Stop Labeling Kids with Bogus 'Mental Disorders'

I came across this video and was very impressed by it. I have always been uncomfortable with how common mental disorders are being diagnosed. I sometimes feel that if all the aspects of an individual don't fit within the box that society creates, that those "appendages" labelled as an issue until it gets corrected within the proper realms of society. It's improper pruning of someones personality and traits. (Yes, I do understand that there are the "occasions" where there are chemical imbalances that influence the brain and medication is needed, but I am talking about labeling someone who is sad as extremely depressed, or a child who gets upset easily as bipolar)

Here is the video.

Calgary Plane Crash

There was a plane crash in Calgary last week.  As explained in the article Nathan Anderson, who is the mayor of Crossfield, crashed his small aircraft. He and someone I know from when he lived in Winnipeg, went in on the aircraft.

I was in Calgary when the crash happened, and my friend was tasked with removing the aircraft from the crash site.  Since I was visiting, he some how got me to tag along and help disassemble the aircraft.  I tried explaining that I have only worked with aviation software not with the actual planes themselves.  Nonetheless I went.  Needless to say the PHEc and counsellor that I am was useless in removing the aircraft, but I did the best I could.  Plus, it was a lot of fun to be a part of taking the airplane apart.  I learned a lot about aircraft's that day.

I must say that I am AMAZED that no one was seriously injured.  One of life's miracles.

Are We Meeting the Demands for Job Skills

I came across an interesting article in the Deseret Morning News about how we are failing to meet the needs of the market with our current education.  Now, I do realize that not everyone can have, or may want to get at bachelors degree, because if 80% of people had a bachelors they would become obsolete.  But something like graduating from High School and entering a college for some sort of higher education, I think is vitally important.  What stands out to me most in this article is this paragraph.

Consider these national statistics from the report: Of 100 students in ninth grade, only 75 will graduate from high school and, of those, only 51 will enter college. Within six years, only 22 will have a degree and many of those will enter the workplace lacking the skills needed to be hired or have a successful career.

Canada is usually similar to stats pumped out from the USA.  So this is something that needs to be considered worry-some, that 25% of kids will NOT finish high school, despite it being free.

 Read the entire article here.

Doris Badir PHEc

There was a nice article brought to my attention about a PHEc who passed away recently.  The Globe and Mail did a feature obituary on Doris Badir called Expert on Home, Family Issues; Doris Badir redefined woman's role.

Have a read to see the impact a woman can have when you give her an education. Absolutely brilliant.

Schools Out For The Summer; Now What?

Exams are completed, graduations are coming to an end, and your children are now piling home for the summer. For nine months the home was yours, now your offspring and co. are invading your premises. It is a transition that comes every year, some parents dread it and are like the father in the Staples back-to-school commercial from years ago: ‘It is the most wonderful time of the year!’ Also, your children, who are used to having their planners filled from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., now have eight hours at their disposal and they aren’t 100 per cent sure of how to invest that time. School is out, now what do we do? All of us: children, students and parents need ideas.


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Read the rest on Notes on Parenting.

StarPhoenix:Storm brewing over gender issues

I have debated writing about this "gender-less" child Storm, but haven't figured out a way to say it.  Until today, when I came across this column, Storm Brewing Over Gender Issues in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.

I just think it's funny that it got classified under "technology".

No Transition To Fatherhood Course in 2011

I have noticed that my Transition to Fatherhood class posts have been getting serious attention.  I also have received phone calls.

So I must say again that I am not offering a Transition to Fatherhood course this year, 2011, for reasons stated in a previous post.

I do regret not being able to assist those who are seeking help.  Here are some helpful resources:

• Check out the Positive Parenting Program
• Consider reading The Everything Father-To-Be survival guide
• Talk to friends who have recently had children
• Talk to family who have had kids

It's always important and helpful to look to your support system while having a child (like your family and friends).