The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Jun/July/August 2018

www.theconnectionsnj.com The Piano Workshop at Chester SUPER COOL WITH KIDS 415 State Route 24, Suite B, Chester 908-955-3022 www.thepianoworkshopatchester.com director@thepianoworkshopatchester.com Director: Mark Weisman • Private Lessons - Piano, Voice, Guitar, Drums/Percussion & Woodwinds • In-Home Lessons Available • Summer Rock Band & Keyboard Orchestra All of our teachers have degrees in music or education related fields. We match students to the right teachers based on skill level, objectives & learning styles. Registration for Summer & Fall Lessons & Classes Now Open! what’s NEW! Dea l $ $ tea l $ & Online Coupons! Visit theconnectionsnj.com/deals-steals TODAY! No parent wants to learn that their child is addicted to drugs, but yet millions find themselves in this threatening situation. No parent wants their child to be a victim of discrimination, bullying, child abuse or sex- ual harassment. I am a Pediatrician who has always champi- oned the needs of children. I represent a non-profit corporation, Rewarding Life, Inc., whose mission is to prevent children from coming under harm’s way. Every parent should ask, “What must I do to protect my children?” If children were knowledgeable about potentially harmful situations, they might have the conviction to avoid them. For example, if tempted by a peer to take an addicting substance, they might have the courage to say, “NO DRUGS FOR ME!” Parents must equip their children with the necessary information to be able to handle situations of potential danger. From birth on, children and adults are con- stantly learning new and important skills. For example, the toddler will master the art of using eating utensils and dressing one- self, and with age will acquire additional needed skills. Spending quality time with children has been shown to be most advantageous. Many parents are overloaded because of work, family and household commitments, but socialization time must be put aside for all the children in the family. The infant and toddler can be exposed to lullabies, fairy tales, and stories of family members. As verbalization develops encourage the child to give a simple analysis of what was pre- sented. For example, after telling the fable of the “Three Little Pigs”, ask the child, “What was the story about? What materi- als would you use to build a house and why?” The parent must be patient and the atmosphere of their meeting should be non- threatening and enjoyable. After six, life protecting skills are intro- duced, such as the dangers of addiction, how to manage relationships between friends, how to handle discrimination and prejudice, what to do when bullied, etc. The information should be repeated and reinforced as the child matures. Some par- ents as well as children may feel uncom- fortable discussing some topics, such as sex; but if necessary, these discussions can be tabled to a future time. The younger the child, the easier it is to convey the necessary feelings and attitudes about a particular subject. Upon reaching adolescence, the child may be less prone to having in-depth discussions with the parent, especially if the teen is rebellious. Parents may initiate discussions on their own, doing basic research beforehand so as to have correct information. For that parent who wishes to use a guiding manual, “PREVENTING ADDICTION and OTHER CALAMITIES,” can be obtained free of charge by requesting an electronic copy, using the email address listed below. This can be downloaded on a computer, tablet or smart phone. This manual acts a catalyst to discuss important solutions. Vicariously, the child will understand what dangers might be encountered in the future, and be given the tools and knowledge of how to handle the threatening situation. A sentence, para- graph or chapter may be recited, after which all participants are encouraged to dissect the material in question, give opin- ions and arrive at logical conclusions. The manual need not be read as a novel. Topics can be discussed out of order as partici- pants desire or as situations arise. If giving important life-saving information to our children saves anyone from addic- tion, physical and sexual abuse, discrimina- tion and bullying and decreases the num- ber of teenage pregnancies, then the art of parenting will have taken an important step forward and will place our children on the path to achieving a successful and rewarding life. Please email RewardingLifeInc@gmail.com to obtain a FREE electronic copy of “Pre- venting Addiction and Other Calamities.” “PREVENTING ADDICTION AND OTHER CALAMITIES” By: Melvin S. Rosh, MD FAAP PAGE 18 Summer Programs 2018 Summer Programs 2018