Issues concerning Children
Advice from Kenneth G. Alexander

Q. My children are being asked to watch the news for a current affairs project at school.

I am concerned because I try to keep them away from the violence and negativity I see in the news. What are your thoughts?

A. I agree that for some children, watching the local, national or world news can be somewhat intimidating.

If it is required by the school as an assignment, I suggest a parent or responsible adult be present to help the child process scenes/events that (at times) can be anxiety producing.

Q. My child has picked up some terrible language and I don't know where he got it or how to stop it. What can I do?

A. Although you and Mom do not use this language around the home, I'm sure that most of his peers do when there is no adult supervision present.

Unfortunately, this type of behavior is ALL too common among adolescents. Many of them view this language as the "adult" thing to do.

I advise that when you hear this language by your son (either in OR out of the home), you quickly confront it and make it clear that this behavior is totally unacceptable.