Tip of Week: Gun safety

By Special Agent Bobby Bureau
June 30, 2009

 

Editor’s Note: We are always looking for ways to inform parents of programs that will help them raise their children. Well we found one it is called “Special Agent Bobby Bureau”. We will be joining him to give you tips for kids of all ages. The best way to tell you about this agent is to let him tell you himself.

The Kids’ Page is designed for children and their parents to learn more about the FBI through age-appropriate games, tips, stories and inter actives. We also introduce you to our working dogs and show how FBI special agents and analysts investigate cases. First, can you help Special Agent Bobby Bureau get in disguise for his undercover assignment? He’s depending on you. You have to visit the sight to sign up as a special agent. Today’s Tip: Gun Safety.

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

 

 

Did you know that some people have to carry guns when they work? Special Agents must carry a gun when they are on duty. Security guards do, too. Who else can you think of who has to carry a gun to work?

Some people have guns for sport shooting, while others collect old guns as a hobby.

No matter why people have guns or why they carry them to work, each one of them must have special training to know how to handle them safely. Some people go to classes to learn gun safety; some learn it from their parents. I want to teach you what to do if you see a gun.

 

 

What should you do when you see a gun?

 

DO NOT PICK UP THE GUN.
DO NOT EVEN TOUCH THE GUN.

 

Remember, you must have special training to know that the gun is safe and empty.

 

 

If something like this happens to you — tell an adult right away. Tell your mom, dad, teacher, or neighbor. Guns should be locked up after they have been used.

GUNS ARE DANGEROUS. THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO BE TOUCHED BY SOMEONE WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING.

Source FBI

Alexander’s Summer Word Find

By Alexander
June 30, 2009

Editor’s Note: Hey, kids! Alexander the Elephant needs your help finding these words that are related to food allergies and summertime in general!

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

 

Sunscreen
Milk
Popsicle
Anaphylaxis
Lemonade
Swimming
Heat
Water
Epinephrine
Peanut

 

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Remember to check the ingredients on sunscreens and lotions for allergens!

Source: Faankids

‘America the Beautiful’ on this 4 of July

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
July 4, 2009

Editor’s Note: This year, don’t just mumble through the classic tune. Teach your grandkids – and maybe yourself – how it really goes.

 

America the Beautiful

by Katharine Lee Bates

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man’s avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

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

Teach Kids What July 4th Means

By Grandparents
July 4, 2009

 

Talk with kids about American ideals.

Grandchildren love Independence Day. There are hot dogs, beach parties, baseball games, and fireworks. But for young kids, there may also be questions about the significance of July 4th – for starters, What does “Independence Day” mean? As you answer their questions, you can give them some great reasons to love their country, on the Fourth and all year-round. Read on for seven patriotic talking points.

 

1. What is Independence Day?

The Fourth of July is our country’s birthday. When grandchildren ask why, tell them what happened on July 4, 1776. That was the day our country’s founders declared independence from Great Britain. This meant they would no longer follow the orders of Britain’s king. To do this was extremely dangerous. At the time, Britain had one of the world’s strongest armies, and to go against the king was a crime punishable by death. But the king’s laws were unfair, so our founders decided it was worth the risk of war to win the freedom to govern themselves. In 1783, the new United States won that war, which we now call the Revolutionary War.

 

 

2. Why does the flag have those stars?

At this time of year, American flags are easy to spot. Point one out to your grandchildren. Explain that each part of the flag stands for something. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states. The 13 stripes stand for the 13 British colonies, which declared their independence on July 4, 1776. Tell the children that the flag is a symbol – a way to show the world what we stand for. It also shows that we are connected to one another – that we’re on the same team. And because the flag is special, we treat it with respect.

 

 

3. What makes our country special?
<>Tell grandchildren that one thing that makes our country special is that it guarantees us certain rights, or freedoms. Explain how you use these rights every day when you pray (or decide not to), read a newspaper, or meet and talk with friends. Tell kids that you can do these things because our country guarantees us the freedom to practice religion the way we want, say or write what we want, and go where we want. Show older grandchildren how these rights are spelled out in the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights. Ask the kids which rights are most important to them.
 
<> 
<>4. What does the government do for us?
<>Take your grandchildren on a tour of their town to show them the role that government plays in their lives. Talk about how many of the things they see represent the values of the people in their community. Explain that adults pay taxes to their local, state, and national government so that, among other things, the government can build and maintain facilities that reflect our values. Education is important to us, for example, so we build schools. Safety is a priority for us, so we put up traffic lights. And we want open places where we can gather, so we set aside space for parks. Children can also see the people who help the community, including police officers, firefighters, crossing guards, librarians, postal workers, and sanitation crews.
 

 

5. What does the president do?

Ask your grandchildren to imagine that they have been elected president of the U.S. (Make sure they understand that being a president is very different from being a king or a queen.) What would they do? Give all kids free ice cream? Make the world a peaceful place? Talk about what some of our presidents have done in difficult times; for instance, Abraham Lincoln helped lead a war to keep the country together, when some states wanted it to split in two. If grandchildren want to find out more about our presidents, share a book with them.

 

6. What can we do for our country?
<>Tell grandchildren that our country is like a family: Everyone has to pitch in or it doesn’t work. As members of the U.S. “family” – in other words, as citizens – we all have certain responsibilities, like going to school, voting, and obeying the law. Discuss how being a good citizen also means taking care of the country, by keeping it clean, looking out for people in trouble, and staying informed about the problems that we face. Of course, actions always have more impact than words, so set an example by dedicating some of your time to volunteering in the community. Find a project that is important to both you and the kids, such as helping out at a school or cleaning up a playground.
 
<> 
7. What does it mean to be American?
In countries like China or Ireland, most residents share a common culture or ethnicity. But the United States is different. Here, what people share is a common idea – that people should have the freedom to live the way they want, and to work and earn money the best way they can. These freedoms have inspired people from all over the world to come to this country and become “Americans.” This is a profound idea many children may never have considered and it might make them feel especially proud of their country, as well as more connected to other Americans of different backgrounds. It can also lead to a discussion about your own family’s journey to the United States. Why did your relatives come? Why did they stay? Every family’s story is part of the country’s story. Make sure your grandchildren know yours.

 
Source: Grandparents

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

Something to Think About on this 4th of July

By Glenn Beck
July 4, 2009

 

Hello America,

Here it is, another Fourth of July. Traditionally, this is a day to gather with friends, maybe fire up the barbeque and play with kids until the sun sets and the fireworks start. But in thinking back on the meaning behind this day, we must never forget that our nation was baptized in the blaze of a very different kind of “fireworks.” Yes, this is a day of rest and relaxation, as well it should be, but this year…I’d like to ask you a favor. At some point during the day, I hope you’ll take time to think and reflect on what it is we’re truly celebrating on the 4^th of July — our Independence Day. Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4^th, 1776 but it’s so much more than that. On this day, 233 short years ago, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk.

Never has a simple act of signing one’s name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4^th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us; join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans.

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War.

If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn’t set up for “regular” Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim.
 
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it.
 
As we enjoy our liberty on this 4^th of July, or any day of any month, we must never take that liberty for granted. Too many have given too much. In the words, of the Signers themselves. For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence. We mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
 
Their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor — I think that’s a price paid worth a few minutes of reflection, don’t you? But let’s not be solemn in that reflection. I say rejoice and share this information with your friends and family, especially your kids. The Signers asked for nothing in return for their pledge, but I say that we show our thanks with a pledge of our own:  To remember, to be grateful, and to carry on in their spirit. America is the greatest country this world has ever and will ever know, and it will stay that way so long as “we the people” remember that just like in 1776.
 
It’s US that surround them, and we’ll never back down.
 
Happy Independence Day, and God bless America.

Source: Glenn Beck

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

Honey Bear: A sweet and funny kids song by Bryant Oden, of SongDrops.com (Sing You a Rainbow).

Poddy Training

Hot Weather and Vehicles Are Deadly for Kids

By Dawn Deeks 
Safe Kids/PIO
July 3, 2009 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A few minutes might not seem like a long time, but there are circumstances when it can mean the difference between life and death.  As temperatures begin to heat up, children are at a serious risk for heat stroke when left alone even for a few minutes in a closed vehicle.Last year, at least 42 children across the United States died from heat stroke caused by being left or trapped in a vehicle.

“Drivers need to understand that a vehicle is not a babysitter-but it can quickly become an oven,” said Lorrie Walker, the technical expert for Safe Kids Buckle Up, Safe Kids USA’s child passenger safety program. “A child under 10 should never be left alone in or around a vehicle-even for a minute. When it comes to the safety of a child, there’s just too much to lose.”

Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than that of an adult. This could cause permanent injury or even death. Heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit.  A core body temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit is considered lethal.

“The temperature inside of a vehicle can rise 19 degrees above the outside temperature in just 10 minutes,” said Walker. “After an hour, the temperature inside and outside of a vehicle can differ by 45 degrees or more – even if the window is left open a crack.”

Safe Kids USA and program partner General Motors created the Never Leave Your Child Alone program in 2001 to educate families on the dangers kids face in hot vehicles.
According to research conducted by San Francisco State University, even with relatively cool temperatures outside-70 degrees-the inside of a car can reach a dangerous temperature in just minutes.

The research also revealed that more than half of these children were accidentally left behind in a closed, parked car by parents or caregivers while nearly a third of these children were trapped while playing in a vehicle unattended. Sadly, one in five children who died were intentionally left in the vehicle by an adult.
Safe Kids suggests these tips for parents and caregivers:

• Teach children not to play in, on or around vehicles.

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open.

• Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk – especially at home. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach.

• Place something that you’ll need at your next stop – such as a purse, a lunch, gym bag or briefcase – on the floor of the backseat where the child is sitting. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.

Never Leave Your Child Alone is a component of Safe Kids Buckle Up, the multidimensional program created by Safe Kids USA and General Motors to teach families how to keep children safer in and around vehicles. Nationwide, more than 19 million people have been exposed to the program through educational activities, car seat checkup events and community outreach programs. In June 2008 the program celebrated the milestone of one million child safety seats checked for proper installation.

Source: Safekids

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

When Discipline for Your Child

Michael K. Davis, MD
July 3, 2009

Frustrated parents may ask pediatricians for guidance regarding effective means of discipline.  Pediatricians are often uncomfortable addressing this complex issue due to several reasons but perhaps the main reason is a lack of time to adequately assess the issue.

The term “discipline” comes from the Latin word “disciplinare,” meaning “to teach.”  However, the term is most often associated with the concept of punishment.  A good discipline strategy involves behavior modeling, attitudes, rewards and punishments.

Why do children misbehave?

Perhaps the main reason is a lack of adequate discipline.  Kids who are tired, bored or hungry are more likely to misbehave.  Kids also misbehave to gain the parents attention, and even if the parent scolds the child, an attention-deprived child may find this parent interaction worth the punishment.  Temperment plays a role in all child behavior.  A small proportion of children may have a behavior disorder such as ADHD.  Ask your doctor about this.

Discipline strategies should be based on the child’s age.  Detailed explanations may help older children understand their punishment but are useless if the child doesn’t have the capacity to understand the explanation.  Try explaining to a 3 year old why they can’t have a cookie for breakfast!  Children less than 18 months of age are typically unable to understand any type of punishment and an overwhelming desire to explore their environment makes punishment ineffective.  Two-parent families should formulate a united front.  Opposing discipline strategies between parents only offers a child a means to exploit the differences.  “Dad can I have a cookie?”  “No.”  “Mom, can I have a cookie?”  Sound familiar?

Discipline should be clear, concise and immediate so a child learns to appreciate the cause and effect relationship.  Punishment should be a logical consequence. For example, if a child does not eat dinner, then he doesn’t get dessert.

Positive reinforcement – Perhaps even more important than punishment, is for parents to recognize and reward good behavior.  If a child cleans her room, then she gets to spend more time with Mom or Dad.  Unfortunately it is the poorly-behaved child that often gets the most attention.  A simple “Good job, son!” or “What an awesome job cleaning your room!”  is golden to a young child.  Some parents have had success using a chart on the refrigerator in which the child is awarded gold stars for good behavior.  A certain number of stars awarded for good behavior is rewarded.

Punishment is a necessary part of discipline but it must be used together with positive reinforcement.  Time-outs are a popular strategy that can be very effective when used appropriately.  Send the child to the corner of the room or next to a tree for 1 minute for every year of age.  So, a four-year-old gets a 4 minute time out.  The time-out spot should be safe, but boring.  No interaction is allowed during a child’s time-out.  Once time out is over, “time-in” should involve positive interaction between parent and child.  Time-outs are not super effective short term, but can be very effective over time when used correctly.  Time outs probably work best for kids between 18 months and 6 years of age.

Verbal scolding should only be used sparingly.  If used too much, it can cause unnecessary anxiety or excitement in the child.  A parent should model good behavior and a tirade of insults will only be copied by the child at a later time.

According to one survey of the National Family Violence Survey more than 90% of families use some form of spanking to modify child behavior.  Attention-getting, open-handed, non-injury-causing pops on the buttocks, hand or leg are generally not considered abuse in the United States.  However, while the immediate shock value may change a child’s behavior, spanking is not the most effective means of discipline.  No child should ever be struck with an object, hit hard enough to leave a mark, or shaken.

It is important to understand the developmental milestones of children when deciding when and how to apply discipline.  A child less than 2 years old should not be punished for potty-training accidents because they may not have the physical ability to control bladder and bowel function.

Source: Banks JB.  Childhood discipline: challenges for clinicians and parents. Am Fam Physician. 2002 Oct 15;66(8):1447-52.

Dr. Tummy

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

What does 4th of July Mean?

By AT&T
July 4, 2009

Patriotic celebrations with stars and stripes, stunning fireworks shows, and parades will be underway this weekend. Let’s take a moment to remember the importance of this monumental holiday.

Independence Day (also known as the “4th of July”) is a federal holiday celebrating the United States’ independence from Great Britain over 230 years ago.  On July 4, 1776, the Thirteen Colonies were declared sovereign states as justified in the Declaration of Independence  (formally known as “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America”).

Today, common Independence Day festivities include parades, barbeques, picnics, libations, and fireworks.  Some of these celebratory and patriotic activities, such as fireworks, have been around for nearly as long as the Declaration of Independence, but they all signify the acknowledgement of the birth of the United States of America as we know it today.  Decked with red, white, and blue decorations and marked by patriotic compositions, families, businesses, schools, and municipalities celebrate this important historical event with gusto.

But how much do you really know about the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution? Try this short quiz to test your knowledge.

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

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