Liz Atwood writes about stress this Tween Tuesday: 

The economy is still in the doldrums and the holidays are approaching. It’s the perfect formula  for stress. And the kids are not immune.

For the first time the American Psychological Association's annual stress survey included kids 8 to 17, and it found that kids are more worried than their parents think they are.

Nearly half (45 percent) of teens ages 13-17 said that they worried more this year, but only 28 percent of parents think their teen’s stress increased. While a quarter (26 percent) of tweens ages 8-12 said they worried more this year, only 17 percent of parents believed their tween’s stress had increased.

Similarly, only 2-5 percent of parents rate their child’s stress as extreme (an 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale) when 14 percent of tweens and 28 percent of teens say they worry a lot or a great deal.

“It’s clear that parents do not fully appreciate the impact that stress is having on their kids,” says Dr. Mary Alvord, public education director for the Maryland Psychological Association in a press release. “What we’re seeing with stress is in line with existing research about parents’ perception of their kids’ engagement in risky behaviors. Parents often underreport drug use, depression and sexual activity in their children. Now it appears the same may be true for stress.”

Other findings in the recent study include:

• Nearly 30 percent of youth worried about their family having enough money
• 44 percent of children report feeling worried about doing well in school 
• 17 percent of children report concerns related to getting into a college
•  36 percent of children report stress-related headaches
•  44 percent of children reported stress-related sleep difficulties

The Maryland Psychological Association reminds parents to make time to listen to children’s concerns and to be aware of any changes in behavior. There may be a lot more going on inside their heads than we think.

I know my stress level has increased as I wrestle with job demands and the kids' activities. And I have no doubt the kids are feeling it.

What about yours?

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Teens
        

Maclaren, which makes trendy, beautiful and pricey baby strollers, has announced a massive recall of all its umbrella strollers sold in the U.S..

According to a statement on the company's web site, the affected models "include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller." Strollers sold as far back as 1999 are being recalled because children's fingers have been injured -- in some cases, the fingertips cut off -- by the stroller hinges.

The company is reportedly providing a repair kit for stroller owners.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Babies and Toddlers
        

While I wait for experts to answer some questions for the Monday Consult, today's Consult is on a question lots of folks have around this time of year. How can my family make the holidays more meaningful by helping someone else?

The folks at Volunteerspot.com, a web site that organizes volunteers, sent these ideas. They all sound pretty easy to do -- a must during this busy season.

--Stuff new, warm socks with water bottles and granola bars to give to the homeless.

--Gather gently used children’s books and DVDs for kids in the hospital or military families.

--Rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor.

--Decorate reusable grocery bags for the food pantry (deliver them full, even better).

--Sign up the whole family to participate in a fun-run or 5K for a cause you care about.

--Pick up litter and scrub graffiti at your local park.

--Host a hot chocolate or cider stand and donate the proceeds to a local charity.

If you have other projects to suggest, please add them in the comments.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

The other day, in a speech about his administration's education priorities, President Barack Obama revealed a very personal experience.

His daughter, Malia, had come home with a disappointing grade of 73 percent on a science test.

According to the president, the two had a conversation about what she could do better, and the moral of the story is that hard work pays off. Malia reportedly scored 95 percent on the next test.

I was driving to work when I heard this story on the radio, and I have to admit it sort of stopped me in my tracks. With all the talk about privacy for presidential kids, this struck me as a potentially very sensitive matter for Malia. What child wants the world to know she got a bad grade?

On the other hand, the story was inspirational. A lot of parents will probably cite it during nightly homework struggles with their own kids.

According to this piece on Politics Daily, the president departed from his planned text to tell Malia's story.

He may very well have asked her permission, to be sure. But as parents, what do you think about the president sharing his daughter's grades?

(Associated Press photo)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: School's In
        

Christina wins the "Waddle" book for her question about parent volunteering. Congratulations! And look for an answer to the question soon on Mondays.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Guest Dad Joe Burris writes today about how for a family guy, the toilet inevitably becomes "the potty":

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were visiting a department store when she decided to try on a garment.

“Okay,” I said, while walking out of the store, “I got to go to the potty.”

I stood momentarily red faced, wondering if any of the other customers in the store had heard me.

Potty -- now there’s a word you rarely hear from anyone who doesn’t have kids. I scarcely uttered it before we had any. Now, in nearly 13 years of parenting, it has become one of the most used in my vocabulary.

I have had some of the most memorable experiences taking my kids to the potty. I’ve learned that there are many filling stations just off Interstate 95 in North Carolina that have some of the most disgusting looking bathrooms I’ve ever seen. But when your kid’s got to go, you’ve got to stop.

I still recall the first time I took my older daughter Nyaniso (now 12) to a crowded men’s room. And I remember taking my younger Onalenna (now 3) to an empty ladies’ room; the receptionist at the pediatrician’s office gave me the ladies’ key, and it was too late to return for the other.

A while back, Onalenna struggled with me closing myself off from her and the rest of the world when I went to the bathroom.

“Daddy, what are you doing in there?”

“I’m going potty, Sweetie.”

“Can I come in with you?”

“Er, are you sure about that?”

Unbeknownst to me, Onalenna often observed my bathroom traits. And now when she goes, she takes reading materials with her. Most are books that we’ve read to her at nighttime; she’s heard them so often that she now recites them. Sometimes she takes magazines or other periodicals.

The thing is, the bathroom has become, for her, best reading room outside of the local library. She’ll go in and sit and sit and sit and sit and sit.

At times, you would think she’s thumbing through the Christmas edition of “War and Peace.”

“Sweetie, what are you doing in there?”

“I’m reading on the potty.”

Before we had kids, I worried about potty training, having heard of trying accounts from friends. As it turns out, both of our children transitioned well from diapers. Yet both have had their share of difficult moments during potty time, and it is amazing how much they recall.

Last year, while we were seated in a doctor’s office, Onalenna walked over to a baby crying frantically nearby.

“Aww, poor baby,” she said. “Are you constipated?”

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Today it's Cookie Monster who's getting all the attention on the Google Doodle as part of the big Sesame Street 40th anniversary celebration.

This had me wondering: With all the focus on the problem of childhood obesity these days, and with Michelle Obama -- a champion of healthful eating -- slated to appear on Sesame Street this season, where does Cookie Monster fit in?

Turns out Sesame Street has been trying to make the gluttonous blue monster more modest in his appetites for some time. This 2005 article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer shows what Sesame Street was doing a few years ago to get Cookie Monster in line with the food pyramid. He has more recently been part of a public service announcement about healthy living, as the ladies on the View discussed:

As you can see in the photo above, Cookie Monster is now helping promote eggs with the American Egg Board.

Does making Cookie Monster an advocate of healthful eating spoil the fun?

(PRNewsFoto/American Egg Board)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (28)
        

We're all in something of a Halloween hangover, but there's still fun stuff to do this first weekend in November. To wit: Pumpkin chucking.

Thursday, Nov. 5:

Harry Potter Potions Class: Scientists from the Edgewood Chemical & Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground demonstrated how to make potions "straight out of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edgewood branch of the Harford County Public Library. For grades 3-8. Register by calling 410-612-1600.

Nature Storytime:Listen to a story about nature and make a craft at 11 a.m. at the Eden Mill Nature Center. Donation requested to cover the cost of the craft. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to eat following the event. Registration required; call 410-836-3050.

Friday, Nov. 6

Whooo done it? Solve a mystery while looking for clues around the nature center and trails from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center. For ages 5 and up. $6 members, $10 nonmembers.

Fun with Pumpkins and Gourds: Learn about pumpkins with a master gardener, then make a craft at 2 p.m. at the Savage branch of the Howard County Library. Ages 5 and up. Reservation required; call 410-880-5978.

"A Christmas Carol" opens at IMAX:The IMAX theater at the Maryland Science Center starts showing the Disney version of the Christmas classic starring Jim Carrey. Tickets required.

New LEGO store opens: Kids can help build a giant Christmas tree with master builders to celebrate the opening of a new LEGO store at the Arundel Mills Mall. Building will continue until the tree is finished. Kids get a certificate for helping. Free.

Greek Heritage Festival: Go Greek for three days at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston St. Festivities include live music and Greek dancing, folk dance performances, a European marketplace, children's activities and cathedral tours. There will also be plenty of Greek fare and a martini bar. The event is free and takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-727-1831.

Continue reading "Fun with the family this weekend" »

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Sesame Street is gearing up for its 40th anniversary season in a big way. Not only is Big Bird featured on the Google Doodle today, but the show is saying it will be "updated" for the anniversary season, which starts Nov. 10.

The new season will reportedly feature lots of celebrities, including First Lady Michelle Obama.

It's funny -- as much as kids love Sesame Street, I think they also reject it pretty quickly as they reach the age of, say, 5.

Mine aren't even willing to be nostalgic about it. In fact, to tease them every once in a while, I talk in Elmo's voice and ask them to pleeeeeze come back. They have a great time running away from "Elmo" and up to their Pokemon cards and R.L. Stine books.

(Associated Press photo)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (29)
Categories: Television
        

I love the idea in this video, which features chefs Cricket Azima and Dave Lieberman with several young helpers, of making customizable mini-lasagnas. They look so easy.

The video's a little longer than usual, but the kids can learn how to make a complete meal -- including easy breadsticks, salad, and dessert.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dinner Together, Food and Recipes