Private or public?

“What’s an upcoming trend I should know about?”

This mom’s question didn’t surprise me. 

As I’ve criss-crossed the country during the past few months, (10,000+ air miles in a single month) parents have expressed a sincere desire to learn about the pop culture invasion that imapcts their family.  My first response to this “upcoming trends” question was a single word:  privacy.

Kids are defining personal space in new ways.  Children who grow up as social networkers are accustomed to trusting complete strangers.  As a result, online “friends” might know more about a child’s personal life than his/her own parents. 

In what ways will this re-definition of privacy impact a child’s need for independence and the parental responsibility for monitoring activities?  

Media is starting to raise some of these questions (sample below) but we won’t have definitive answers for a long time.

http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/WireHeadlines/2008/08/15/let-s-be-friends-online-parenting-s-new–8.php

Kids at risk

The Chicago Tribune has been running an excellent series on the multiple risks of chemicals, additives, and other toxins in a child’s world.  Worth reading.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-household-chemicals_bdaug17,0,7072536.story

The next junk food battlefield

Last month, leaders in child health celebrated new limits on junk food ads targeted to children.  But now the battle against childhood obesity must move online, where kids live.  For years, marketers have effectively messaged kids through advergames.  More recently, ads have emerged on social networking sites.  Restricting junk food ads via legislation is imperative, but it’s equally important to teach media literacy.  When will that be mandated?

Jumping in

In an effort to fight the childhood obesity epidemic and get kids moving, this fall, schools will offer a virtual (no, actual) smorgasboard of physical activities.  Yoga, swing dancing and now, even the double dutch variation of jumping rope.  Can Wii Fit classes be far behind?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/education/31double.html?_r=3&oref=login&oref=login&oref=slogin

It’s no wonder

After reading the results of the FTC report issued late last month, it’s no wonder childhood obesity is such a huge issue.  (Pun intentional.)  Although the report admits there is “room for improvement,” the writers note “significant progress” since 2005…..Really?  I must look hard to see the progress in the soda and cereal aisles.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/foodmkting.shtm

Bullying season arrives

Since the publication of Trend Savvy Parenting, I’ve continued to do media interviews about pop culture issues that impact the family.  Last week, I was asked, “What’s the scariest trend?”  My answer:  cyberbullying. 

As we approach the beginning of another bullying season, I’m glad we’re again talking about this issue.  Although bullying is often tied to suicide attempts (bullycides), drug abuse, violence and school drop-outs, the hidden hurts are also tragic.

I agree with the columnist who wrote that moving the bullying issue from schools to courtrooms is necessary to make parents and schools take this problem seriously.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/webguide/internetlife/2008-07-14-cyberbullying_N.htm

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/07/bullyings-day-i.html

Back to basics

Research shows that almost half of parents of school age children say they will spend less money than previously on back to school supplies.  Nearly one-third of parents will shop dollar stores. 

Prevent in-store struggles and scowls: discuss the reality of “back to basics” with a student before shopping.

“Kids nights” not for kids

Even with the uncertain economic climate (think foreclosures, cost of gas at the pump, etc. etc.) customers still manage to make it to the local watering hole.  In some saloons, drinkers even belly up to the bar with their children on designated “kids nights.”   What a sad commentary on how the moral barometer has shifted.

Mathphobic

“Math meltdown.” The title of the USA Today column caught my eye, simply because I could identify so closely with those words.  (The best thing about having earned a doctorate is never having to take math again.) 

One line in the article caught my eye:  “There has to be a conviction that all kids can ‘get’ the basics of math.”

As a student, I had neither the conviction nor the skills.  As an adult, I still struggle with balancing a checkbook.

An op ed piece worth reading, especially if your kids are mathphobic like me.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/07/math-meltdown.html 

Pepsi or pita chips?

School hasn’t even started, but the vending machine war is going strong.  During the summer, did the local school principal sign a lucrative vending contract with a soft drink company to fund new software or did he say “No” to junk food….and the higher level tech for students?

We complain about the obesity epidemic among students but fail to acknowledge the vending deals signed under the table.  Does anyone else see a disconnect?