PARENTING IN TODAYS WORLD

Here is some helpful news articles for those of use struggling with parenting in today's world. This information was gathered by Bartholomew County's Consumer and Family Science Program Assistant, Amanda McKay.

Bullying Can Happen  By definition "Cyber-bullying" is the use of electronic devices such as computers or cell phones to intentionally hurt or embarrass someone else. This unfortunate event is becoming more prevalent and it's having serious repercussions.  

According to www.cbsnews.com , Alexis Pilkington (Long Island, NY), 17, took her own life March 21 after being repeatedly harassed. The report also states that up to 42-percent of students admit to being bullied online. 

As technology continues to be more prevalent it is important to monitor your child's interactions with others through these forms of media.
Here are some tips to help monitor your children. 
 Texting abbreviations kids use include:
            A3:     Anywhere, anyplace, anytime
            ASL:     Age/sex/location
            CD9:     Code 9 (Parents are around)
            DIKU:   Do I know you?
            F2F:     Face-to-face
            LMIRL: Let’s meet in real life
            PCM:   Please call me
            POS:   Parent over shoulder
            PRW:  Parents are watching

Tips to prevent your kids from bullying or being bullied:

Ø  Remind your child(ren) not to write anything online that he/she would not want to be seen on a giant billboard in front of the school the following day.

Ø  Make sure your child(ren) understand it is never okay to threaten anyone online, post embarrassing photos, impersonate others or sign people up for spam.

Ø  Ask your child(ren) how they spend their time online, and if they have a social networking site.

Ø  Remind your child(ren) to talk to you if they experience something uncomfortable online. 
For a full copy of the IYI Alert, call the Purdue Extension Office (765) 659-6380 or (765) 296-3511.
Bullying Resources:
A comprehensive site to use with kids or adults
http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
Sample contracts you can use to cover ground rules of online use for kids:
www.haltabusektd.org
Cyber911 tip line where you can send reports of cyber abuse: 
www.wiredsafety.com

  The Cost of Not Breast-feeding There is certainly a long list of the reasons breast-feeding is so important. A study by the Pediatrics Journal has just added another one to the list, social costs.
The reports states that breast feeding at least the first six months of an infant’s life would save thousands of lives and reduce medical costs by billions of dollars.
Some of the positive reasons to breast feed are to help Mom and Baby bond, breast-feeding also has a analgesic (pain relieving) affect on the baby. Breast-feeding helps to flatten the mother’s cervix, which helps mom, get back to her pre-baby weight quicker.

Breast feeding also has been shown to reduce SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome) and it may prevent obesity as the child grows.

Breast-milk was prepared for babies unique needs, so essentially it is the perfect meal for a baby up to the first year. Whole foods should not be introduced until six months. Babies who breast feed are less likely to get sick as the result of the natural antibodies in breast milk and they are less likely to get sick as they grow and mature.

Breast feeding is empowering because women have the ability to satisfy their babies (which can be overwhelming as well). Breast feeding is also less expensive because you don’t have the cost of formulas. The milk is also easier for your baby to digest, so you typically have “cleaner” bowel movements that don’t smell bad.

This study adds just another reason why the natural way or breast feeding is the healthiest for your baby!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/05/breastfeeding.costs/index.html?hpt=C2