Empowering Children Builds Good Judgment
As parents, we are horrified to hear reports of mistreated children. Out of necessity, we teach our children to be street smart, hoping to do so without causing excess fear.
“On The Safe Side” (HarperCollins, $10) by Paula Statman will equip parents to teach their children personal safety and good judgment in a straightforward, reassuring way, without communicating fear.
Statman bases her book on the principle that kids who feel good about themselves are less likely to become victims of mistreatment.
Using role playing, question/answer sections and “what if” scenarios, Statman’s goal is to empower children and families to live confidently in their communities. Chapters include personal safety skills targeted for different age levels, what you need to know about sex offenders, making your neighborhood safe, encountering strangers, and more.
Statman is an award-winning psychotherapist and family life-educator of twenty years. “On The Safe Side” is available at major bookstores or by calling (800) 242-7737.
Sun safety
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there will be a million new cases of skin cancer this year, caused mainly by prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun.
By using hats, sunscreen (with an SPF of 15 or higher), sunglasses and protective clothing, your children can enjoy the summer sun without worry. To learn more about sun safety, the AAP has a free brochure called Fun in the Sun: Keep Your Baby Safe. Ask your pediatrician for a copy or write to: American Academy of Pediatrics, Division of Publications, 141 Northwest Point Blvd., P.O. Box 927, Elk Grove Village, IL 60009.
Prenatal water exercise
Water is the ideal medium for exercise and conditioning. The YWCA offers a water fitness class especially suited for women during pregnancy and post-partum featuring the Burdenko Method of vertical, deep water exercise.
The method is designed to increase cardiovascular resistance and to strengthen muscles used during pregnancy, birth and recovery.
Classes are every Tuesday and Friday from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. For fee information and to register, call the YWCA at (509) 326-1190.
Gift-giving made easy
JCPenney stores in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene have introduced a new computerized gift registry program linked with JCPenney stores across the nation.
Bridal and baby gift listings are made available through online computers in the stores. Customers may purchase a gift from the registry either in person or by calling (800) JCP-GIFT.
In addition, a new catalog specifically for the bridal registry will supplement the stores’ merchandise with over 50 fine china patterns, as well as stemware, flatware and more.
Your baby’s world
The classic bestseller “The First Twelve Months of Life: Your Baby’s Growth Month by Month” (Bantam Books, $5.99) has been completely revised and updated by the Princeton Center.
The new edition contains the most current findings on a baby’s development and emerging personality during the first year. Also included are commonly asked questions about baby’s eating and sleeping habits, fears, memory retention and more.
An ideal gift for new parents, “The First Twelve Months of Life” will be released in July to major bookstores.