Have You Reviewed with Your Children What to Do in 'Danger' Scenarios? Should You?

A week after the Newtown, CT, massacre, schools have reviewed their safety procedures. Now should parents follow up with more coaching?

A week after the deadly elementary school attack in Newtown, CT, that has rocked the the nation, some parents say their kids remain oblivious to the attack—and the danger.  Most teens and children are wrapped up in their own worlds. One mom of a middle-schooler told me instead of being worried about how the Newtown deaths would affect her daughter, she is more concerned that the girl is not aware enough of what took place. And there is only so much the schools can do. So this mom will spin out a scenario of danger and ask the daughter to think through how she might best respond.  If you are a parent, are you doing the same kind of 'coaching' with your kids? Should parents be following up and expanding on the schools' safety procedures and …

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Life in the Mom Lane

Where's the Line Between Safe and Sheltered?

Avoiding injury is critical, but so is finding a balance.

Recently, while I was out with a few mom friends, an interesting subject came up. Sparked by news coverage of a school in Toronto that had banned students from using “hard” balls at recess, we began to question when the work of trying to keep our kids safe turns the corner and, instead, leads to sheltering them entirely. It seems that recess was getting a bit out of control at this particular elementary school and the decision was made to enforce a long forgotten rule which banned the use of hard balls, such as soccer and footballs, during recess. Many parents and students were outraged and the story became a bit of a media sensation. So, just how much danger were the students in before the ban? News reports referred to a small area and …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need To Know Today: Nov. 17

Patch's top picks of the day.

"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the new feature in the comments section." 1. Learn how to install a child's car seat properly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates as much as 80 percent of car safety seats are not installed properly. Class is at the Wilmington Police Department from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 2. If you haven't been to the Book Store Next Door, take the chance today. The charitable organization is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located right next to the library. 3. Get festive and full of Thanksgiving cheer with the Turkey Tales and craft time at the …

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