Issues for 11-year-Old Mom

By Fox News
Feb. 5, 2010

For many 10 and 11-year-old girls, life is all about talking to their friends, learning the lyrics to the latest Taylor Swift song and making plans to go to the mall. But, what happens when a child that young goes down the road of an adult?

It’s happened in the Northeast where an 11-year-old girl just became a mother. She gave birth to a baby boy this week, becoming one of the youngest mothers in the history of the United States.

And now that she is a mother – does that mean she’s technically an adult who can make adult decisions?

Judge Andrew Napolitano, Fox News’ senior judicial analyst answered a few legal questions for FoxNewsHealth.com.

 

Q: What is the law when a minor gets pregnant?

A: A mother who is a minor has the same rights of motherhood — the right to make unfettered decisions about the raising of the child — as an adult mother, depending upon her age and level of maturity.

The courts have several rules of thumb that they follow. If the minor is 12-years-old or younger, she is presumed to lack the maturity to make unfettered child-rearing decisions; and the place where the baby was delivered is obliged to deliver the minor and the baby into the hands of a competent adult who agrees in writing to be a guardian and to advise the minor that she must live with and make child-rearing decisions in conjunction with the guardian.

 

Q: What if the child is between the ages of 12 and 16?

A: If the mother is 16 or older, she is presumed to be mature enough to raise the child unimpeded by a guardian or any court and the place that delivers the baby is free to hand the baby to the minor alone.

If the mother is between 12 and 16, it is the duty of the physicians who delivered the baby to involve the mother with a guardian who will live with her, or to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to address the matter, depending upon the physicians’ objective opinion of the minor’s level of maturity and access to material resources.

 

Q: Are there exceptions?

A: Note that the scenario above presents merely guidelines and presumptions, not hard and fast rules of law. Thus, for example, it is theoretically possible that a 10- year-old could possess the maturity to raise a child unimpeded by a guardian (though, I know of no case that has found this to be so); and it is theoretically possible that a 16-year-old may require a full-time guardian (I know of many cases that stand for this).

There are many other lawful obligations imposed upon physicians who deliver babies from minors, but they do not involve the emancipation of the mother.

 

Q. What exactly does emancipation mean?

A: The paragraph above provides guidelines for the ages of emancipation for minor mothers. “Emancipation” in this context means that a child is no longer subject to her parents and is free to live and to raise her children as she wishes.

 

Source: Fox News

 

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

Kids and Money

By Francesca Sidoti
Jan. 23, 2010

Everyone wants the best for their kids. They want their kids to be able to have good relationships with their peers, be reasonably human throughout the teenage years and end up on the other side as a responsible adult.

Teaching your kids about money is one of the most important ways to ensure your kids get through life in the best way possible.

 

Here are some of the best strategies:

 

An allowance

From an early age, it is important that kids understand how to use money and the best way to instill that is for them to have an independent source of income. The actual level of allowance is less important.

I functioned off 50 cents a week for most of my youth, as well as a bit of money every birthday and Christmas.

People tend to differ as to how a child receives an allowance; is it dependant on chores or independent of their contributions to the household?

That’s up to you, but it is crucial to introduce ideas of budgeting and discipline with money whenever you set up an allowance.

 

Big dreams? Big savings plan

Help your kids to develop good saving habits from the start by setting out budgets for big purchases. Kids may spend their money on lollies from the local store at first, but once they realise that long-term saving can result in something like a new lego set or doll, they’ll be able to put their (financial) nose to the grindstone.

If Christmas is coming up, offer to contribute a portion should they reach their financial goals.

 

Help them to invest

My Dolomites account was a stalwart of my childhood, and a big reason why I have any skills in saving now. I loved the glittery ruler that came with it but, most of all, I loved the feeling of affirmation every time I could deposit a bit of money. Dollarmites by CBA is a good start.

Take your kids through the benefits of each account, and each investment idea. If your kids are a bit older, talk to them about term deposits or saving accounts.

 

Talk about it

If talking about money makes you uncomfortable, get over it now. The more communication around money issues with your kids, the better they’ll be prepared. Debt is something every household should know about, and kids (especially adolescents) need to understand what can happen when it gets out of control.

Encourage your kids to steer clear of credit cards for as long as possible.

It sounds extreme, but show your kids how it’s done when you pay a bill or do your tax. These are essential life-skills that get no attention in education. Show them how to write a shopping list, and stick to it.

It’s a harsh reality but a child’s way of saving and spending money will be largely derived from the example of his or her parents. Demonstrate restraint in how you use money, and they are likely to learn from that.

It’s not enough to talk about the starving children in Africa at dinnertime; instilling a sense of the real value of money in your children is essential. So they tell me (childless as I am).

Piggy banks, budget  plans and saving goals are all important parts of growing up, and becoming an adult who can function financially.

It’ll help you financially as well if your kids have a sense of money matters, as it’ll decrease the likelihood you have to bail them out of a $300 phone bill any time soon.

What tips do you give your children in money matters?

 

Source: Savings guide

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

Kids Anxious and Depressed

By Dr. Laura
Jan. 18, 2010

There’s a new study out from San Diego State University saying that children and young adults today are the most anxious and depressed of the last seventy years.

I’m not surprised at all.  Having too many choices is chaos.  Morals and values have been sacrificed in favor of infamy and fortune. 

When sports heroes are infamous and rich because they took drugs to increase their performance, that is demoralizing to kids who work hard to aspire to athletic greatness simply by practicing a lot. 

When other young people get famous for flaunting drugs and anti-social behavior, it makes it difficult for the kids who simply work hard.

When you have a major Hollywood producer/director putting together a movie to excuse and explain Hitler (in context, he says), you have a generation that has no clear understanding of evil.

When you have military dying in the fields of foreign countries because we are at war with a religious ideology that wants to terminate western civilization, and one of their combatants is caught and tried only as a common criminal, you have a generation that is confused.

When you have a culture that does not support the basic building block of education – the family – we have children turning to equally confused peers and pop culture.

When the people in positions of power, authority and fame turn out to be of little character, you have a generation that doesn’t know what to respect or whom to emulate.

It all matters.

Our kids pay the price.

 

Source: Dr Laura

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

More Than Time-Out

By: Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D.
Jan. 9, 2010

 

Catch Your Child Being Good

Frankly, this is probably the simplest and most powerful thing you can do to improve your child’s behavior.

Yet many parents spend most of their time and energy focusing on the behaviors they don’t want in their child instead of what they do want.

Children love extra attention. A verbal compliment, a quick hug, or a pat on the back can work wonders in only a second or two.

Praise your child when she uses a fork at the dinner table; don’t just become upset when she spatters spaghetti sauce all over her shirt. Be enthusiastic without going overboard. (Even young children can tell when you’re insincere.)

This type of positive reinforcement is especially helpful when a child is feeling stressed since it relieves tension instead of adding to it. Nonverbal gestures are as good as verbal ones.

If your daughter is playing quietly by herself, go over and gently stroke her hair once or twice (if that’s something she likes). At first she may stop when you do this. But after a few days she’ll keep on playing quietly as she basks in the extra attention.

If you reward a child’s appropriate behavior (“I love it when you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’!”), she’s likely to repeat it.

In fact, if you ignore a child’s good behavior, she’s more likely to act inappropriately next time, because she knows that will get her some extra attention from you. So try to focus on the good stuff, not the bad.

Reinforce the Positive

Remember that positive reinforcement (adding good things) is more powerful than either negative reinforcement (removing good things) or punishment (adding bad things).

Paradoxically, small rewards, such as a bit of extra attention or a special meal, can be more powerful than big rewards, such as a promise of a bicycle. Children will often stop trying if they feel they cannot earn the big reward that’s been offered.

Pay careful attention to the words you use when you praise your preschooler. Some researchers have found that the parents of boys tend to talk about the child’s specific accomplishment when they offer praise (“Wow, what a tall tower you’ve built out of those blocks!”).

The parents of girls, however, are likely to offer more general praise (“You’re such a smart girl!”).

Specific praise enables a child to evaluate his own achievements (“That’s a tall tower. I’m proud.”). General praise, on the other hand, leaves a child dependent upon others to evaluate her behavior (“Am I still smart?”).

So try to make your praise specific and focused on behaviors.

Use Natural Consequences When Safe and Appropriate

Ideally, a logical connection should exist between an act and the reward or punishment that follows.

For example, a preschooler who teases a cat will most likely get scratched—a good reminder not to do it again.

The punishment is small, immediate, and strongly associated with the cat, which makes the lesson easier to remember.

Similarly, if your 5-year-old can’t find a toy that he’s supposed to keep in his toy chest, don’t rush out to buy a replacement. If you do, the lesson you’re teaching is that forgetfulness doesn’t have consequences.

Better to let him live without the toy for a while. (No matter what, you can expect preschoolers and early school-age children to lose things and to be forgetful. That’s a matter of brain development. But the lesson is still important.)

 

Don’t Expect Perfection

It’s unrealistic to expect a child to be perfectly behaved. In fact, if you do, it will make a child feel so much stress that she’ll probably misbehave simply to break the tension.

Set realistic goals so that both you and your child can succeed. For example, don’t expect your preschooler to share all of her toys when a friend comes to visit.

Arrange with her to set the most precious toys aside before the friend arrives. That will help her feel more comfortable sharing her other toys.

Present Alternatives

Show your child alternative behaviors to the ones you want to change. For example, if she’s yelling and you want her to stop, demonstrate to your child how she can speak quietly and still get people’s attention.

One of the reasons spanking a child is ineffective as a punishment over the long term is that it doesn’t teach the child what she should be doing.

Set Specific, Limited Goals

Decide what’s really important to you. Safety, of course, should be your first concern. But how important is politeness at this age? What about cleanliness? Friendliness? Paying attention?

Don’t try to focus on too many things at once or you’ll constantly be correcting your child and you’ll both be miserable.

Remember that you have plenty of time to help your child master new social skills.

Let’s say you want your 4-year-old to go to bed without kicking up a fuss. If you define your goals in terms as general and absolute as that, compliance will be difficult to measure and difficult to achieve. Instead, make your goal more specific and realistic.

You should be satisfied, for example, if five days out of the week she gets under the covers in less than 15 minutes after you tell her it’s bedtime. Don’t expect perfection, either from her or from yourself.

When you do correct your child, keep your words simple so that they’re understood. Sarcasm and mockery don’t work with young children; kids this age simply don’t get it.

Instead, focus on one thing at a time (“Please don’t talk with your mouth full of food. First swallow, then talk.”).

Remember That Discipline Is Not the Same As Punishment

Sometimes it’s hard not to equate the two, but try to keep in mind that they’re different. Discipline has to do with teaching.

Ask yourself if your own behaviors are teaching your child the types of things you want her to learn. Setting a good example is one of the most effective discipline techniques of all.

 

Source: Pampers

 

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

Help Kids Raise Money

By MV Parents
Jan. 5, 2009

In addition to discussing financial matters with your children, it’s also important to teach them by example. Kids are very observant, and pick up on what their parents do and say, so be sure to set a good example when you’re dealing with money.

Make it a point to teach your child not only by what you say, but also by what you do.

 

Make a budget, and stick to it. If you have to cut back on some things, let your kids know that it’s because those things don’t fit in your plan for the month (or week, or year, depending on your budget).

 

Practice good spending habits, such as comparing prices before you make a significant purchase. Stop at several stores to see where you can get the best price, check out store ads in the newspaper, and use any coupons or discounts you have available.

Ask your kids to help you make the best decisions, and help them understand your spending practices.

 

Set aside money from your own earnings for savings and donation. Kids may think they should keep all of their money for themselves, and showing that you care about helping others sets a powerful example.

Decide on a percentage you will give each month to a nonprofit organization, school, or other charitable cause.

 

Don’t use your credit card to purchase things you can’t afford—this can be especially appealing (and dangerous) to teens.

Exceptions to this rule can be made in cases of emergency; if you don’t have the money for an emergency purchase, be sure to have a plan to pay off your bill in a timely manner to avoid interest charges.

 

Give your kids small loans. Although it’s helpful to teach kids that they cannot spend more than they have, it’s also helpful once in a while for your kids to borrow money from you and then pay it back on a regular basis.

For example, if your child wants to buy a bicycle, have her save up a certain amount for a deposit and then figure out a payment plan (and stick to that plan every step of the way) until it is completely paid off.

 

Encourage your kids to save both in the short term—for things like a new bike or a concert ticket—and in the long term, for expenses like college tuition or a car.

Having a savings goal makes the budgeting process more real and tangible.

 

Remember that your children learn from all members of your family. Make sure everyone is practicing good saving and spending habits to reinforce the messages you’re sending to your kids.

 

Keep your kids learning, no matter their age. Go to the Summary and Next Steps page to find relevant resources for young children, tweens, and older teenagers.

Like anything else, financial literacy is best taught by intentionally setting a good example around your children.

If your kids see you and other members of your family making well-informed, well thought-out, and responsible decisions about money throughout their childhood, they’ll be much more likely to make good decisions themselves.

Make it a point to set a good example around your kids—and don’t forget to talk to them about it to reinforce these ideas!

 

Source: MV Parents

 

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

Deadly Choking Game

By Healthy Kids
Jan. 3, 2010

Media reports have brought increased attention to a deadly game children are playing, often resulting in death or near-death.

In the choking game, participants attempt to get “high” or experience a euphoric feeling by temporarily depriving the brain of oxygen by applying pressure to the neck until they pass out.

In the study, “The Choking Game: Physician Perspectives,” published in the January issue of Pediatrics (appearing online December 14), 163 pediatricians and family practitioners were asked about their awareness of the choking game and its warning signs.

Survey results indicate that close to one-third of physicians were unaware of the choking game or the warning signs, which can include bruising around the neck, headaches, bloodshot eyes, ties, belts or cords found in unusual places or tied in strange knots, or wear marks on furniture.

The study authors and majority of all respondents agreed that reliable and accurate information should be provided so physicians can discuss the risks associated with the choking game with patients and their parents to help prevent children from playing the game.

Source: Healthy Children

 

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

Kids and Money

By MvParents
Dec. 29, 2009

In some families, talking about money can be more uncomfortable than talking about sex.¹ Because money is a very personal matter, many parents don’t know how to approach it (and some avoid the topic altogether).

By starting the discussion early, you can make it easier to talk about this tough topic later, when your child is making larger purchases, thinking about getting a job, or beginning financial planning for college.

Talk with your children about how you make spending choices based on more than just affordability.

For example, if a child asks for a toy you think is overpriced, explain your values by saying, “We’re not going to spend our money that way because…” or “It’s not a good value because…,” rather than just saying, “It’s too expensive,” which may give the impression that you would buy it if you could afford it.

 

Take advantage of financial literacy resources for kids, such as Disney’s The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, an online game that teaches children the basics of financial planning, including setting goals, saving and spending, and diversification.

After playing the game, ask your child what he has learned and how it could be applied in real life.

 

Bring your kids with you to the bank. If you’re making a deposit in a savings account, talk about the importance of saving “for a rainy day.” If you’re refinancing your mortgage, you have an opportunity to discuss the concept of interest and the importance of paying off loan balances quickly.

When you’re taking out a car loan, talk about how loans allow you to pay for things that you don’t have the money for, but you end up paying more in the long run.

 

If you are facing financial difficulty, be honest with your children. You don’t need to worry them with all the details, but it is helpful for them to learn that money isn’t magical. It doesn’t appear when you want it to.

Invite them to be creative in coming up with ways to save money and to join you in making decisions that are within your means.

 

Many kids—especially young ones—have difficulty differentiating between wants and needs. When your child says she “needs” something, ask if she really needs it, or if she just wants it. Sometimes purchases are necessary (like winter boots for cold climates), but many times, they’re just to satisfy a want.

Make sure your child understands the difference, and start paying attention to what you’re saying and the example you’re setting—for example, do you really need an expensive cup of coffee to get you through the morning?

 

When you’re out shopping, talk with your kids about why you make the purchases you do. Are you influenced by advertising? Pricing?

The quality of the product? How do you choose one product over another? Help your child start thinking carefully about making purchases.

 

Discuss with your children the choices you make with your money. For example, how does your caring for others impact how you save, spend, and give money away? Why do you sometimes wait to make certain purchases? What does it mean to you to be responsible with your money?

It takes many years of observation—and good examples set by their parents—for kids to figure out how they feel about these issues, but it’s good to get them thinking early by talking about it.

 

Many financially savvy practices, such as buying secondhand, donating old clothes to a thrift store, and reusing and recycling goods, are also good for the environment.

Point out that not only are you saving money by doing these things, but you’re also taking action to help preserve the environment.

It can be very difficult to bring up the topic, but it’s in your child’s best interest to start talking about money early.

The sooner you can start talking to your kids about making smart financial decisions, the easier it will be for them to make those decisions when it comes time to make them on their own.

Source: MV Parents

 

Editor’s Note: 1. ING Direct, “New Survey Also Shows Parents More Prepared to Talk about Drugs, Alcohol or Birds and Bees than Dollars and Cents with Children,” news release, June 8, 2009

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

God’s Gift of Time

By Beverly Beckham
and Grandparents.com
Dec. 25, 2009

The letter arrived a few weeks before Christmas, when my children were young. “Give Time to family and friends,” it said. “Time is the ideal gift.”

The letter was referring to Time the magazine, of course, not the real thing.

But what if you could give time, I wondered. What if you could wrap it in silver and tie it with a red satin bow and present it to the people you love?

Fantasy. Pure conjecture. Yet wonderful to consider.

I imagined collecting time, packing years in a box for a daughter then 14, who, when she looked in a mirror, saw all that she thought was wrong with her. Time would give her a peek into the future, of the woman she would become — bright and witty and beautiful.

I fantasized about saving time for my son, collecting his boyhood and packing it away so that when he was a man and encumbered by a man’s responsibilities, he would be able to live again those days when life’s biggest problem was where to play baseball.

I dreamed of freezing time for my youngest child, stopping the days from marching past, not for her sake but for mine. I didn’t want her to ever outgrow my lap.

To give time for Christmas. Would that we could. I’d relive this time:

“Want to skip school today? Go to the beach?”

My older kids say, “No! Are you crazy? It’s December. It’s too cold for the beach.”

But the youngest runs upstairs to get her shovel and mittens. We search for sea glass and chase seagulls. “I wish I could fly,” she whispers dreamily.

“But you might fly away and not come back,” I say, hugging her.

“No, Mommy,” she says, hugging back. “I would never leave you.”

She did leave me, of course. That’s what children do.

This child who climbed on my lap has two children now. My son is a 40-year-old man with two children of his own. The then 14-year-old is a beautiful woman with a daughter of her own.

And my husband and I are now doting, over-the-moon, let-me-tell-you-about-my-grandchildren grandparents.

Give Time, the letter said.

My grandchildren are 6 and 5 and 2 and nine months and I think that now, this time, is so perfect that there’s no wishing it backward or forward.

I’d wrap it in silver and tie it with a red satin bow if I could. To enjoy it now but save it for another Christmas, too.

For this is the real gift of time — that it passes but it also stays. That we can go back. That we never really lose what is gone.

Source: Grand Parents

 

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

Time to Remember Jesus

by Jim Liebelt
Dec. 25, 2009

But when the right time came, God sent his son, born of a woman,
subject to the Law. Galatians 4:4 (NLT)

Most of us have our traditions when it comes to Christmas gift opening. Some families open their gifts on Christmas Eve.

Some families open their gifts on Christmas morning. Some spread out
their gift opening over several days to extend the enjoyment.

Regardless of when you open your Christmas presents, you likely feel that you have the “right moment”.

It’s fascinating to me that God’s gift to us, the birth of His son Jesus; when God became human, was just at the right moment. Not a moment too early; not a moment to late. “But when the right time came,” the Scripture reveals.

Thankfully, we have the certainty of Scriptures, that Jesus did come; that He lived among us; that He died for our sins; that He conquered death and rose again.

We have the benefit of those Christ-followers who have gone before us, passing down to us the assurance of Jesus’ life and ministry among us.

We share in the legacy of what God has done in human history and continue to do in during our time.

We are a part of His ongoing story in the world.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel (from O come, O come, Emmanuel)

we celebrate Christmas as the time to remember and give thanks
for Jesus, who came “just in time!”

 

 

Source: Home Word

 

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

Safety Tip – Christmas Shopping

By:NMB PD/PIO
Dec. 17, 2009

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday grinches.

Nothing can ruin the Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.

Remember, whether you are leaving the house to go shopping or out for an evening of Christmas parties, lock your doors and windows! Don’t leave the drapes open with your presents in plain view.

Christmas presents displayed around your tree can be a pretty sight, but can also be quite tempting to burglars.

It’s better to scatter the gifts around the house, in closets or cupboards, where they can’t be so easily seen.

If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door.

Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station for several hours a day.

If you choose to have a live Christmas tree, make sure it is always properly watered. Never leave tree lights on when no one is at home. Remember, ornaments can also burn.

After Christmas, don’t put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases (VCR’s, microwaves, etc.). Break the boxes down and deposit them in your trash, recycle bin or dumpster away from your home.

When you’re shopping, use the trunk of your car to keep your packages out of sight. Keep your car locked at all times.

Be sure and make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. Don’t allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target.

When walking through parking lots, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Don’t look like a victim!

If you have a garage door opener, do not leave the control openly displayed in your car.

Keep the door leading from your house to your garage locked. Try not to leave your garage door open at any time.

Be aware that thieves and pickpockets also do some of their biggest business during the holiday season. Ladies, don’t dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect setup for a purse snatcher.

Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Better yet, don’t even carry a purse. Place your checkbook, cash, or credit cards in your front pockets.

Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because if a thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.

Never give your credit card number over the telephone to anyone when you did not initiate the call. And be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company when ordering merchandise over the telephone.

Don’t “flash” large rolls of money in public. You never know who’s watching! Also, spread your money around in different pockets.

That way a pickpocket can’t clean you out in one fell swoop.

If you go to an automatic teller machine, try to go during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well lighted and visible to passing traffic.

If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.

When dining out valet parking is nice, but don’t be too lax. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle and never leave your house key with the attendant.

Just by using a little planning and some good common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.

  

Source: North Miami Beach Police Department  

 

 

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

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