ParentsKids
In the Battle for Kids' Rights: Where Are the Dads?
2024-12-12
Last week, the Supreme Court took on a crucial case, United States v. Skrmetti, which centered around the right of individual states to ban “gender-affirming” medical care for children. As reported by Breccan Thies for The Federalist, the lame-duck Biden administration used these arguments to spread “numerous lies about gender transition drugs and interventions…” in an attempt to have the Supreme Court overturn Tennessee’s ban on such interventions.

Mainstream Media's Role in the Debate

During the coverage of the arguments, the mainstream media once again played its part in supporting the left’s radical sexual agenda. For instance, The Washington Post offered a sympathetic account of a confused Nashville teen named L.W. and her parents. It described how L.W. and her parents attended Wednesday’s argument at the Supreme Court, with L.W.’s father, Brian Williams, even buying a new suit for the occasion.In her preteen years, L.W. felt as if she were in a different world. She looked around and everyone else seemed to have a certain confidence and understanding that she lacked. Every day, she felt like she was struggling to keep up. But then, hormones brought a new sense of confidence and peace to her life, even in this courtroom where some justices referred to trans girls as “boys.”As a father of six grown children, I have witnessed the challenges of raising kids through the pre-teen years. Puberty is a difficult time for any child, and it is normal for them to feel like they are behind or different. In those moments, children need the guidance and support of their parents. They don’t need a father who will blindly follow the latest trends and subject their child to irreversible medical procedures.Good fathers understand the importance of patience and understanding. They know that temporary problems do not require permanent solutions. Reading the story of L.W. and her parents made me realize that we need more fathers to step up and take a stand.Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky star swimmer, has been at the forefront of the fight against men in women’s sports. She has shown that young athletes need the support of their fathers to fight for what is right. Since 2020, while mothers have been vocal in exposing the trans agenda, too many fathers have remained silent.There is a growing sense of silence among fathers when it comes to the trans issue. Some fathers, like Brian Williams, have actually made things worse by indulging their teens’ mental distress and allowing them to make decisions that could have lifelong consequences. These fathers have failed in their primary duty as parents – to teach their children about God’s loving plan for their lives.In 2024, fathers like Brian Williams may not face immediate consequences for their actions. But as Christians and conservatives, we need to consider the long-term spiritual cost. Elon Musk’s son’s “transition” and the estrangement from his father is a painful reminder of the price that can be paid for opposing the trans agenda.Riley Gaines has made it clear that the battle against men in women’s sports is not just about sports. It is a spiritual battle that affects every aspect of our lives. As fathers, we have a responsibility to stand up for our daughters and protect them from the perversion of being forced to interact with men in inappropriate ways.When our children come to us with doubts and fears, we must be there to offer them the truth. We must tell them that God made no mistake in choosing their sex and that His plan for their lives is perfect. We must have the courage to choose what is best for our children in the long run.It is sad to see that too few fathers have the courage to do what is right. But we must not give up. We must continue to fight for the well-being of our children and for the truth.
NMMC Pediatrician on Screen Time's Impact on Kids' Mental Health
2024-12-11
Smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our lives, and this has a significant impact on children's mental health. Dr. Amber Googe, a board-certified pediatrician at the North Mississippi Medical Center Children’s Clinic in Tupelo, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation of no screen time for children under the age of 2. This guideline is crucial as excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on a child's development and well-being.

Why No Screen Time for Under 2s?

Research shows that during the first two years of life, children's brains are rapidly developing. Excessive screen time can interfere with this natural development process. It may lead to delays in language acquisition, social interaction skills, and cognitive development. Dr. Googe explains that young children need face-to-face interactions with caregivers and peers to thrive emotionally and intellectually. The interactive nature of these interactions helps in building important neural connections.

Moreover, screen time can have a negative impact on a child's sleep patterns. The bright lights and stimulating content of smartphones and tablets can make it difficult for children to wind down and fall asleep. This can result in sleep deprivation, which in turn can affect their mood, attention span, and overall behavior.

Long-Term Effects of Excessive Screen Time

As children grow older and continue to spend a significant amount of time on screens, it can lead to more serious mental health issues. Studies have found a correlation between excessive screen time and an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The constant exposure to digital media can overwhelm a child's developing brain and make it difficult for them to regulate their emotions and focus.

Another aspect to consider is the impact of screen time on a child's physical health. Sitting in front of a screen for long periods can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risk of obesity and other health problems. It also reduces the amount of time children spend engaging in physical activities, which are essential for their overall growth and development.

Finding a Balance

While it is important to limit screen time for young children, it is not necessary to completely eliminate it. Dr. Googe suggests introducing screen time in a controlled and supervised manner once a child reaches the age of 2. This can include educational apps, age-appropriate videos, and interactive games that provide learning opportunities.

Parents can also encourage their children to engage in other activities such as reading, playing outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. These activities promote creativity, imagination, and social skills development. By finding a balance between screen time and other activities, children can lead a more well-rounded life.

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I Don't Buy Trendy Gifts; I Give Experience Gifts for Holidays
2024-12-12
Are you constantly on the hunt for that ideal holiday gift, only to end up with a closet full of unused items? Or do you find yourself succumbing to impulse buys during sales, hoping to have something to present to your loved ones? I was once in the same boat.

Transform Holidays with Meaningful Experiences

Create Gift Experiences

A few years ago, I started gifting experiences to my family. Buying tickets for a trip or an event not only creates a bond but also allows us to spend quality time together. My kids remember these experiences more vividly than opening a pile of physical presents. It's a bonus that we can reduce the clutter of unnecessary stuff that would likely end up in the trash after a few months.However, the downside of an experience is that you can't enjoy it immediately. So, I added a fun twist by buying my kids themed presents to accompany the experience. For example, my daughter, a huge Moana fan, was excited about the latest Moana 2 release. Since the closest movie theater was an hour away, I gave her a Moana-themed gift basket filled with her favorite movie candy, a theater gift certificate, some microwave popcorn packets, and a music box from Etsy that played one of Moana's popular songs. With our 3D printer, I even replicated the heart of Te Fiti from the movie, a gift that she will cherish for years.Going to the movies may not seem like a big gift, but for us, it's special as we don't get to do it often. It's a family experience that we all look forward to.

Smart Money Advice on the Topics That Matter to You

For my son, who is in college in upstate New York, we surprised him with a trip to the city. We revealed the trip by letting him unwrap themed presents like a city guide, a metro card, and a funny, New York-themed t-shirt that suits his style.Rather than buying him an upgraded piece of tech when his current devices are working fine, I prefer to spend the money on an experience that we can enjoy together. We can take him to a restaurant or museum he has been longing to visit. And he loves the element of surprise as he unwraps the "clues" to figure out his experience gift.

Not sure where to start? Here’s my advice

My approach doesn't involve rushing to big sales or grabbing limited-time deals. It's crucial to budget as experiences can be expensive. Instead, focus on gifts that your kids will truly enjoy and remember.You don't need to break the bank to try this. Maybe there's a day trip to a nearby city that your child has been begging for. You can buy small city-themed gifts to add to the surprise or skip the gifts altogether and wrap up notes that give hints about the big present.For my family, switching to experience gifts has not only saved money during the holidays but also brought us closer and made our time together more enjoyable.
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