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Show Page 10 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue V February 2000 Helping Children Develop SelfDiscipline Children’s misbehavior can be frustrating and disturbing to adults, but we also can see it as an opportunity to teach, a chance to model self-discipline and character. Emotional development, like other learning, takes time and learning opportunities. And children, being the excellent imitators they are, will follow our example—for better or worse. If we yell at children, they will yell; if we hit them, they will hit, or they will become the perpetual victims of others’ aggression. We get better results when we discipline calmly and teach our children to express their feelings in acceptable ways. When teachers share, children share; when parents are courteous, children are more cooperative. Here are a few things we do in the classroom; they also work for parents: Be clear and consistent. Set and discuss rules and consequences. Rules should be clear, simple and few. Some adults have only one basic rule: You may not hurt yourself, others or things. For example, to stop a child from hitting another child, kneel and calmly state, “You may not hit Ben. People are not for hitting.” Then add, “I know you are angry. Can you tell me why?……OK, how can you let Ben know that you want to use the blue crayon?” Offer choices. “Do you want to brush your teeth now, or do you want to brush after we read a story?” “Would you like milk or juice with your snack?” Ignore certain behavior, like cursing or stomping, if it is not harmful. A child will quickly learn that s/he will gain nothing by acting up. On the other hand, s/he will learn that good behavior gets good results and a favorable reaction from grownups. No matter what we adults do, there are times when children lose control. Aggressive acts may call for removing the child from the action in a brief time-out. However, a time-out period may backfire if used in the spirit of punishment, i.e. “Go to your room right now!” The point is to give the child a few minutes to cool down. Those minutes come in handy, too, for helping a frustrated parent or teacher cool down—and think of what to do next. Valley Cleaning Service 15 years experience Valley References available. Construction, Residential, Commercial Call 745-1238 This information provided courtesy of Old Firehouse Child Care Center, taken from Family-Friendly Communications for Early Childhood Programs, published by the NAEYC. Deborah Diffy and Kathy Morrison, editors. 1996. Candles—Are They Safe? At the University of Michigan School of Public Health, studies of candles purchased from stores in southeast Michigan showed that some candles on the market today are made with wicks that have either lead or lead cores that emit potentially dangerous levels of lead into the air. The study examined lead emissions from 15 different brands of candles made in the United States, Mexico and China. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation is 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Five of the candle brands tested emitted unsafe levels of lead into the air. After five hours, the lead levels in an enclosed space ranged from an estimated 0.21 to 65.3 micrograms per cubic meter. Candles produced in China and the United States released the highest levels of lead into the air. It was determined that regular exposure to lead in confined spaces could pose health risks to people with weak immune systems, especially children and the elderly. Studies have shown that the central nervous system of children is particularly sensitive to lead. Some of the most damaging neuropsychological effects of lead poisoning of young children include learning disabilities, reduced psychometric intelligence and behavioral disorders. These effects have been associated with chronic low-level exposure to lead and are believed to be irreversible. Chinese candles were found to contain either pure lead or lead alloy while those made in the United States or Mexico consisted of zinc or leadcontaining alloys. Lead was detected in small quantities in emissions from zinc-based wicks, suggesting that the lead may be a common contaminant in the zinc, wick, or wax. The levels of lead were small, but still may represent a health risk over a long period of time. Not all candles are made with wicks that have metallic cores. The practice is primarily used with candles that are needed to burn longer, such as scented or ceremonial candles. A metal core is used to provide rigidity to the wick which provides an even and slower burn rate, and reduces mushrooming at the tip. Other concerns have risen over the increased popularity of scented and aromatic candles. The fragrance intensity has been proven to have an enormous influence at the point-ofsale for consumers. Thus, candle manufacturers are increasing the amount of fragrant oils being added to their wax mixtures. Manufacturers are not required to list the compounds found in their candles, some of which have been found to be toxic. Increased allergies and sensitivity to burning candles are being recognized. Consumers need to watch for black soot that is expelled from candles because these types of candles are releasing more chemicals, which may or may not be even more hazardous to health. Also, be aware that the longer the candle burns, the more emissions that are released into the environment. Leaded candles were recently banned in Australia, and the Michigan study recommends a similar action be taken in this country. Note: This information provided courtesy of Utah State University Extension Service. How about a Parent’s night out? Enjoy your evening knowing your kids are in a fun and safe environment. Awesome activities, dinner provided !!! Friday, February 18th 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Old Fire House Child Care L.C. and Preschool Snow Removal Call for more details 745-5600 Reservations required The Ogden Valley may be isolated in the event of a disaster. Your Local C.E.R.T Organization is in need of volunteers and donations. Please call Linda Spencer at 745-0805 or 399-8640 |