The VanSchepen's: November 2006

Thursday, November 30, 2006

A Rare occurence

At this time, my boys are playing together downstairs...they have been doing it for like 20 minutes. I keep waiting for the screaming

Monday, November 27, 2006

As many of you know I like to read about different parenting styles and just do a lot of research on what is right for our kids. I feel it is important to remember that doctors aren't perfect and not always up to date on what is best. Therefore, i think it is important for parents to do some research/reading of their own rather than just doing as their doctor says.

Recently I have been having discussions with several of my friends about feeding schedules and the Baby Wise methods, I have also been talking to some of you about co-sleeping.

Today I found some interesting articles about what we believe, or rather try to do (no one is perfect!). Here is a quote: "What has come to be known as “Attachment Parenting” more often develops children who actually become more independent, as well as healthier and more psychologically secure." For more information about check out the article (there is even some info about cosleeping!) Evidence Supports Natural Instinctual Parenting.

I also found information about BabyWise (very strict feeding and sleeping schedules), a philosophy that, well "bothers" me...here is an article that I found interesting. On Becoming Babywise: A flawed parenting philosophy? And interesting quote: "...Alarm bells went off when doctors began seeing more and more infants who were showing signs of failure to thrive, poor weight gain, and dehydration."

Just thought I would share some thoughts since I have been chatting with several of you about this!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Cookies and more...

Sam helped me make pumpkin cookies today! He was great at putting the sprinkles on. Meanwhile...Josh found Sam's hat and Sam's favorite block puzzle and was having a grand ole time!

Monday, November 20, 2006

More about our life....another great article

A discussion we have often among friends.....debt. Here is a great article from USA Today, 11/20/2006: Young people struggle to deal with kiss of debt

Emerging Hidden Addiction

There is a great article about gambling among high school and college age students in the November 2006 issue of Spectrum, a publication of the Chickering Group which discusses current issues in student health. The article basically discusses how since 2002 "the increase in college age gamblers has almost doubled." At this time this most current issue is not available on chickering website so I took the time to type out some interesting things from the article: "The Human Face of High School and College Gambling."

A 16-year-old bet his four year savings ($6,000) in onde day on lottery and lost. He attempted suicide by slashing his wrist with a razor.
A 19-year-old sold his car to return to the casino to win back his losses.
a high school athlete was distraught over owing money to a bookmaker. He couldn't pay the $800 he owed and was on the roof of his apartment building contemplating suicide, his mother stopped him.
a 15 year-old was taken for a ride and dropped off 15 miles from home to pressure him into paying a $1200 debt he lost to a student bookie in school.
An 18-year-old was killed after an argument over money. Fambling debts owed froma dice game led to his shooting death.
a 17-year-old high school student, who owed a bookie $1400, broke into a house to steal jewelry and money and was surprised by the owners presence, a widow. He panicked and hit her. She died. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
An outstanding Division I college football player was kicked off the team and out of school for booking bets on professional football teams.
An ex-college athlete fixed Division I basketball games and was subsequently sentenced to prison.

The article continues to discuss ways to address this new "emerging and growing"addiction. As a parent, and a very competetive one, it made me realize that even the most innocent appearing games and competetion can, over time, make a person lean towards more compulsive ways to work out their competetive behaviour. Perhaps 3-year-olds shouldn't have such a desire to win?

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Hunter

I am a bit late in posting this, but a few weeks ago Hunter got really really sick....so my mom made the tough decision to have him put down. While Hunter may have been weak in his old age with his cataracts and all, he was a great dog to me through high school and college. Later, he was by far Sam's favorite activity and grandpa and nana's house!