On Father’s Day: The Memory of Our Fathers

By Lizzie
June 15, 2014

We are called upon to cherish with high veneration and grateful recollections, the memory of our fathers. Both the ties of nature and the dictates of policy demand this. And surely no nation had ever less occasion to be ashamed of its ancestry, or more occasion for gratulation in that respect; for while most nations trace their origin to barbarians, the foundations of our nation were laid by civilized men, by Christians. Many of them were men of distinguished families, of powerful talents, of great learning and of preeminent wisdom, of decision of character, and of most inflexible integrity. And yet not unfrequently they have been treated as if they had no virtues; while their sins and follies have been sedulously immortalized in satirical anecdote.

The influence of such treatment of our fathers is too manifest. It creates and lets loose upon their institutions, the vandal spirit of innovation and overthrow; for after the memory of our fathers shall have been rendered contemptible, who will appreciate and sustain their institutions? “The memory of our fathers” should be the watchword of liberty throughout the land; for, imperfect as they were, the world before had not seen their like, nor will it soon, we fear, behold their like again. Such models of moral excellence, such apostles of civil and religious liberty, such shades of the illustrious dead looking down upon their descendants with approbation or reproof, according as they follow or depart from the good way, constitute a censorship inferior only to the eye of God; and to ridicule them is national suicide.

The doctrines of our fathers have been represented as gloomy, superstitious, severe, irrational, and of a licentious tendency. But when other systems shall have produced a piety as devoted, a morality as pure, a patriotism as disinterested, and a state of society as happy, as have prevailed where their doctrines have been most prevalent, it may be in season to seed an answer to this objection.

The persecutions instituted by our fathers have been the occasion of ceaseless obloquy upon their fair fame. And truly, it was a fault of no ordinary magnitude that sometimes they did persecute. But let him whose ancestors were not ten times guiltier, cast the first stone, and the ashes of our fathers will no more be disturbed. Theirs was the fault of the age, and it will be easy to show that no class of men had, at that time, approximated so nearly to just apprehensions of religious liberty; and that it is to them that the world is indebted for the more just and definite views which now prevail.

The superstition and bigotry of our fathers are themes on which some of their descendants, themselves far enough from superstition, if not from bigotry, have delighted to dwell. But when we look abroad, and behold the condition of the world, compared with the condition of New England, we may justly exclaim, “Would to God that the ancestors of all the nations had been not only almost, but altogether such bigots as our fathers were.”

Note:  I originally found this in the old McGuffey’s Sixth Eclectic Reader, but my thanks to “Sluice Box Adventures” for putting it online for us.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers at TPN

 

Editor’s Note: We welcome your comments.  Please Login  or Register to post a comment on this article. Thank you and we appreciate your support!

 

Do You Know What Makes a Real Dad?

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
June 15, 2013

We have had so much response since I first wrote this in June 20, 2010, that I want to share with you again.

I have had so many readers who figured out that I was David. We had the most hits on this story for this day.

We hope that you enjoy it and pass it around to everyone you know.

This is a story about a man (we will call him David) who has worked with kids all his life, but was never blessed by God of haven’t any of his own.

Throughout his life he always enjoyed helping others, especially those children that didn’t have a father in their life.

You might ask yourself why?

David never had the opportunity of having a loving father being there when he went to bed or woke up in the morning. Or having one that would go to his baseball game and cheer him on.

The best way to describe it is there is a song by Bob Carlisle called “Butterfly Kisses”. If you have not heard it, I strongly suggest that you get it.

It is about a dad who sings about his daughter as she is getting ready to start her new life with her husband.

It reminded him of his butterfly kisses that he received or gave to his daughter as she was growing up. I don’t want to say any more. I don’t want to mess up his message.

When David was 10 he was put into a home for kids whose parents didn’t want them.

Where he was abused, locked in closets where he was given medication to keep him quite. He spent 3 years there.

The only thing that saved him was his faith in GOD and a police officer  who came by to visit him on a daily basis. He taught him that he was special and that it was not his fault for being there.

This man showed him the true meaning of being a DAD. He always reminded David that what makes a dad is someone who is there for others.

He reminded him that it takes more than being related to a child by blood, to be a “real” Dad.

David has always lived by that, as he always worked with children especially those, that didn’t have a father in their lives. He wanted to be sure that no child would go through what he had been through.

He wanted to work with big brothers, but he was turned down because he would be too close to the child. Let me say this first, the big brothers that he applied to work with was in New York.

They only wanted him to see the child only on Saturdays and to have no other attachment to that child on any other time I am not saying this is all the Big Brother Programs.

David felt that he couldn’y give part time love, because he felt that a child needed full time love.

Today, David is still not married but he feels lucky and as if he is a father.

He hopes that he has made a difference in four children’s lives.

First one, he was there to teach a little girl how to ride a bike, help her with her homework and just be there so she could say things that she would only say to her dad.

Girls are close to their dads as boys to their moms. David befriended and even played “girly” games with her.

Second one David has been there for another girl since her father died when she was 12. He never tried to replace her father, but to be there when she needed someone.

The next two are brother and sister, this one is really hard on him. To protect the kids we will call them Alice and Sam.

To this day they are his kids even though they were adopted by someone else. Of course a mom and dad. I am jumping ahead of the story.

David became a foster parent to adopt both of them. He knew it would be hard, but they were worth fighting for.

He knew their history and that their father was not in their lives. He fell in love with them from the first day he seen them.

He was single and the system usually want to place children with two parents.

David told them that just because they have a mother and father doesn’t make them good parents.

During this process David went through hell, they looked at every part of his life. They even knew what color of diaper he wore as a baby.

The worst part about it he and the children were lead to believe that the system was going to work with him so that he could adopt them both which was never the case.

Alice was kept at his friend’s house since she was the foster parent and he took in Sam

Since the foster parent and David were friends this was suppose to make it easy for them when they came up for adoption.

David felt hopeless that he had no say in Alice’s life and would not be able to share the everyday life of a dad. He would only be allowed to see her when the foster mom would allow it.

When it was just those two everything was great. When others got involved things changed for the worse.

David felt alive and happy when they were around.

He would wake up every day sit down with Sam they would eat breakfast together they would talk about how Sam was doing in school and the day before, watch cartoons together.

Than they would get ready for school Sam always enjoyed his dad talking him.

David would always park about a half a block away. This was done at Sam’s request he wanted to hold his dad’s hands tightly as they talked while walking to class.

They both enjoyed this time together. Sam hated when his dad left.

As they arrived to the classroom Sam would turn to David and say “see you later dad” they would say together at the same time ‘love you’.

He would always talk to his teacher before class asked her how he was doing. He told the teacher he would always do the homework together with Sam.

And if they was no check mark that means he didn’t see it.

The teacher was not aware that he really wasn’t Sam’s father she would learn later differently. She approached David to tell him that he was more Sam’s father than others are to their kids.

After school Sam was picked up by bus for his after school program. David picked him up after work.

He always made time to play with Sam at the park they would play football or baseball before they went home.

When they got home, they would sit down together and work on Sam’s homework.  David would never do it because Sam wanted to do it himself.

One time David forgot to put check mark on it. Sam said “dad you forgot” he always enjoyed him sitting with him while he was doing his homework.

While David was cooking dinner Sam would watch TV, but sometimes he wanted to help.

They had a guinea pig name “Buddy” and Sam always cleaned the cage. He took so long because Sam wanted it done right.

When the system tried to put Sam on medication, it was David who fought to stop it.  He requested that the school do an evaluation on him to see why he was having so much trouble in school.

David was stepping on a lot of people’s toes especially the guardian who was assigned by the court.

The children were in his life for only 5 months and three weeks. He would find out later that if he had him one more week they would have to go to court to take him out of David’s life.

They knew that.

I would like to tell you how the kids reacted when they were with him.

They loved him and they would do things as a family. The best way to explain is it is to tell you a story.

David took Alice and Sam to the store to buy some toys.  A man approached him and said what beautiful kids you have.

David told the man that they were kids that he was going to adopt.

David could see that Alice was upset, when they got home.

He would say what I did wrong whatever it was I am sorry.

Alice told David that “I was upset that the man knew I was a foster kid not that you were going to be my dad.”

It brought tears to his eyes as they hugged.

When they were all together they did things like a family. One time David allowed Alice to make him up with makeup when Alice had her friends over.

The girls would laugh and David would hear them say “your dad is cool”.

Even though David only had them for 5 months and three weeks, it felt like a life time.

What happened next was very upsetting to David that lives with him today.

Sam was not good one morning nothing serious, he took too long to get dressed  David was upset with him.

As they arrived at the school everything was okay, Sam would always hold David’s hand s as they worked to the class.

David would give him a hug and the boy would turn around and say “good bye dad see you later”. They did this every day.

The teachers and people in the front office at the kid’s school loved David; they could see that he was a better parent than some of the others.

So when DCF and the guardian were doing something they informed him, which was illegal for them to do.

David received a call from someone at the school informing him that DCF was here to get Sam. When David arrived at the school they informed that Sam has been taken by DCF,

David called the guardian, but she wouldn’t answer, so he called the social worker. Who informed him that they don’t have to tell him anything!

To this day he remembers the exact time and day that he lost his kids. It was Feb. 11 at 1:45 p.m. Every 11 at 1:45 p.m. he breaks down and cries.

It is now 65 months since he lost his kids. Thank God he had always taken a lot of pictures of them, and he also kept a daily journal from the first day that he got them and still does even today.

Since he has lost them there have been times that he has seen them, but he has not said anything not even Hi, but he was afraid of what would come out of his mouth, of what he might say.

David’s answer when asked why he didn’t he say anything when he saw them. He was afraid  he would say I love you both and that I did fight for you both and I still want to adopt you today.

He wanted the kids to hate him and get on with their lives with their new family.  He knew that was the right thing to do.

And when they turn 18 and if they decided to look him up he would tell them the whole story with the paperwork in his fight to get them and the journal that he keeps to this day.

There were people in the DCF that were on his side but they couldn’t do anything to help him, but they always let him know what was going on.

Sam was told by one of the social workers that David took Sam to the school and told DCF to pick him up, because he didn’t want him anymore, which was a LIE?

You tell me is this the true meaning of being a DAD?

Please Dads be there for your kids, give them “Butterfly Kisses” every chance you can. You will never know when that day will end that they are no longer in your life.

Take pictures, keep journals and always be there when they need you even if they don’t want you to.

They will always want and love you if you are.

 

 

Editor’s Note: We welcome your comments.  Please Login in or Register to post a comment on this article. Thank you and we appreciate your support!

 

Schools Pulls Obama Painting

By Fox Nation
May 13, 2010

HALLSVILLE — Art teacher Brittany Williamson said her student simply wanted to “get a reaction” with his painting that depicted President Barack Obama with a hammer and sickle symbolizing communism.
 
“That’s the whole purpose of art — to get a reaction,” Williamson said.
 
Although Williamson thought the Hallsville High School sophomore’s painting was “an amazing piece,” it received not-so-amazing critiques from some school staff and visitors who complained to Williamson and Superintendent John Robertson.

The painting was taken down Monday after being displayed for nearly two weeks.
 
Robertson said the piece was removed because it could have been construed to reflect an official position of the school district.

 

Read The Full Article

 

 

Source: Fox Nation

 

 

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

Teachings of Jesus

By Kerry Patton
YC/Staff
April 4, 2010

Is America losing its freedoms? Do we truly have freedom of speech, expression, assembly, etc any longer?

Many can argue that we still have such freedoms; however, many more will argue that such freedoms are swiftly fading before us.

Freedom, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is defined as “the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.”

It may also mean “the liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another.” Considering that every historical implemented document which serves as the United States foundation explicitly mentions the word “freedom,” one must ponder whether we are truly free today.

Does freedom constitute being forced into paying a specified “tax” for a service some may rather not have?

Does freedom constitute, being referred to as something you are not based off one’s own beliefs or opinions which provides a label onto others?

Does freedom constitute owning a specified business however be coerced into government scandals?

America is not the Middle East nor is it a Communist or Dictatorship controlled nation. America is the “land of the free.”

It is obvious that none of these statements equates to any form of freedom. Today however, all Americans have witnessed acts which deplete any form of freedom we once had.

Currently, no sign exists for an end to such actions and behaviors; or do they?

Indeed there are signs that freedom within the United States will soon prevail once again. The greatest of signs have been exemplified through the recent forming of mass political and social movements throughout the United States.

We have witnessed more and more celebrity persons, specifically within our news media, discuss religion and freedom. Religion and freedom, these are two words often used in the same sentence.

Many argue that the United States was not founded off religious principles. This is extremely debatable. Each and every founding father that signed his death wish through the creation of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of War, and the U.S. Constitution were students of the bible.

When reading such historical documents, those that understand the Christian beliefs will observe how faith centric these documents truly are. Many may not see it however; observe the Passover Feast with Jesus and his disciples according to John 13:1-20:

“It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.

Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.”

“The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

                ^“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ ”

            “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ”

Hopefully, this passage will assist in seeing the greater picture. Was this episode with Jesus as simple an act as many may believe?

Do we “realize now” what Jesus was really doing? Our forefather certainly did.

Jesus was about to commit himself to the ultimate sacrifice, His crucifixion. He was willing to die for us, and torturously did so.

Prior to his death, He laid the foundation for all mankind following His footsteps. Biblically, water, can also be construed as ‘Word.’  It wasn’t just health and wellness-it was more about following the word of Jesus: 

kindness, love, neighborliness, and healing outside of respected social circles. 

 Actions at the time were used to push the bounds of societal norms without physical fight as seen in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper.

The disciples were not forced to do such actions rather they freely choose to fulfill such measures. Many of them died because of it.

They too were persecuted and brutally murdered. Our forefathers acted similarly. They opened the doors to those in need.

They laid the framework for others to follow and they also later faced persecution and brutality amongst those that observed the world differently then them.

The United States has been asleep for a long time. We have slept, and while we slept we dreamt about wealth, superiority, and everything opposite the teachings of Jesus.

We have failed to remember those that provided us with freedom. We have lost faith in our God. We have lost faith in our forefathers.

In turn, we placed too much faith in our own government and individual self-centeredness.

We have finally awakened. In time, today’s actions amongst the American patriots may be referred to as the “Fourth Great American Awakening.” With faith preserved once again, we will survive.

We will survive through inviting our neighbors to feast. We will not stop with just a feast rather we will wash our neighbors feet, we will embrace them as our flock, we will ensure their needs are taken care of, and encourage them to go out and do the same for others. 

We will not do any of these acts of kindness because we are forced to do so; rather we will freely fulfill such kindness because that is what Jesus taught.

Revelation 11:18 states that: “The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come.

It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”

America is on the brink of total destruction. The American earth is soaked in blood due to past wars. Wars such as the American Revolution and the Civil War were fought over freedom.

More American lives have been lost throughout these wars than any other in our short history. We have been founded upon principles instilled in man to fight until our death to ensure freedom is preserved for all Americans.

Times have changed. We do not need violence amongst fellow Americans as too much bloodshed continues to be spilled in the world which we live. Instead, we need to willingly serve one another. We need to identify those in need and voluntarily assist them.

We need to live our lives to that which Jesus asked of us during the night of His Last Super. And lastly, we need to ensure elected officials support these values and principles which follows the footsteps of our Savior.

We have taken care of our own and many others throughout American history. We will be capable of fulfilling these principles on our own again.

It is time for big government initiatives to be stopped and allow the people of the United States the freedom to choose our own destiny.

 

Source: Kerry Patton

 

 

Editor’s Note: Kerry Patton served in the U.S. Defense and Justice departments, and as a contractor within the Homeland Security and State departments.

He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, focusing on intelligence and interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban.

His upcoming book, “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies,” is due out in June 2010. Currently, Mr. Patton teaches for Henley Putnam University. He is also a public speaker and available for speaking engagements.

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

Celebration of Hope

By Sarah Palin
Apr. 4, 2010

For many of us, the arrival of Easter means the arrival of a new season of joy – of Easter parades, Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and sweet Peeps topping off a family meal. 

Some may wonder why we merrily celebrate at a time when we’re remembering Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. And there is something to that.

Good Friday is, after all, about God who became Man, dying on the cross for our sins. And yet we celebrate Easter Sunday, and we are right to do so.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

 

This one verse sums up the miracle that is the Easter season and helps explain the celebration.

Yes, Christ died for us, but in the end Easter isn’t a season of sadness. Ultimately, the story of Christ’s rising from the dead three days after the crucifixion is the story of the triumph of hope over despair.

Hope is one of America’s unique virtues. Hope makes us dream and achieve the seemingly impossible.

It’s who we are, and it’s why we’re able to always believe that our best days are yet to come, both for our families and for our country.

Easter time reminds us that we have every right to believe that this hope is based on time-tested truths and a solid foundation.

On behalf of the Palin family, I wish you all a peaceful and reflective Good Friday and a blessed and happy Easter Sunday.

 

 Source: Sarah Palin

 

 

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

Glenn’s Easter Essay

By Glenn Beck
April 4, 2010

Editor’s Note: Glenn tells the story of the crucifixion in a tad more unconventional way than most – set to the music of Pink Floyd.

We wouldke to know wht you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

This telling of the death of Jesus was recorded by Glenn several years back and as Glenn says, always generates letters and emails asking him why he focused on the death.  

“Because everybody concentrates on Easter, and I know that without Easter, His death was meaningless. I concentrate on Easter every day. Every day, every day that I draw a breath, I know it is because I found my way out of the darkness.

Every day that I go home to my children and I see them, it’s because of Easter. Everything I have, everything I am is because I don’t celebrate Easter on just Easter. I’m grateful for Easter every day” – Glenn Beck

  

Here is his essay in his own words:

 

FREE AUDIO: Glenn’s Easter Essay

 

Source: Glenn Beck

Poem for Claire

by Dr. Laura
Mar. 1, 2010

I get many letters, I would like to share this one from Barry and I welcome ones from you.

 

Dear Dr. Laura:

I was a participant in an unwanted, unnecessary divorce…because my wife wasn’t ‘happy.’ I have 3 minor children who, despite my tremendous efforts to the contrary…only get to see me 7-10 days a month.

I do everything I can to remain in their lives so I might display to them the importance and value of good character, good values/morals, and integrity….

For Valentine’s Day, I wrote my 5 year old daughter a poem. I’m not a poet by any means. I’m your basic manly man.

These words simply came to me in the half-hour it took to write them down. In it are references to many things we do as a family….I thought you might like to read it:

 

A Poem for Claire

A poem for Claire is what I will try.

I hope it turns out – ya see, I’m only a guy.

There are jobs that I have-

One is being your Dad.

Out of all of the jobs

That one makes me most glad.

We do things we like

And some we don’t mind.

I’m pleased that you’re nice

And so warm and so kind.

I tell you I’m serious

But you know that I’m not

We’re both very silly

And we smile a LOT!

We sit out in back

And look at the clouds

You see shapes I don’t see

You make me so proud.

Walking to school

Is always so fun.

It’s been so cold lately

We can’t wait for the sun!

You fiddle with your homework.

Maybe a snack instead?

But each night we read

Just before time for bed.

I love when we play

You’re so very special

We dance and we laugh

Now it’s time to WRESTLE!

We cuddle on the sofa

Watch TV at night.

But we don’t watch a show

That might give you a fright.

We make up games to play

Sometimes go for a hike.

But what you like most

Is riding your bike!

You play Dan-Ball and Rock Band

And sometimes the Wii.

”Daddy, come look!

Come here! Come see!”

I’m busy in the kitchen

Moving fast there to here.

You’re the first and the loudest

During our dinnertime cheer.

I miss you dearly

When we’re far apart,

But I’ll always remind you

I’m in your head and your heart.

The message is clear

In this poem you hear.

Your Dad loves you greatly

And I will always be near.

I want you to know

You’re my best Valentine.

I will ALWAYS be yours

If you will be mine.

I love you.

Dad

You’ve made me a better man, Dr. Laura. I thank you.

 

Source: Dr. Laura

 

 

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

Holding Kids Back?

By Jackie Morgan MacDougall
Jan. 18, 2009

With every stage of childhood comes a new dilemma. I remember when breastfeeding seemed like the biggest challenge in the world and things like potty training and finding a preschool brought me to my knees.

My sisters would giggle as I would pace and stress about whatever stage my kids might be in, thinking “just you wait ’til they’re teenagers.”

Why it is that no one warns you about the seemingly-simple decisions that can keep you up at night, wondering if one wrong move can send your kid into therapy until he’s 30.

Our quandary du jour involves our 4-year-old son and the possibility of kindergarten this fall. In our school district, the cutoff date is December 2, his birthday September 26.

While he’s a bright kid, his tantrums, need for daily naps, and regular desire for cuddles after being scolded make me think this kid needs another year in the safe environment of preschool.

While it used to be that parents would automatically send a child if he made the cutoff, parents now often hold a kid back for a variety of reasons, least of which are academic.

In asking around, I’ve gotten a mixed bag of passionate opinions and a little insight into the minds of some parents who will do anything to help their kid succeed.

 

We held one out of kindergarten due to age – he was two weeks away from the deadline. Why make him struggle forever? It has worked out great for academic reasons. — Liz

 

Two of my children started school right after they turned five. My fifth grader has straight A’s and our second grader is the top reader in his class. Both are the youngest in the class.

 

Why not enter your child into school when he/she is at the age of five? If they don’t do well then have them do a repeat of that year. Our children’s success has more to do with the involvement of the parents.                                    — Heather

 

While kindergarten readiness tests, school expectations and following your instinct are three suggestions in deciding whether your child is ready, even the experts don’t necessarily agree.

The National Association for Education of Young Children advises parents to follow age guidelines in their school districts unless there are very unique, extenuating circumstances. That’s the opposite recommendation of many educators I’ve spoken to.

In doing my research, I read a wide range of arguments but even many of the articles flip-flopped back and forth with opinions on whether to hold a kid back.

Thanks for the help, people! But one thing experts do agree on is that each child is different, and it’s best to make the decision based on where they are, with the help of your potential school.

But there are parents like Tim who made the tough decision a couple of years into his child’s school years. “When we moved from public to private, we had our middle child repeat 2nd grade.

He was a little immature and he would have been 6 months younger than anyone in his new class. It has worked out great. A little weird for him at first, he had to be convinced he wasn’t being “held back.” Now that he’s in 7th, it’s not even an issue.”

But it doesn’t stop in elementary school. One guy – we’ll call him Steve — I talked to revealed that in 7^th grade, his dad made the decision to hold him back in school. His reasoning?

It would give him a leg up in competitive sports, potentially paving the way for a full scholarship to the college of his choice. His dad wasn’t wrong in that he did in fact receive a full scholarship. But I couldn’t help but wonder…

Does holding a kid back help them succeed or just create another thing for them to blame us for later?

Steve’s dad isn’t the only one to pull that move. Melissa shared something that happened at her kid’s school, “There was one high school football player that was supposed to be on Varsity last season, since he was a junior.

Well, he knew that he wouldn’t START the games as a Varsity player, so he had his parents hold him back a year (so he could repeat his sophomore year) just so he would be able to start for the JV team.”

And while that’s not the norm in most communities, Melissa shared the complications of a situation more close to home. “My 13-year old son was born in May. His first cousin was born four months later in September.

My sister-in-law held him backs a year. Now my nephew feels strange/awkward that he is also 13, but one year behind my son in school.”

While we’re leaning to keeping our little man in preschool for one extra year, I guess this is another one of those parenting dilemmas where there is no right answer. We just cross our fingers and hope they don’t hate us later.

Source: Family

Editor’s Note: Jackie Morgan MacDougall, on the never-ending quest for balance, enjoys life in Los Angeles with her husband, Jeff, and their three small kids. Read more of her take on parenting, kids and everything else on The Silver Whining.

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

Protecting Your Baby

By Safe Kids
Jan. 3, 2009

Fragile, helpless and innocent, your infant enters the world completely dependent on you.  From the moment you leave the hospital, you take steps to keep her safe. 

You buckle her tenderly into a rear-facing child safety seat for the ride home.  You check the bath temperature carefully before placing her in the water. 

At night, you tuck her in to a new crib, with a label that assures you it meets national safety standards.  But could you be doing more? 

Although your home should be a safe haven for your baby, it can be dangerous.  Babies face a list of potential injuries – including choking, drowning, falls, poisons and burns – that can overwhelm any parent. 

Yet each of these risks can be reduced or eliminated by taking simple, time-tested steps.  

The greatest gift you can give your baby is a safe environment.  Explore the links below to learn more.

To learn more about airway obstruction injury, falls and childhood unintentional poisioning read A Report to the Nation: Trends in Unintentional Childhood Injury Mortality, 1987-2000 (May 2003).

To purchase educational materials about specific risk areas, check out our Resource Catalog  (off-site link). 

Source: Safe Kids USA

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

Autism: Father’s View

By Spiffy Moms
Jan. 2, 2009

It is a well recorded fact that being male and female, fathers and mothers react differently to the complex range of situations that come with family life.

This is especially true when confronted with the birth of a child who has autism. The actual diagnosis of autism could take a number of years before being fully recognized.
Certainly in the case of my own daughter there were a number of changes before she was finally diagnosed as having autism along with ADHD.

Being able to understand and cope with the situation is not helped, in this instance, by a variance of diagnosis.

Accepting that your child is not developing as expected can be one of the main areas of conflict between parents.

This is especially true in the case of the father, as the mother will naturally want to give that child all the love and attention they need, resulting in the father possibly feeling left out or inadequate.

As the father normally goes out to work there can be a tendency to leave most of the childcare to the mother instead of taking a share of the extra load.

Where this happens, there is a lack of strong bonding between the child and the father leading to the father distancing himself from the child.

All children need to feel wanted and loved by both parents. It is part of the responsibility of being a father to nurture and build a close relationship with your children.

If one of your children is autistic this is of particular importance as they might well not have the ability to communicate their feelings to others.

Our own upbringing, and the society that we live in, can have a dramatic effect on how we cope with having an autistic child. Their needs are more complex, and are often not immediately recognized by those outside of the child’s family environment.

The role of the father can be of major importance in ensuring that everything possible is put in place to help the family understand and cope with this stressful situation.

This could well involve some changes in our own attitudes and outlook.

As the father of a child that has autism, I would say to anyone in a similar situation that the rewards from building a loving and close relationship with your child far outweigh the extra time and effort needed.

There is no greater reward than hearing your own child say “ I love you” and to see the smile on their face as you spend quality time together. Do not be discouraged by the opinions of others who do not understand.

Start to show your love and develop a close relationship with your child straightaway. You will reap the benefits for years to come.

 

Source: Spiffy Moms

 

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

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