Special Valentine For Children

Mon., Feb. 14, 2000

Tina Carey Staff writer

Valentine’s Day not only means showing your significant other you love him or her, it’s showing your children as well.

The February 2000 issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics lists 10 ways to show your love for your child:

Staying away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Setting aside time for reading.

Making sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date.

Removing all potential hazards from your home.

Providing safe transportation. That includes making sure your child’s safety seat is properly installed.

Writing a list of questions to ask your child’s caregivers to be sure the care setting is healthy.

Using positive words.

Providing structure to your child’s day, showing interest and taking part in his activities.

Setting a good example at home and in public.

Finding an agreed-upon method of affection such as hugging, cuddling, or a secret sign (some kids, think hugs and kisses are icky after a certain age, you know).

* “Mom, dad, I think I swallowed something.”

The January issue of Parents magazine lists some items that actually have been swallowed by kids. They are: open safety pins, Christmas ornament hangers, doll shoes, action figure guns, gameboard pieces, bobby pins, nails, bolts, paper clips, earrings, bottle caps, and even a Rosary crucifix.

* Book Alert: Dr. Roger McIntire has released two books through Summit Crossroads Press to help parents and children.

The first, “Teenagers and Parents 10 Steps for a Better Relationship” can help foster mutual respect and open communication in the family. It offers guidelines on influencing behavior, improving school performance, building self-esteem and confidence and alternatives to punishment,.

The second book “Raising Good Kids in Tough Times” can help parents handle the task of raising good kids in today’s complex and often violent world.

* Look Who’s Coming to Dinner: A survey conducted by Kraft Foods, Inc. and Yankelovich Partners discovered that seven in 10 American families sit down to dinner at least five times a week.

Of those polled, 38 percent eat their dinner after 7 p.m. while 40 percent of families say the television set is their constant dinner guest.

Here’s the clincher; 49 percent of families said that the kids choose what’s for dinner on the weekdays.

If my daughter had her way it would be either hot dogs and macaroni and cheese or corndogs every night.

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