Teenagers and Kids Today - In Danger!

If you have watched your favorite news program everyday, you may have seen teenagers or kids being caught by policemen or being rushed to the hospital.. Seeing their innocent faces, no one will suspect that those teenagers can sniff rugby, smoke, snatch jewels, rob, deal drugs, sold their own bodies in exchange for just a meager amount of money, or even kill people with guns or knives.. Aren't these scenes devastating? And then you see those parents being interviewed so helpless when their children are caught and sentenced. Their hearts are aching seeing their beloved son or daughter ending up in prison or worst, in the morgue! Isn't it too painful for a mother? for a father?

Why do these things happen? Based on researches, these tragedies may have linked to their childhood days, especially during their formative years. They may have witnessed some form of violent assault. Research also shows a link between violent television programs and aggressive behavior in teens who watch those programs. So if you're a mother or a father reading this article, you might want to remember these tips I have gathered from psychological experts on how to prevent these things to happen in your child..


1. Start talking about ways to reduce or eliminate violence.

* Team up with other parents and get involved in your community; join your neighbors in activities to reduce violence.

* Talk to your teen about ways to solve arguments and fights without weapons or violence.

* Advise your teen to talk to you or a trusted adult to avoid potentially violent situations.

* If you suspect a problem with your teen, start talking about it.
2. Monitor the media.

* Limit the amount of television your teen watches to 1 to 2 hours a day (including music videos and video games).

* Do not allow your teen to watch violent movies or TV programs.

* If something violent comes on the TV, talk about what is wrong with the program and how the situation could have been handled in a nonviolent way.
3. Be a role model by handling problems in nonviolent ways.
* Don't hit your teen. Model non-physical solutions to problem solving.

* Count to 10. Cool off. If you can't control your anger, tell your teen you need some time to get your thoughts and feelings under control.

* Problem solve with your teen. Think together about options and consequences for behaviors.

* Set limits, make sure your teen knows the rules and consequences, and follow through.

* Don't carry a gun. This sends a message to your teen that using guns solves problems.
4. Reduce the threat of gun-related violence to your teen.
* Make certain your teen does not have access to guns. If you have a gun, remove it from your home or store it unloaded and locked up. Lock and store bullets separately.

* Tell your teen to stay away from potentially dangerous situations and from guns in homes of friends or places where he or she may visit or play.

* Keep in mind that teens don't always follow the rules. Also, teens are attracted to guns and see guns as symbols of power. Since you can't always count on teens to stay away from guns, you have to keep guns away from them.
5. Help your teen deal with anger.

* Anger is a normal feeling. Anger does not have to be bad if it is expressed appropriately. Teach your teen that it is okay to be angry, but it's not okay to throw a punch.

* People must control their anger before they can control a situation.

* Sometimes counseling is necessary to help teens deal with their anger appropriately.

I hope these tips can help you in helping your children..Save them today..Save your family..


Source: Palo Alto Medical Foundation

FIRES IN CEBU AT AN ALARMING RATE!!!

Fires are recently the headlines of the different newspapers and news programs in Cebu. It is quite alarming because it happened 4 times, at least in October and thrice from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15. These fires left thousands and thousands of damages to a lot of its victims, almost over a hundred of them. Others not only lost their homes, businesses but also some of their loved ones. It is sad to think that until now the government fails to support these victims. They can even hardly relocate these people or at least give them a little financial support. But come to think of it, why do these fires almost occur to highly-populated areas? Whose fault are these?

Well. there are 5 major causes of fires in the Philippines. The first one of these are those caused by accidents such as leaving a curling iron on, an electric blanket, or a dropped cigarette or an electric heater too close to flammable material. Second, are caused by faulty electrical wiring. Third of these are caused by appliances that can short out like lamps, toasters and other older appliances and extension cords. To be safe, appliances should be unplugged when not in use. Fourth, are those caused by unattended stove or the burner being turned on. And the fifth, are those caused by children playing with matches. Source: http://www.detech.com/fire_safety/fire_causes.html

If a fire occurs in your home, your chances of survival will depend on how quickly and safety you are able to get out. What will you do if these fires occur in your home and in your neighborhood? Check these tips:

1. Avoid electrical overloading.

2. Unplug all electrical appliances after every use.

3. Check all electrical installations regularly.

4. Check gas stoves and LPG tanks for leaks.

5. Keep children away from flammable liquids, lighters and matches.

6. Avoid smoking in bed.

7. Ensure you have a pre-fire plan at your residence or office.

8. Do not leave lighted mosquito coils unattended.

9. Always take extra precautions while cooking.

10. Never leave lighted candles unattended.

11. Do not throw lighted cigar or cigarette butts on dried leaves and garbage.

12. Strictly obey the no smoking signs.

13. Maintain proper housekeeping to eliminate fire hazards.

14. Check fire protection gadgets or devices of appliances and equipment regularly.

15. Be fire-safety conscious.

Source: Red Cross Fire Safety Tips
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/25/2008 12:16 PM