The Kids Speak Out

"Tweens"

I saw the word "Tweens" and I thought what in the world is that.  This is the name that "professionals" have given to kids - ages 8 to 12.  Tweens are showing behaviors that are typically known for teenagers.

Some of the "Tweens" are going out on dates (ages 8-12); demanding parents buy them cell phones and IPods.  They listen to pop music which is often sexually charged, participate in mature related video games and log in many, many minutes on MySpace.  Young girls are wearing makeup younger and some of the clothes are inappropriate for their age.

Some studies demonstrate that girls are going through puberty earlier.  The medical profession seems to think it is the result of better nutrition.  The doctors have even lowered the limits of early breast development to first or second grade.

I only report this because there are many parents who are working in their chosen field and do not have time to read everything important to raising kids.  Watch your kids and try to NOT let them grow up to fast.  You don't think the marketers in the retail business don't know the opportunity to promote their products geared toward the "Tweens".  Of course, they do.  They estimate that an additional $170 BILLION will be spent by the "Tweens", if they market directly to them.

Kids Lie

Why do kids lie?  They are NOT taught to lie - it comes naturally to them....just like us adults, uh?

It is a common thing and we should not be alarmed.  Kids tell lies for the same reasons adults do:  1) to escape punishment 2) to make a good impression and/or 3) to spare someone's feelings.

Kids, of course, are not like we adults; merely asking kids to promise to tell the truth makes a big impression on them.  It reminds kids the importance of not telling lies.  Kids want to be good.

Usually parents, teachers and the whole community raises to the opportunity to teach kids everything they need to know while growing up.  Unfortuately, this is a behavior that has to be UN-TAUGHT.  Instead of teaching, we are trying to undo a behavior that just comes naturally.  And it is amazing to me that I truly understand the 3 reasons kids give for telling a lie.  My parents may have over-taught because I just can't stand it when I know an adult is telling me a lie - usually I move on feeling like I could never trust that particular person.

Well, as always, let's just keep on doing the best we can.

Couples choose Comfort

2,500 couples said they would choose comfort over kids.  The main reason stated was the expense of raising kids.  Their decision means the average number of kids in a family would go from 2.4 to 1.3.

The couples confessed that they were not willing to compromise their lifestyle or went through shock when they learned how much money it takes to raise kids.  Some couples said they were delaying having kids until they could afford it (when is that?)

Mainly three reasons were given:  1) their consumer debt 2) pension shortfall and 3) raising house prices.

I believe this is good news that couples are making an intentional decision on what they want in their lives and not bringing kids into the fold unless they are ready to compromise and sacrifice.  I believe if you would survey kids, ages 8-12, they would disclose that sometimes they feel like their parents did not want them.

I believe this is all OK - the only sad thing is that these couples will NEVER experience the JOY that kids bring into our lives.  We think it is worth it, most of the times.

Closer to Your Kids

Hey, another cool site on the web.  www.closertoyourkids.com.  Tim Dawes is giving away a FREE mini-ebook on "Five Keys to Being Closer to your Kids".  You can download it immediately.  I did and found it quite helpful.  He also sent everyday free material for about 5-6 days after I downloaded his mini-book.

You will benefit from this ebook.

Recommendation to Parents

Just a quick notice of a great website I have found for kids who are having a weight problem.  It is called www.grandmashealthykidsclub.com.  You will find on her web: kids exercise videos, pedometers, books, exercise equipment for kids, newsletters you can sign up to receive and lots more helpful menus and activity for kids who need to get their weight under control.  Check it out.