Moms Talk: Is Competition Good for Kids?

There’s a growing trend in kids’ sports and activities that takes competition out of the game. In this week’s Moms Talk we discuss whether a little friendly competition is good for a child’s character.

Every spring when I walk down the aisles of Easter decorations, candy and plastic eggs at my favorite stores, I think about my daughter’s first egg hunt. I was new to Georgia and had just met a wonderful group of moms and kids. They organized fun activities all the time, and Sailor and I were thrilled when they announced their plans for an egg hunt. I had fond memories of egg hunts from my childhood, and I was excited for Sailor to have that experience. We arrived at the park one sunny morning with our dozen filled eggs and pink basket in tow. Some of the more seasoned moms stood up to tell us how the hunt would go. We’d roll the eggs out on the grass, and each child could pick up twelve eggs. Everyone brought twelve eggs, everyone leaves …

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Mom's The Word

Congratulations, Graduates

Some of the best lessons may be taught by accident -- thanks to parents.

Many students threw their mortar boards in the air this past weekend to symbolize the joyous occasion of leaving an educational institution and moving on to the "real" world. Many parents cried while watching this. My parents always teared up during the milestone ceremonies when I was growing up. I would always laugh. I never fully understood why. Now as a parent, I can empathize more with these feelings. Seeing the bird fly away and embark on a new part of life must be difficult. It must also stir up feelings of your own pride.  Congratulations to the class of 2011! You have come a long way and the world will someday be a better place with your educational contributions. And: Congratulations to all the parents of these graduates who put …

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Mom's The Word

Child Abuse: What would you do?

When becoming a parent, most people know the gravity of the years of responsibility ahead of them. Many people don’t or just don’t care.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse happens in many forms such as neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional/ psychological abuse. What would you do if you suspected possible child abuse? My children are still small and I look forward to when they will be able to do things for themselves- bathe themselves, wash dishes, feed the pets, vacuum. Hmm, I guess you could say I look forward to these things for my own sake. But what about fun outside activities like going to the park? Riding a bike? At what age can we just say, “See ya” and let them run about? Over the weekend, I noticed small children unattended at our community playground. Now I am questioning when children develop enough independence to be on …

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Marguerite Girard

5:33 pm on Tuesday, April 19, 2011

I have been in a similar situation at Wal-Mart. A small 4-5 year old approached me asking about where a toy belonged. I looked all around and saw no adult. I asked where his mother was and he said he didn't know. He wasn't alarmed at all, but I was. I took his hand and said calmly "let's go find your mom" and we walked around the store until a lady with a buggy and another child looked up from …   more ›