Parents frequently wonder if it’s good or bad to share a bed with their young infants. Much of the answer to this question is based on intuition and cultural perspectives rather than on solid data pointing to “truth” or to an equivocally correct answer. Thus, in spite of the many studies already performed, co-sleeping remains a controversial topic with its recommendation or discouragement essentially left up to the parents. It should be noted that bed sharing is well-accepted and promoted as the norm in many cultures, but it is not as popular a choice in the United States as it is in many other societies.

The benefits of bed sharing may be substantial. For example, we know that infants who sleep with their mothers are nursed longer, but other possible factors instead of bed sharing could explain this association. Bed sharing is thought to foster bonding between parents and the infant. This would seem to make sense, but unfortunately, there have not been studies to prove this intuitive outcome.

Most of the negatives about bed sharing (and co-sleeping on the same sofa) are related to the risk of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies confirm that bed sharing is a significant risk for SIDS only in mothers who smoke, and that babies under 12 weeks of age are at greatest risk.

Length of exposure to violence not age is key factor

Students prepare to start another day at the Louis Nettelhorst Elementary School in Lakeview. (Photograph by Alison Fox/MEDILL.)

Experts say many children who witness domestic violence at home lack coping mechanisms leading to violence in schools.

October was Domestic Violence Month, highlighting an issue that often results in children with violent streaks and an inability to resolve conflicts, experts say.

“With teenagers, you’re going to have more aggressive behaviors,” said Catherine Malatt, the manager of coordinated school health/crisis intervention with Chicago Public Schools.

NWI Parent Blog—Rick Kaempfer’s business card says author/writer/blogger, but his real job is “stay-at-home-dad.”

When I was a radio disc jockey and producer, I spoke to listeners on the telephone every day. Many of the calls were song requests, and many of those requests came from people misquoting a song title or misunderstanding the lyrics. Some of them were pretty hilarious.

I kept track of them because I was going to compile them into a book. Unfortunately, somebody beat me to it. (Gavin Edwards wrote “Excuse me while I kiss this guy.”)

Continue reading Rick’s latest post here on his “Father Knows Nothing” blog.

Young people can make a holiday craft this fall with the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.

Participants ages 15 and older will create a holiday sweatshirt at the first session of Quilting Projects. Future sessions will include other projects including a table runner.

Quilting seminars are held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 18 to Dec. 16, at the Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave., in Homewood.

Althea McDonald with her kids' artwork displayed in a restroom in her home in Cary, N.C.
(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Having moved five times in the last nine years, Pam Syx, now of Venice, Fla., had many opportunities to chuck some of her two children’s artwork along the way.

Instead, a picture of a train that 6-year-old Preston drew with neon gel pens when he was 4 remains preserved in a frame. A self-portrait by 9-year-old Veronica is immortalized on a coffee mug and coaster. Other creations plaster Syx’s office walls and refrigerator, and fill tote bags and boxes around the house.

“I just can’t get rid of anything their little hands do,” said Syx, explaining that her habit of holding on started as an effort to spur her kids’ creativity.

Barb Kearns, 75, has been raising her grandson in their Arlington Heights neighborhood for the past eight and a half years. She became his primary caregiver after the sudden death of her daughter.

Raising her 16-year-old grandson, Brian, has presented the retiree with a unique set of challenges but she feels a great sense of accomplishment in watching him grow into a young musician, she said.

“He has special needs, ADHD and sensory problems, [so] it’s been hard,” she said.

Freddy Ortega, a Clark High School junior, wears the T-shirt he designed to support breast cancer awareness. (Photograph courtesy of Michelle Kominsky.)

The National Football League’s decision to designate October’s games as American Breast Cancer Awareness games scored big with Freddy Ortega, 16.

Ortega has two aunts who are breast cancer survivors and always wears a pink wristband to show his support for them. He liked how the NFL and its teams promoted breast cancer awareness messages with pre-game and in-stadium initiatives and by having coaches and staff personnel and players wear pink ribbons and pink uniform gear.

So after the game, the George Rogers Clark High School student headed to town. He went into The Junk Yard to see if there was something there in line with the cause. Within a few moments, he decided to customize a shirt. He chose a royal blue T-shirt—Clark’s color—and had the initials of his school, ‘GRS’, printed on the upper right collar. Below the letters he added ‘class of 2011.’ In the center, he had the word ‘Supports’ printed next to a pink ribbon twisted in the shape of a heart.

NWI Parent Blog—Photographer and writer mom of two, Beth always brings a new twist to the suburban mundane.

Yesterday, my five year old got off the bus with a fever, which is the exact thing that happened to my daughter this past Monday.

It was so obvious that he felt sick, red cheeks, runny nose, big brown eyes, okay, maybe the eyes didn’t tell me anything but they are big and beautiful, so I may as well mention them, right?

On Sunday, we all felt great. We were our usual happy and healthy family, taking down the Halloween decorations, visiting family, playing Uno, taking baths and then Monday hit and it’s like we were literally hit by a semi truck with my daughter getting the flu first.

Continue reading Beth’s latest post here on her “Laptops to Countertops” blog.

NWI Parent Blog—We’ve all gotta eat-might as well have some fun in the kitchen! Check here for recipes, cooking with kids, food finds, and more.

My kids have always liked baking. And I like having them in the kitchen with me so it’s a win-win situation. Besides just think of all the math they are subconsiously learning when you teach them how to measure. So get your kids in the kitchen, this recipe is easy enough for all ages!

We’re talking pumpkin cookies. Yes, you can make them year round but there is just something about the fall that makes me want to put pumpkin in as many things as possible. I make a mean pumpkin muffin and I’ve got a great pumpkin bread recipe (for the bread maker no less!). But a few weeks ago I went on the hunt for a good pumpkin cookie recipe. I’m happy to say, I found it. I’ve only made one tiny change to this recipe - its original can be found on Pioneer Woman’s Tasty Kitchen website (a great resource for all sorts of recipes).

Continue reading Barb’s latest post here on her “Food with a Dash of Fun” blog.

Madeline Plesac to compete in Miss Teen USA pageant in July

Madeline Plesac, a senior at Chesterton High School, takes a question during the Miss Indiana Teen USA pageant in Carmel. A National Honor Society student, she is currently considering pursuing a career in health care.
(Photograph provided by Miss Indiana Teen USA.)

Madeline Plesac’s first venture into the world of pageants proved successful as the Chesterton High School senior was crowned Miss Indiana Teen USA 2010 on Sunday.

Plesac beat out 25 other girls from around the state at a three-day competition at the Renaissance Hotel in Carmel.

Plesac, 17, is the daughter of Dan and Leslie Plesac, of Valparaiso.