sounds.

• Math. The focus is on number, shape, and pattern recognition. Children will learn to write numbers, practice counting by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s, and read a calendar. By the end of the year, they may learn basic addition facts with the help of “manipulatives,” a fancy word for hands-on materials such as blocks.

• Social Studies. The goal here is for children to envision a world beyond their neighborhood, and to understand their place in it. Many classes begin the year with an “all about me” unit in which kids share facts about themselves with classmates. Later lessons will focus on families and their traditions, and “community helpers,” like police officers and mail carriers.

• Science. The best kindergarten teachers make science part of the daily routine, inviting children to observe the weather each morning and use “weather words” to describe the day’s conditions. Other topics might include the five senses, habitats, ocean life, the four seasons, or the lifecycles of plants and animals.

 

The New First Grade? As recently as 20 years ago, most children learned to read in first grade. Now, some schools assess students’ reading skills as they enter kindergarten, and reevaluate them several times during the year. Why the rush? Schools are being pressured to meet the standards dictated by state-mandated standardized tests, which require that students be “proficient” readers by third grade. So even as more school districts shift from partial-day to full-day kindergarten classes, education researchers have found that the extra hours of the school day are not being dedicated to finger-painting or creative play, but to increased literacy instruction. A child’s work, it appears, is no longer play.

 

• Many kindergarten teachers will dedicate weeks or months to favorite children’s authors such as Jan Brett, Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, Jane Yolen, Leo Lionni, and Robert Munsch. Before your grandchildren visit, find out which writers they are reading in school, then head to the library to load up on their works so you’ll be ready for reading time.

• There are dozens of great ABC books on the market, but you can never tell which will be the one that helps your grandchild break through and start recognizing letters. Still, at least one of the books on this list compiled by Scholastic.com should do the trick.

• To learn more about the increasing academic demands of kindergarten, read Susan Ohanian’s What Happened to Recess and Why are our Children Struggling in Kindergarten? (McGraw-Hill, 2002), or these articles from Newsweek and The Washington Post

 

Hobby Time. Kindergartners love to do grown-up things, so let them take part in your hobbies. It’s a great way to help them learn. If you’re a sports fan, let them help you add up a team’s runs as you look at baseball box scores in the newspaper. If you’re a gardener, spend an afternoon teaching them about what plants need to grow, and let them get their hands dirty by digging and planting with you. If you’re more crafty, art projects are a terrific way for young children to hone their fine-motor skills.

Science Stroll. Take grandchildren on a nature walk around your neighborhood, and help them identify the flowers, trees, insects, and animals you see. While you’re at it, keep your eyes open for opportunities to clean up; kindergartners love to pick up everything in sight, and they love to be helpful. Let them pitch in.

Find Lessons in Aisle Three. A trip to the supermarket provides many learning opportunities for kindergartners. Quiz kids on the colors and shapes of vegetables. Challenge them to find certain words throughout the store. If the cashier gives you change, hand the coins to the children and ask them to identify each one. But don’t be surprised if the kids are reluctant to give the money back

 

Next Week: Grade 1 English

Source: Grandparents Scholastic News Online

Parents of Adolescents

By Jim Burns, MD
August 28, 2009

Adolescence, the period between childhood and adulthood, has grown longer in our time. Kids are experiencing puberty earlier and staying connected to their parents later in life than previous generations. Thus, adolescence in many instances can be just as tough a season on parents as it is on the kids!

Recently, I interviewed Dr. Kevin Leman, the internationally known author and speaker for our radio broadcast, HomeWord with Jim Burns, about his new book, Running the Rapids. In the book, Dr. Leman wrote a chapter titled “20 Rules for Surviving Your Kids’ Adolescence.”  In this tip sheet, we’re passing along Dr. Leman’s rules along with some of my own comments.
Follow Through. I’m a big believer in disciplining with consistency. If you create an expectation and consequences for not meeting the expectation with your kids, follow through on it! By not following through, you send the message that your word isn’t worth anything.

Watch Your Expectations. All parents want the best for their kids. The trick is to help them set and then achieve their goals for themselves, rather than to expect them to live up to our goals for them.

Accept Them Where They Are. Adolescence is a very turbulent time for kids. They can be a roller coaster of moods, emotions and hormones all wrapped up together. If your daughter is brokenhearted over a “crush” that hasn’t worked out the way she had hoped, don’t belittle her or tease her over “puppy love.” Remember, “puppy love” is very real to “puppies.” Affirm their feelings. They are what they are – and they are real.

Take Time To Listen. This is part of what I call “The Power of Being There.” Your presence makes a difference. Kids see your presence and listening as a sign of caring and connectedness. Listening is the language of love. Listen to your kids. In doing so, you’ll be demonstrating honor, love, respect, empathy and acceptance.

Respect Their Choices. This is a tough one for parents. It’s hard to watch kids make choices that we don’t want them to make. Believe me, I understand. But, it’s our goal to move kids from dependence on us to independence, and this means we have to respect their choices. Obviously, in terms of choices, there are some areas where we would want to intervene, like drugs and alcohol for example. But, for the most part, in an age-appropriate way, we should allow our kids to make their choices and live with the consequences. Remember, one of the best ways to learn is by experiencing failure.

Ask For Forgiveness. When was the last time you asked for your child’s forgiveness? The parent who tries to come across as perfect is making a big mistake. In fact, you’ll probably be amazed at how much credibility you gain with your children when you’re honest with them about your shortcomings.

Respect Their Privacy. If your son is in his bedroom with the door closed – and you need to talk to him for whatever reason – respect his privacy by knocking on the door before entering. Of course, as a parent, you have every right to just walk on in, but a simple knock and asking if “now’s a good time” to have the conversation gives your son the opportunity to feel as though he actually bought into the process – rather than having it forced upon him.

Communicate Clearly. Good communication takes work. Make sure you work at listening to what your kids are actually saying. You might have to ask for clarification as terms and meanings change. Understand that you’ve grown up in a different time also – so be sure that your kids understand you!

Do The Unexpected. When it comes to discipline, be creative. No, you can’t beat kids over the head and force them to do things, but you can’t let them off the hook either. Dr. Leman uses the example of a child who was expected to prepare dinner. The child didn’t get around to it, so mom and dad went out to dinner alone and then took the meal’s expense from the child’s allowance. Dr. Leman says, “Doing the unexpected creates a long-lasting shock value.”

Talk About Potential Problems. This simply refers to talking issues over with your kids before they face them, like discussing with them when they’re eleven or twelve what to expect on a date and what problems they might encounter, rather than waiting ‘til they’re sixteen, on the eve of a first date.

Don’t Act Like A Teenager. You’re not one. Your kids know it. They are counting on you to act like a grown-up.

Give Them Choices. Adult life is full of choices. Help your kids move towards independence by making sure they have opportunities to make choices and to learn from the consequences of their choices. While practice may not make perfect, giving kids choices will help them learn how to make good decisions.

Don’t Snowplow Their School Road. This refers to allowing kids to be responsible for their own homework and school activities. Too many parents get involved in helping their kids with these – and unintentionally get in the way of the growth process their kids need to experience. While your kids need your encouragement, make sure you are teaching them about accountability and responsibility through their assignments and commitments.

Don’t Show Them Off or Embarrass Them. Okay, as parents, we tend toward one or the other of these extremes. Either we want to show off our kids for what a great job they’ve done on something (it makes us feel good about ourselves, make no mistake!) or we embarrass our kids in front of others because they’ve messed up or disappointed us. There are times for praise and times for rebuke, but make sure these are done in the right place and the right time.

Don’t Pick At Flaws. Teens are painfully aware of their shortcomings. Generally, they don’t need parents to remind them constantly of their weaknesses, failures and flaws. Nagging and criticizing doesn’t make the list when it comes to effective parenting skills!

Don’t Spit In Their Soup. Dr. Leman says that this is “when you add a little tagalong that has no other purpose than to make your teen feel guilty.” An example: “Sure son, you can go to the game tonight. I’m glad someone in our family gets to go out and have fun. I’ll be mowing the lawn.”

Don’t Talk In Volumes. Some parents just lie in wait for an opportunity to unload verbally to offer advice and instruction. Don’t make every moment in life a “teachable” one. If your child needs new shoes and asks for them, you don’t have to explain the proper way to walk to maximize the life of the shoes.

Don’t Smother Them With Praise. While I think appropriate praise is important, if you heap too much praise on kids, they can hear the unintended message that you love them only when they perform at a high level. Find ways to praise and encourage without tying it to a specific performance or building up unrealistic hopes.

Don’t Make Icebergs Out Of Icicles. Just a reminder to season your parenting with grace. We all make mistakes. We all have fallen short. Learn to extend the same grace to your kids that you would like others to extend to you.

Handle Hassles Healthily. Conflict between parents and kids from time to time is a fact of life. These times can either be a path to communication blockage and unloving behavior, or it can be a path to deeper communication, greater understanding, and loving behavior. Working through the conflict takes more emotional involvement than avoiding conflict, but it is the loving way to care for yourself, as well as your child.

Editor’s Note: Adapted from the book, Running the Rapids by Dr. Kevin Leman

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Source: Home Word

The Whale Said “Thank You”

By Janet Angel
August 28, 2009

If you read a recent front page story of the SF Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat.  She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth.  A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands(outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help.

Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her.  They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.  When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles.

She then came back to each and ev ery diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around ~she was thanking them.  Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.  The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you.  And , may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.  I pass this on to you, my friends, in the same spirit.

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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