Children’s issues

Stuff My Kids (And Other People’s Kids) Say: Tween Edition

March 23, 2013 Children's issues

It’s been awhile since I did a “things kids say” post. It’s getting harder to write these because my children have passed the adorable stage and are now well on their way to manhood. In a lot of ways this makes them more amusing than ever. It just took me a few months to adjust [...]

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Heartbroken and Praying

December 14, 2012 Children's issues

This is not a post about whether we need more guns or fewer. This is not a post about what makes a man sick enough to fire a weapon at innocent children. It’s just a post to say how heartbroken we are in the Brenner house. Mood music: We don’t know any of the victims [...]

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For Parents With Kids Freaked About Winter Storms

October 26, 2012 Children's issues

This week being the 35th anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978, I thought this might be of use. Mood music:  Fight The Good FightTriumphAllied Forces The author takes a stab at offering a mom advice on childhood anxiety. He’s no doctor, but he’s lived it. I got a message awhile back from a mom who [...]

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Welcome Back, Mrs. Silva

September 5, 2012 Children's issues

I rushed to the kids’ school this afternoon for a parent-teacher meeting and saw the most excellent sight: Eileen Silva, back in the mix, helping her fellow teachers sort through the usual chaos of afternoon dismissal. The first-grade teacher missed all last year due to illness, but she’s back, and it’s like she never left. Mood [...]

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New Section: Resources for Readers

July 20, 2012 Children's issues

Today we launch a new section with links to resources specializing in mental health issues, including children’s issues, faith, eating and relationships. We’ll be building the section over time, adding new topics as we go. Today, we’re starting with resources for parents and children dealing with mental health issues. Check out the new section here. [...]

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Teachers Who Ignore Kids With Food Allergies Should Be Fired

June 12, 2012 Children's issues

When school officials repeatedly fail to protect a child from something like a life-threatening nut allergy, the damage to that child’s mental health is as bad as to their physical health. When that happens, even if the child is physically unharmed, the reaction from us grown-ups should be nothing other than outrage. Mood music:  Drag [...]

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Fatherhood Saved Ozzy, Eddie & Me

May 4, 2012 Addiction

Yesterday I watched the “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne” documentary, which focused heavily on how his addictions maimed him and his family over four decades. Though my addictive behavior pales by comparison, it still struck a chord. Mood music:  DreamerOzzy OsbourneThe Essential Ozzy Osbourne What hit me deepest is how Ozzy finally decided to get real [...]

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For A Girl Recently Diagnosed With Crohn’s Disease

May 3, 2012 Children's issues

The daughter of close friends just found out she has Crohn’s Disease. She’s suffering a lot right now, and I know exactly what she’s going through. This post is for her. Mood music:  The Way It IsTeslaThe Great Radio Controversy Hello, my young friend. I’m sorry that you’re hurting so much right now. I was [...]

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Strong Too Long, Or Weak Too Often?

April 23, 2012 Addiction

There’s a saying on Facebook that depression isn’t a sign of weakness, but simply the result of being strong for too long. Somewhat true — though weakness does feed the beast. Mood music: I’m feeling it this morning. I’ve always taken a certain level of satisfaction from my ability to stay standing in the face [...]

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The Wit And Wisdom Of Sean Brenner

April 21, 2012 Children's issues

Today is Sean’s 11th birthday, and we’re all very proud of him. In honor of this special day, I share with you some of my favorite Sean-isms. Mood music: –Heard in the bathroom: Sean singing to no one in particular, “Your butt’s too big to be real…” –Me: “I missed you Sean. I love you.” [...]

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