Drug Addiction and Teenagers and Parents and Responsibility
Parents may not have the responsibility to keep their teenagers from getting bored, but boredom can lead to all sorts of things. Drug addiction and teenagers and parents and responsibility, these things are intertwined, whether we like it or not.
Keeping your teens occupied enough to keep them out of trouble is hard anyway, but these days if most teens are not in a youth club somewhere, playing sport or on a computer, you may well find them on a street corner drinking, smoking, (not just cigarettes!) and probably making a nuisance of themselves.
Boredom, as most of us know, can lead to people doing stupid things, or just things that people would not normally do. Drugs are one of these things that should not be placed firmly on the shoulders of the younger generation. Neither should we leave the education, on topics like drugs, to the schools.
Drug addiction and teenagers and parents and responsibility, all need to be in the same sentence. Parents can’t and shouldn’t lay the blame of addiction, on those that find themselves with it. We need to take responsible action, before and after the fact, if we are unfortunate enough to have a teenager with an addiction.
When first taking alcohol, smoking or other types of drugs, it is not always the choice we would usually make, it’s the same with anybody really and peer pressure can be one of the catalysts. Again the, things for bored teenagers to do aren’t always the things, that we want them to. Not all the people they meet are going to be good for them, but we can point them in the right direction.
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Birthday Party Safety For a Child’s Party
When you’re a parent of a young child you always have something to worry yourself about when it comes to your child. Whether it’s making sure that they don’t access your prescription medications or keeping household cleaners up above where they can be reached, small children usually always keep their parents on their toes.
Holding a birthday party at your house is also something that has the potential of being very messy; however, with a few simple guidelines it shouldn’t be hard to throw your child the birthday bash of a lifetime! There are millions of parents that give their children birthday parties every year with the best of intentions, but invariably there are some children who do get hurt in the process. But birthday parties are about fun. If you’re worried about the other kids at your child’s birthday then be sure to take into account some of the information that is being provided about birthday party safety for your child.
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If you’re not married and don’t have a significant other then you don’t have the luxury of having a built-in helper. However, what happens when your child asks if he or she is able to have some friends over for their birthday? Of course you want to throw your child a great birthday party for him or her and the rest of their friends, but you may just be worried about what your liabilities are and what could happen.
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Creating a Routine As a Stay at Home Dad
First off, and perhaps most important, for the stay at home dad is to establish a routine. This routine can come in many sizes and shapes, will always be evolving, and should be tailored to fit you and your child’s needs.
The importance of a routine is that it provides a framework for you and your child. You can change this framework as the needs of you and your child change, but I have noticed that my children are the most content when they know what’s going on. If they get bored I can deviate from the routine, or abandon it completely for a time, but if they start to go crazy I can return to it.
Let me give you an example of a routine I have followed. I started using variations of this routine when my children were thirteen months old.
1. Diaper Time
2. Breakfast Time
3. Reading Time. I would sit cross legged on the floor in the same spot each morning beneath a lamp attached to the book case. My daughter would crawl into my lap, and I would read her books as my wife departed for work.
4. Movie Time (cartoon video and snack). I would do household chores during this time.
Obesity and the Poor
Obesity rates among the poor reached a 147% increase in 2002 obesity according to medicinenet.com. This made those at the poverty level the fastest growing obesity group. Being obese for those at the poverty line is due to make circumstances which are out of their control. Some of the more common reasons why this group is so obese can be attributed to lack of exercise, food choices and no access to health food stores or supermarkets.
Living in government assisted housing, commonly known as “projects” is something many of the impoverished live in everyday. The projects are home to gangs, shootings, and other more serious crimes. Many children and families report this as the number one reason they do not get out an exercise. Projects often do not have playgrounds, sidewalks or lawns where families or children can play. If there is a playground near by often it is a central meeting place for gangs and gang activity, again making it a less than ideal hang out for children or individuals looking for a place to exercise.
Food stamps and other food assistance programs are available to those who need financial help. However, trying to eat healthy on food stamps is near impossible. Often those who use foods stamps have many mouths to feed and they need to stretch the money as far as it will go. The Department of Human Services suggests buy cheep staple foods. Some of which are macaroni and cheese, Cup O’Noodle and other starches such as pasta. A cheep and easy dinner might be Hamburger Helper which is extremely unhealthy but food stamp shoppers don’t care, as long as it is food in the table to feed their families.
Teen Acne Causes and Remedies
Acne among teens is nothing unusual. However, a big concern is the negative effect that it can have on a teen’s self-esteem. Even though the health risks of acne are not great, it can result in permanent scarring. But, in the end, teen acne is merely a result of changes in hormones which is a normal part of growing up.
Conventional treatments are aimed at reducing sebum production, reducing bacteria responsible for acne infection, and exfoliating dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Keep in mind, however, that there are many side effects associated with conventional treatments. Vitamin A is one safe and effective treatment of acne. Although high-dose therapy of vitamin A may be useful for the treatment of acne, a physician should closely monitor the therapy (unless it is from beta-carotene). The topical treatments are usually applied twice a day.
One myth that needs to be dispelled is that vigorous washing of your face will rid you of the oils that cause pimples. Furthermore, no evidence currently exists that oils in food are the cause of acne. The fact is, your skin contains sebaceous glands which lubricate your hair and skin. Washing your face regularly can help reduce acne.
10 Parenting Tips For Fathers
Are you a father that wants to have a better relationship with his children? Do you feel that you could be doing more? Are you a new father looking for great advice on raising children? Here are 10 great tips for fathers.
1. Play with your child
Children love it when you play with them. Especially boys. It can be playing board games or playing sports. Or as simple as chasing around the yard. The important thing is that you are giving them your time, and that is what a child wants.
2. Read with your child
Children love to learn. And books are a great way to learn. Read with your child, and they will grow up loving to read. Your child may try and just read certain types of books, but try and find a variety of books. Some, your child won’t like. Some they will. The point is to expose them to the many different types of books as early and as often as you can.
3. Change your child’s diapers
I don’t know why men are afraid of this one. I’ve been involved with changing my children’s diapers ever since the first one was born. Yes, it can be smelly. Yes, it can be messy. You will survive. And your wife will appreciate you helping out.
4. Be firm, but gentle
From time to time, your child will need to be disciplined. This should start early and ideally be done by both parents, not just one. Parents need to agree on what should be disciplined and how. When your child needs to be disciplined, it is important to be firm. Your child, especially as they get older, may try to test you. If you don’t remain firm, your child will not learn to obey you. But you need to be gentle. Children are fragile. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t spank your children, but rather that if it is necessary, a quick one or two swats in a younger child is often enough to get their attention. Often, though, this isn’t necessary unless you are in a situation where you are out in public and you need to get their attention quick. A better way is to use a time out. When used properly, a time out can be very effective.
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