It's the season for bug bites. We get so many mosquito bites and fly bites after a while we stop paying attention. So when do you know it is a regular harmless, though itchy, bug bite and when to call in the doctor? Rebecca says: I usually don't call the doctor over any routine illness. When my kids have fevers, coughs, and sore throats I usually wait it out and try more holistic type of healing methods over modern day medicine. I am lucky to have such healthy children. When it comes to rashes though I know there are so many kinds and some are symptoms of more serious illnesses so I usually …
Although teens of any age may legally baby sit under the Rhode Island babysitting laws, the minimum age for a babysitter should be at least 12 years old, according to the Waltham Fire Department. The site suggests that younger children do not have the physical or emotional maturity to deal with many emergencies that could arise. A good rule of thumb they advise is the younger the children being watched, the older the babysitter should be. The Red Cross offers babysitting classes to 11-15 year olds. What is the ideal age of a babysitter? And does the gender of the sitter matter? Rebecca Says…
Question: According to Students Across Drunk Driving (SADD), automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, and 28 percent of those involving 15 to 20 year olds are alcohol related. Over the years, students have signed "sober contracts" with schools and parents as a way to promise to stay clear of alcohol. Many schools have begun using breathalyzers for such end-of-the-school year celebrations. Mt. Hope High School has one that it will use only under suspicion. With senior prom only days away, how do you talk to your teen about underage drinking? Rebecca's Answer: I can't …
Traditionally the guys pay for both prom tickets for him and his date, but these days the gals are more independent and self assured and may ask the guys to prom. So who is responsible for the tickets? Usually Guys and girls are responsible to pay for their own expenses including salons, dresses and tuxedos. But how much should parents kick in for these costs? I like the old fashioned way of the guys ask the girls, guys pay for the tickets. I would even tell my boys when they are older that if the girl is bold enough to ask them and they want to go with her then they should reply something…
Motherhood has only a beginning, conception. At that moment a woman begins the most challenging and fulfilling journey of her life. She will be called many different variations of the word "Mother". She will be tested time and again throughout this journey of motherhood experiencing courage, pain, strength, vulnerability, confusion, humility, fear, honesty and pride at inconceivable depths. And still there is no outside force that could yield the love of a mother for her child. At times she will be the most tender and most gentle of creatures to inhabit the earth, yet she will be the …
With today's technology, many parents like myself have learned that the world of bullying has expanded to a whole new realm for children. Over the past few years it has become apparent that bullying doesn't end when the school day ends. For some of our children, they face bullying all day, everyday, through emails, social media outlets and text messages. After a year-long study, legislation has been developed and the “Safe Schools Act” will be introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives by members of the study panel on May 15, 2011. The “Safe Schools Act,” will direct the …
Dear Mom's Council, My daughter has a port wine stain on her left arm. It starts at her wrist and is about three inches up towards the elbow and is more than an inch wide. She was born with this birthmark and though it poses no health concerns, doctors have offered to remove it. I declined the offer. Now she is getting older and other children question it often. It bothers my daughter to have to answer "what is it" and "how did she get it" and "does it hurt" and "will it go away". But kids will be kids, inquisitive. My issue is with the adults who see it and ask more detailed questions…
At what age is it appropriate to squash the myth about magical fluffy bunnies, fairies and elves that bring gifts in the middle of the night? And is it considered lying to not only allow such beliefs, but to be the ones who played a major role in instilling those beliefs in the first place? Cindy and I agree that the child's curiosity determines when the appropriate time is to let them know the truth. Unfortunately for some like my little sister, the myths are broken a bit prematurely when another child years older spills the beans. But I guess that is what sparks the doubts in young minds …
Dear Mom's Council, I came home from work the other day and my 11-year-old son was online playing a violent video game with strangers on the headset. It is a war like game, so we didn't think too much of the violence, since it is a fact of war which is a reality of life. But it broke my heart to hear that language from his mouth. I know that a lot of young kids have facebook pages these days and swear all over the place, but to actually hear it was a different story for me. I ignored it and it has been gnawing at me since. Do I say something to him? What do I say? Dear Reader, Thank you …
Dear Mom's Council, I was in Job Lot the other week with my 22 month old baby and my large pregnant belly when my toddler decided to throw a fit. As he continued to kick and scream I picked him up and held him like a football so I wouldn't get kicked in the belly and walked out the store with what felt like disapproving stares. In the parking lot two different people mumbled snide comments as we passed by. Now that all is simmered, I am curious to know what I should have done since the bystanders obviously disapproved. Thank You. Dear Reader, Thanks for your question. I always found it…
Dear Mom’s Council, I am a single mom of a tween boy who loves to play sports, but I don’t like his coach at all. He treats the children as if they are 10 years older than they are. He uses practices as his opportunity to play the game and does not teach the kids new skills. He speaks condescendingly when they don't do what he would've wanted during a game. I don’t want to pull my son off the team is because my son loves to play and has not complained, so I try not to make a big fuss. At the same time I don't know how much longer I can witness the coach's behavior, but I don't want to …
Dear Mom’s Council, My son is 6 yrs old and he still wets the bed. What am I doing wrong? Should I be worried? I always thought once they were school aged they would grow out of bed-wetting but he is in the first grade now. When will it stop? -Warren Mom Hello Warren Mom and thank you for your question. Children grow out of the bed-wetting phase at all different ages, so try not to worry. Cindy would like to remind you that there is nothing wrong with your child. The mom’s council has come up with a few tips that may help you and your child through. Make sure your child does not have …
How Do You Start a Conversation About the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan? Or Don't You? When disaster hits the news, I don’t shelter my children from it. My elementary kids and preschooler were watching the Today Show Friday morning when the story was being told. I liked that they saw the computerized description of how the earthquake took place and then caused the tsunami. Diagrams like the one shown on the Today Show give all people, including kids, the factual information in simplified scientific terms. There is no fear in that. And I am all for educating my children. When they …
Dear Mom’s Council, I am pregnant and concerned about giving my child vaccinations. I don’t get the flu shot every year myself probably due to the fears after hearing horror stories like the woman who got Dystonia 10 days after getting the flu shot. But there are other researchers who claim that regular vaccinations cause autism and even slow down the development of some children permanently. How safe are vaccinations these days, and is the risk worth it? Dear pregnant mom looking ahead, Thank you for your questions concerning vaccinations. With such an overload of information it is quite…
I am a new mom and I have chosen to breast-feed my baby. But I have been involved with many conversations where people find breastfeeding in public offensive. I don’t want to be stuck at home all day, and I am not comfortable pumping with a strange contraption hooked onto my breast. I am questioning whether or not I can do this for the long haul, as I don’t want to offend anyone, but I want to choose the natural choice. Is it really offensive to nurse a baby in public? Dear New Mom, Congratulations on your baby! And congratulations for choosing to breast-feed. Breast-feeding is truly a …
Dear Mom’s Council, I just found out my 16 year-old's boyfriend is physically abusing her. I already suspected emotional and mental abuse and despite all my concerns and conversations with my daughter she doesn't seem to think it is an issue. Now I am noticing bruises in not so obvious places. I am afraid the abuse is escalated and don't know what to do. Please Help!!! Sincerely,Fearful for my Daughter Dear Fearful for my Daughter, Thank you for writing in on such a touchy subject. It was very brave of you. She definitely needs to get out of the relationship right away. Waste no time …
