Parenting Survival Tips

Is CBS take it too far with our children on Kid Nation?

Hi Parents,

Did you hear about CBS's new TV reality show, Kid Nation? 

Unbelievable!

40 sets of parents signed a 22-page contract, virtually absolving producers from any responsibility for the children's well-being while they allow their very young children, ages 8-14, to go off for 40 days to run a town without any supervision.

Check it out at: Kid Nation Review

Is it only me, or is this irresponsible parenting to sell your child in exchange for fame?

There have been numerous reports of accidents and the children have to put in 14-hour days in front of the cameras. I have heard stories of kids falling out of buildings and 2-3 children drinking bleach - luckily they survived, but at what cost? How can this be legal?

Kim Talman, from the National Association to Protect Children, said: "Child labour laws were pretty lax in New Mexico, it's the reason they went there.

"In California and New York they never would have gotten away with something like this but the way they're skirting that issue is saying that the children were not actually employed."

There have been calls for the show to be dropped and some advertisers are keeping their distance, but CBS remains unfazed.

I would love to hear your comments on the parents that are allowing their children to participate and your views on CBS. 

Should CBS drop the show?
Would you allow your children to participate and at what age and what price?

Julie
aka: Concerned Mom

Why Are Boys Different?

Hi Moms,

Ok - I attended a parenting class entitled "Raising Boys" and being a mom of 2 young boys, I found this educational and would love to hear from you if you have boys:

• Aggressiveness is ok, but violence is not acceptable.
• Males pull away during tragedy and women become nurturing.
• Male brains cannot multi-task; women's brains are more flexible and adaptable.
• Males have 20x more testosterone that females
• Boys even dream aggressively with fighting, chasing, etc. (is that because of the design of their brain or is it because we allow them to watch/play that way?)
• Boys possess less of the seratonine chemical which allows one to become calm
• Males dominate in the drug/alcohol abuse, teret syndrome, and autism diseases

According to this expert, boys need nurturing, discipline, and structure more than girls. She also insists that you can't praise your child too much because society will hurt and knock them down enough so they need the home environment to raise them up.

She also preaches that right from wrong is learned in the home and by age 5 it is almost too late! Give them choices and every house should have 5 golden rules.

Top 5 rules in our home:

1) No hitting, kicking, touching or hurting another person
2) Respect everyone, but especially your parents - never talk back
3) Always tell the truth
4) Everyone that lives in the home, must help to keep the home nice - weekly chores and taking care of your things are for everyone!
5) Manners count - the only way to get what you want is by using manners - please and thank you go along way in our home! :-)

What are the top 5 rules in your home? I would love your comments!

Until next time...

Julie
aka: Mom