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Similac issues voluntary recall of formula

Posted by
on September 23, 2010 at 12:43 pm

Similac has announced a voluntary recall of certain powder formulas for infants.  According to the company, a review has detected that the formula may contain beetles and their larvae. 

To get more information or to find out if you have the forumla on the recall list, click here. You can also call (800) 986-8850 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for information.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Mother’s touch brings miracle

Posted by
on September 21, 2010 at 10:29 am

Here’s an inspiring story about a newborn baby boy, born premature at 27 weeks and  pronounced clinically dead, who seemingly was brought back to life by the touch of his mother.  Get out the tissues for this very inspiring story.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38988444/ns/today-parenting/

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Weekend roundup

Posted by
on September 10, 2010 at 11:31 am

It may not be fair weekend yet (just another week to go!) but there are some fun things to fill up your weekend with the kiddos.

Septemberfest

Pass it on Kids

34th annual Western Days

103rd annual Cleveland County Free Fair

Oktoberfest

If you know of any other great family-friendly events this weekend or coming up, please post them below or e-mail me. 

Have a great weekend!

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Nature center plans Labor Day weekend fun

Posted by
on August 31, 2010 at 10:57 am

Looking for one more weekend of lake fun with the kids before summer is officially over?  Then head down to the Discovery Cove Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park.  They have packed the long holiday weekend full of activities.  Classes are:

Saturday, Sept. 4

9:00 a.m. - Bird Walk.  Call 321-4633 or e-mail crowssecret@sbcglobal.net for details or to sign up.

11:00 a.m. -Birds of Lake Thunderbird.  Enjoy a slide presentation of birds that live around the lake.

1:00 p.m. - Animal Clay Sculpture.  Sculpt an animal out of clay.  Ages 4 and older.  $1.00 fee.  Call or e-mail for a reservation.

2:30 p.m. -Oklahoma Reptiles: Snakes and Lizards. Learn about these reptile groups and meet the nature center’s “resident representatives.”  All ages.

3:30 p.m. - Oklahoma Turtles. Meet seven kinds of turtles and watch some of them being fed.

Sunday, Sept. 5

1:00 p.m. - Aquatic Insects.  Learn all about what these insects eat, how they breathe, and other facts, at this special presentation.

2:00 p.m. - Plaster Casts.  Make plaster of Paris casts of animal footprints.  Ages 2 and older.  Fee is 50 cents.  Casts require one hour to set.  (This is my son’s personal favorite!)

3:00 p.m. - Aquatic Insects. Repeat of 1:00 p.m. program.

Monday, Sept. 6 (aka Bug Day)

10:00 a.m. - What did that? Kids can become nature detectives and look for clues that insects and small animals leave behind.  Ages 5 and older.

11:00 a.m. - Oklahoma Insects. Learn about insects and see many of the kinds found in our state.  Ages 4 and older.

1:00 p.m.  - Bug Bookmarks. Decorate a one-of-a-kind bookmark.  Fee is 50 cents.  Ages 3 and older.

2:00 p.m. - Aquatic Insects.  See above for description.

3:30 p.m. -  How many legs? Get to Know the Arthropods. Learn about other “bugs” besides insects.  Ages 4 and older.

Discovery Cove Nature Center is located off State Highway 9, almost  one mile down Clear Bay Avenue, almost to the boat ramp, across from Turkey Pass Campground  For more information, call 321-4633 or e-mail crowssecret@sbcglobal.net.

Lake Thunderbird State Park Norman, OK

Norman Playgrounds on wimgo

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Readers sound off on school spankings

Posted by
on August 25, 2010 at 2:22 pm

Last week, I wrote about our school district’s policy allowing corporal punishment (click here to read that post). I received many responses on both sides of this issue. Here are excerpts from just a few:

“I’m not sure what part of beating someone begats more beatings of someone smaller or “lower” than you the world does not understand. We have proved over and over again that harsher methods of punishment do not stop the problem and most often make it worse. Many moons ago we didn’t have the ability to understand our inner workings of our minds. Today we have a little bit better handle on it – but we still insist on using archaic methods to bring people “in line” with society’s rules.”  -Linda Houck Maloney

“I am in total agreement with those who believe that corporal punishment (spanking) of disobedient, etc., children in schools, from grades 1 through 12. … I am a Christian, fairly conversant with the Bible, believe what it says, and it says in my Bible, “If you don’t chastise your child, you hate him.” That says it all. … As a retired counselor, I have always asked a new parent this question: “Do you want to train this child or do you want the child to train you?” -Arthur P. Long, Guthrie

“Lady, you are so wrong -wrong – wrong. I taught in the public schools for 31 years, and i am proud to say I have spanked many children – I am prouder to say I never hurt a single one physically.” -Larry Cooper

“If I were you, I would write a letter to the school stating that you do not wish for your son to be corporally punished under any circumstances. Make a copy of it for your records, and send it registered mail (or certified w/return receipt). May sound like a hassle but it’s a worthwhile precaution.” -Tom Johnson

“The overwhelming evidence shows that corporal punishment is related to increased aggression, more antisocial behavior, increased criminality, more mental health problems and increased adult abusive behaviors later in life. In the states that have abolished paddling in school, school violence has declined and academic achievement has increased. And common sense tells us that when big people hit little people, the message is clear that this is the way we solve problems and it’s okay to do this. I refer you to the website stophitting.org.” -Fran Morris, State Coordinator, Oklahomans Opposed to Corporal Punishment

“I grew up in California and before the mamby pamby psychologists took over, corporal punishment was used and used often. I believe its a great deterrant to further trouble from the student and the students that know what will happen if they get out of line. … The non-corporal punishment era is full of smart or foul mouthed students that have no respect for authority because the teachers have no authority in schools anymore.” -Mike DeFeo, Edmond

“I and many other concerned citizens have been working (sadly for DECADES) to ban physical/corporal punishment of children in schools. My teenaged son was threatened with a paddling for going outside for supervised free-time when he was supposedly told to stay in, but thankfully, we have always taught our children that “No one has the right to touch them, they can say “No”, get away and tell someone” which is why he told the Assistant Principal to call us. … We’ve never had any trouble with out kids, they’re reasonable, well-behaved and intelligent.” -Julie Worley

I learned a lot from many of your responses, so thank you for joining in on this discussion. 

More information on corporal punishment

1.  According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 20 states still have districts that allow corporal punishment.  That means 30 states are using alternative forms of discipline that don’t involve paddling or spanking.

2.  A bill was introduced to Congress on June 29, 2010 (H.R. 5628) to end the use of corporal punishment in schools.  Click here to read the full bill.

In short, the purposes of this bill are to:

(1) eliminate the use of corporal punishment in schools;
(2) ensure the safety of all students and school personnel in schools and promote a positive school culture and climate;
(3) assist States, local educational agencies, and schools in identifying and implementing effective evidence-based models to prevent and reduce–
(A) corporal punishment in schools;
(B) aversive behavior interventions that compromise health and safety; and
(C) physical, emotional, or psychological abuse.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Have storytime without leaving the couch

Posted by
on August 20, 2010 at 4:21 pm

As some of you may already know, Barnes & Noble stores host free children’s storytimes on weekend mornings.  (Click here to see a schedule for Oklahoma City stores.)

But did you know that they also offer the storytime experience online?

With Online Storytime, children can hear their favorite books read aloud by authors and even celebrities.  This month, author Judith Viorst reads her story “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”

Just go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/storytime/index.asp to have storytime in the comfort of your own home. 

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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To spank or not to spank … in school?

Posted by
on August 18, 2010 at 3:08 pm

My son is starting pre-K this week and last night we had our “meet the teacher” night. He will be attending school in the Putnam City District as a transfer, because the district we live in doesn’t have pre-K.

Last night, as I’m reading through Putnam City’s Elementary School Handbook for 2010-11, I notice an entry under “conduct” called “corporal punishment.”  I’m expecting the entry to say something to the effect of “we don’t tolerate it, allow it, use it”  … something along those lines.  But it says something very different.  It says:

“The district recognizes corporal punishment as a means of discipline.” 

I have to say, I’m shocked.  As an Oklahoma “transplant” from Connecticut (where corporal punishment is banned), I did not expect that this was a means of discipline in any school district, in any state, but sure enough it is.   And not just small-town rural districts. We’re talking one of the biggest districts in the state.

I’m not necessarily upset about my son being subjected to corporal punishment, because I don’t believe it’s readily used on prekindergarteners. But what about other elementary school-age children?  Is this an effective and appropriate form of discipline for children while they are in school?  Or is this something that should be reserved for parents to use, in the privacy of their own home?

In the handbook it says it “shall be used only as a last resort and only after other reasonable corrective measures have been used without success.”  And to be fair, they do consult with parents first. But as a parent of a young child, I find it hard to believe that schools can’t take other action when it comes to a “last resort.”  There are many more states and school districts that don’t find the need to use physical force on students.  Why should this one?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.  Please e-mail me or comment below.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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Zoo plans fun programs for kids, families

Posted by
on August 17, 2010 at 10:22 am

Education programs abound at the Oklahoma City Zoo.  And as a Zoo Friends member, I enjoy as much of these with my 4-year-old as I can.  It’s a great perk for members and nonmembers alike so get ready for some fall fun with the kids!

Toddler and preschooler programs include a live animal presentation, craft, story time, songs and more. Classes are 10 to 11 a.m. and cost $12 for a child with adult Zoo Friends member, or $15 for child with adult nonmember.  Additional fees apply for siblings. 

Classes are:

Age 2:  Mother Goose, Sept. 2 or 4

Age 3: R is for Rhino, Aug. 19 or 21
S is for Sea Lion, Sept. 16 or 18

Ages 4-5: Flying High, Aug. 28
Billy Goats Gruff, Sept. 25

School’s Out Safari Day Camps

If you would like somewhere fun and educational your child can enjoy during fall break or other fall days off from school, the zoo has you covered.  Classes are for ages 4-12 and meet from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the zoo’s Education Building.  Cost per day is $30 per child, siblings $20 each. Advance registration and payment are required, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Snacks will be provided, but children must bring their own lunch. 

Dates are: Sept. 6, 7 and 24 and Oct. 21 and 22.

Family program

An upcoming family program is “Sink Your Teeth into Sharks!” and is Aug. 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. Your family can learn all about the world of sharks.  Adults are free with paid child registration.  Cost per child is $15 for zoo members, $18 for nonmembers.  Program is for children ages 4-12.

Zoo art

Have any little artists in  your family?  Then come join local artist Lance Kelly and learn to draw animals.  Basic drawing concepts are reviewed, followed by live sketching of zoo animals. Class meets in the education building and is $20 per class for one person, $5 for each additional family member.  Classes are for ages 7 and older and meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  Class dates and animal topics are:

Sept. 25: Grizzly Bear
Oct. 23: Bison
Nov. 13, Turkey

For more information or to register for any of these programs, go to okczoo.recware.com or call 425-0218.

-Erica Smith

esmith@opubco.com

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Family, friends make trip home so memorable

Posted by
on August 10, 2010 at 4:29 pm

It’s been 4 years since I’ve been home.  Why 4 years, you ask? Because this blogger doesn’t fly. 

I  know, I know. It’s the safest form of travel. You can spout off statistics all day long and I still won’t board a plane. Call me crazy. Especially when you hear that I drove, (yes, drove) to Connecticut, which is about 1600 miles from Oklahoma City … with a 4-year-old.  Yep, that’s me, the crazy lady.  

But to be honest, it was amazing.  The drive was long, but my son was terrific on the drive up and back.  Thank goodness for car DVD players! It took us about 2 1/2 days each way and we were able to stop at some fun spots along the way,  such as the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo., and the Ohio State Fair on the way back. The Great American Road Trip. That’s what we were on.

The best part, though, was going home.  Seeing all my family, some dear friends, including a girl I’ve known since I was 5, and even Simba the family cat.  It was a two-week whirlwind.  Trips to museums, the beaches, and of course, New York City.  My son was in heaven when he stepped foot into the largest Toys R Us – the one in Times Square.  He got to meet his heroes, Iron Man and Spider-Man.  It doesn’t get any better than that for a 4-year-old boy.  And the train ride back to Connecticut to boot.  He was in awe. 

Seeing his Gwennie (his grandma) and grandpa, his Uncle Will and great-grandparents was such a treat.  They spoil him and he knows it.  Family friends were calling day and night, wanting to catch a visit with us. With some, we could fit it in, with others, we just couldn’t make it this trip.

Now, I’m back in Oklahoma and find myself missing home. I may sound like Dorothy, but there really is no place like home and no one like family and lifelong friends. I know I won’t be able to wait another 4 years to go back, airplane or not.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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All aboard! Thomas is coming to town

Posted by
on July 22, 2010 at 3:33 pm

Thomas the Tank Engine is chugging into Oklahoma City and tickets are on sale for this very fun event.  According to the event  website, Day Out with Thomas is in its 15th year, and as always, the Oklahoma Railway Museum will be hosting Thomas’ arrival. 

Besides getting a train ride with Thomas, children can enjoy other activities such as arts and crafts, storytelling,  playing with toy trains, meeting characters and getting a look at the history of Thomas, who is turning 65 this year.

Get tickets soon, as this tends to sell out.  Dates of the event are Sept. 24-26 and Oct. 1-3.  Tickets cost $14 to $18 each. When you order tickets online, you can choose which train you’d like to sit in.  Pay extra attention to which train car you choose. Some are air conditioned, some only have sliding windows, and others are completely open.  Also, I suggest picking an early morning ride to avoid high temperatures.

Two years ago, I mistakenly chose the 2 p.m. time slot and the car with only the sliding windows.  Since some of the cars are so old, some windows won’t open.  That was our window. September was especially hot that year, and my then-2-year-old son was completely decked out in his Thomas overalls, Thomas polo shirt, Thomas conductor hat, socks and shoes.  We couldn’t bring our drinks on board, but it’s a 30-minute ride. No big deal.

About two minutes after we pull out of the station, my son starts screaming and crying.  He’s sweating, he’s red in the face, he’s hot as can be.  I didn’t know what to do and we couldn’t get off the train. We were starting to get some mean looks from other paying passengers.  He cried the entire ride.  People were upset with us, asking employees for their money back and just generally being more than annoyed.

About a year later, I was talking to some parents at my son’s day care about how Thomas the Train was back in town.  All of a sudden, one parent starts talking about this screaming child on her train car last year … decked out in Thomas overalls, polo and conductor cap.   She described my son to a T - an entire year later.  She was on that car.  She was one of the parents demanding a refund.  Yikes.

Me:  ”Oh, we didn’t get to go last year … how awful … why would his mom dress him in such hot clothes in the middle of summer? … “ 

So please take my advice.  Choose the air conditioned car. Get an early time and don’t dress your child like a conductor.  After all, it’s September in Oklahoma.

For a schedule and tickets, click here.

-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com

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