Good news about our kids

Media attention brings an immediacy and intensity to the serious problems confronting our kids. That’s mostly helpful, but sometimes results in the mistaken belief that these are the worst of times for kids and families. They’re not.

How about some good news about our children based upon some recently published research?

The June 2017 Journal of Pediatrics reported that bullying had decreased significantly over the past 10 years in a large school district in Maryland. Based on a study of a quarter of a million kids, more kids reported feeling safe and were bullied less than in previous years. This is consistent with other studies that have documented a significant decline in this serious behavior.

Set clear expectations for appropriate behavior and enforce consequences misbehavior.

1. Bullying.

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?

2. Teen pregnancy.

Twenty-five years ago, there were 117 teen pregnancies for every 1,000 teens. In recent years, that rate has decreased by 50 percent. Another added benefit is the substantial decrease in abortions among teens. In 1988, there were 44 abortions for every 1,000 teens. The rate has decreased to 13.5 in recent years.

Teens having babies is bad for the parents and the children. These positive trends have been accomplished because of a greater candor about sexual behavior, and the widespread availability of birth control. These aren’t easy conversations for parents (or kids), but everyone benefits by more open conversations.

3. Safer drivers.

Our teens are more responsible and safer drivers. Automobile fatalities for our teens have decreased by about 50 percent over the past 10 years. This is the result of safer cars, strict standards for drinking and driving and more restrictions on teen licenses.

This is yet another example of problems that appear insurmountable but really aren’t. We tolerated and in some ways glamorized drinking alcohol and driving, with disastrous results. Let’s credit Mothers Against Drunk Driving for taking the lead on this issue, an organization started in 1980 by a mom whose daughter was the victim of an accident caused by a drunken driver.

There are lots of other positive trends, including increases in school safety, volunteering, high school graduation rates, and decreases in binge drinking and drug use.

Youth suicide, mental illness, sexual abuse, gun violence, dysfunctional families and other problems are real. These are the challenges that do and should get the attention of the media and all of us. However, these are not insurmountable problems, as evidenced by the tremendous progress we’ve made in lots of other areas.

Good things happen with awareness, resources, and focused attention. This is one of best of times to be a child in America, and there is no reason that progress can’t continue.

Dear Readers:

When looking for a new car, you know that you have to do lots of research to find the vehicle that fits your family’s needs. You can check many sites online and read books or car magazines, along with visiting auto dealerships, but it’s also really important to examine the safety ratings of vehicles you are interested in. Use these two websites to find out how an automobile would do in a crash: www.iihs. org (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and www.safercar.gov (U.S. Department of Transportation).

— Heloise Dear Readers:

If you suddenly notice that your room air conditioner is not functioning properly, you can check the plug and vents. But also consider this: If you have a dog or cat that sheds a lot during the summer, the loose hair can block the filter. Clean the filter often and vacuum the air conditioner with a brush attachment - just in case. Also give the area around the air conditioner a good vacuuming to pick up hair.

Heloise — Heloise Dear Readers:

When you travel by car and stay at motels, try to park as close to your room as possible. Back in, so the trunk faces the building. Never leave items inside the auto. If necessary, cover them with a towel or blanket. Don’t leave electronics out in your room. Hang the “do not disturb” sign on the door all of the time. Keep the security chain on, and lock the door while in the room. Leave the TV on when you’re out so it sounds like someone is inside.

Dear Readers: —

Dishwashers are essential kitchen appliances. We fill them with dishes, pots and pans, cooking utensils and many items we use for preparing food. However, it can be used to clean a variety of other objects you have around your home.

You can put other dirty items in your dishwasher, and obviously, you should wash them separately from dishes. The items include baseball caps (not old, valuable wool ones), small plastic toys, flip-flops, combs and hairbrushes (with hair removed). Put in sink stoppers or sponges (keep these, or anything that might come loose, secured on the top shelf ). You also can clean grimy stove grates and exhaust filters, along with removable shelves from the refrigerator.

— Heloise Dear Readers

:If you discover that you don’t have any barbecue sauce, you can make this inexpensive and easyto-make recipe. Cut 1 stick of butter into 4 to 6 slices, and measure 1 cup of white apple cider or red wine vinegar. Get a saucepan or microwave bowl to warm the vinegar, add the butter and stir until melted. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. For a spicy taste, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

— Heloise