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The Robots Are Coming
By Christina Quick | August 25, 2008
This amazing robot is really my little girl in disguise. I had almost as much fun turning some boxes into a robot suit as she had modeling it.
Pick up a copy of TPE’s annual children’s edition on Oct. 12 and find out how to make this costume with your kids. You’ll also find games, articles and comics to keep them entertained.
As you may have guessed, this year’s issue is all about robots. Young readers can even register to win a robot kit from Smithsonian. Too much fun!
Topics: Family fun | No Comments »
Making the Impossible Happen in JBQ
By Christina Quick | August 18, 2008
While Michael Phelps was winning his gold medals in Beijing, my son has been training for his own Olympic-sized challenge.
Last night, my 11-year-old achieved the impossible. The Junior Bible Quiz Impossible Award, that is.
Pardon my parental pride, but I felt it was worth blogging about. To earn this award, the highest given in the JBQ program, quizzers must answer all 576 Bible Fact-Pak questions in one sitting without a mistake. Oh, and they have to do it from the cut-off point. That’s the point at which a question is unique from all others. After hearing a question up to the cut-off point, quizzers trying for the Impossible Award must complete the question and then recite the answer. For some questions they’re only given one word, such as “Why…,†“As…,†“The…†or “Over…â€
As my son and others across the nation have demonstrated, it’s not entirely impossible. But it is pretty amazing. At the end of a long oral test (his very first attempt), my son emerged with a smile and a sense of accomplishment I believe he will carry with him for years to come.
Another thing that will remain with him is God’s Word. Junior Bible Quiz is a fantastic children’s program that teaches elementary-age participants 107 direct Scripture verse quotations and an impressive number of Bible facts and foundational doctrines.
As our kids study God’s Word in JBQ, I pray the truths they’re learning will shape their characters, strengthen their faith and give them hope and purpose throughout their lives. To me, that’s better than an Olympic gold medal.
My 9-year-old daughter also received her Achiever Seal award last night with a perfect score of 60 out of 60 random questions. I think she’s well on her way to earning her own Impossible Award someday.
Junior Bible Quiz helps kids learn that with God and His Word, all things are possible.
Topics: Faith | 1 Comment »
Shocking Number of Tweens Watch R-rated Movies
By Christina Quick | August 14, 2008
An R rating for violence isn’t enough to keep many tweens and young teens from seeing inappropriate movies, a recent survey shows.
In a Dartmouth Medical School study published this month in Pediatrics, researchers revealed nearly half of children between the ages of 10 and 14 had viewed at least one of a list of extremely violent R-rated movies.
“We know so much about the harmful effects of exposure to violent media content, but how much exposure children actually get has been largely ignored,†says Dr. Keilah Worth, the study’s lead author. “Now, we’re learning more about the large numbers of kids seeing this material and who they are.â€
Researchers also found the movies were more likely to be viewed by youngsters with lower academic performance.
“No expert in child development would advocate for subjecting children as young as 10 to this level of violence,†says Dr. James Sargent, a Dartmouth professor of pediatrics. “Yet the study shows that such exposure is commonplace in this country.â€
Sargent says the movie rating system, which was established 40 years ago when motion pictures were viewed only in theaters, should be revamped.
“Ratings need to be more prominent on all movies, whether they are seen in theaters or purchased in the store, and we need clearer messages to parents. Pediatricians and child advocates should instruct parents to strictly abide by the movie-age guidelines and to closely monitor movie viewing.â€
Somehow I doubt more prominent ratings would have much of an effect. The fact is, a lot of parents these days have given up trying to police or shelter their kids. Parental apathy is a sad thing indeed, but I’m not sure there are any easy solutions. This nation needs Jesus.
What do you think?
Topics: In the news | No Comments »
Unhappy Meals
By Christina Quick | August 13, 2008
I was disgusted to read a story in today’s news about a teenage fast food employee taking a bubble bath in a restaurant sink as a store manager and other workers watched. What are people thinking when they do things like this and then post the evidence online?
While I realize this is an isolated incident, it reminds me why I don’t often eat at such establishments. I have three reasons for avoiding fast food:
1. It’s unhealthy. Yes, there are token “healthy†menu items like yogurt and salad. But let’s be honest. Fast food restaurants make their money serving food loaded with hydrogenated fats, empty calories, preservatives and sodium.
2. It’s not a great value. For about half the price of a fast food meal, I can serve something tastier and more nutritious at home. As an added bonus, I get to skip the greasy tables, dirty bathrooms, tacky décor and shameless promotions for violent movies my kids aren’t allowed to watch.
3. I wonder about the cleanliness. Maybe this isn’t fair, but I seriously question how many of these undertrained workers maintain the same standards I have in my own kitchen.
I’ve accumulated a glut of personal experiences over the years to support my third concern, including one incident that happened just recently.
We were taking the kids to see a play and didn’t have a lot of time to spare. So we decided to take our chances and stop at the one place that was on our driving route, a fast food restaurant that serves fried seafood and chicken.
As I approached the counter with my family, my feet stuck to the floor with every step, my first small clue this might have been a mistake. Then a manager came to the register looking like something, maybe a bag of batter, had exploded on him in the kitchen. He was splatter painted with yellow goo from his hat down.
I took a deep breath, assuring myself accidents happen. Kids spill soda on floors. Things spontaneously erupt. I ordered, bravely trying to give this place the benefit of the doubt.
Contradictory as it may seem, I’m not the kind of customer who cranes my neck to inspect the kitchen. If I’m going to attempt to eat the stuff, I’d just as soon not know what it went through moments before.
So as I was standing there trying not to look, a young employee walked by with a tray of food. Just as he entered my line of vision, a piece of corn on the cob rolled off the plate and landed on the floor. Without hesitation, he reached down, picked it up and plopped it back on top of the mound of food.
He glanced around to see if anyone saw. No one else had. Then our eyes locked.
I’m sure my expression said something like, “Please tell me you’re not going to serve that.â€
His face registered fear, then defiance, as his eyes seemed to say, “Lady, you wouldn’t say a word.â€
He then put the tray on the counter for customer pickup and hurried back toward the kitchen.
I had a decision to make. I didn’t want to make a scene. It wasn’t even my food. But this was too much. I couldn’t let somebody eat that. This guy’s unsanitary habits needed to be stopped. It was the right thing to do, I decided.
“He just dropped that food on the floor,†I said weakly, incredulously.
“What?†the manager asked.
I was feeling bolder now. “The corn on the cob sitting on that tray fell on the floor, and I just watched your employee pick it up and put it back on the plate.â€
The manager seemed strangely underwhelmed.
“I’m sorry you saw that,†he said coolly, reaching over to dump the tray in the trash. “I’m sorry that happened. I’ll talk to him.â€
“Good,†I said. “But first, I want my money back.â€
“And would you like your order too?†he asked, opening the register.
“No thanks. Just my money.â€
We took our refund and went to a deli for dinner. While we waited, I tried hard not to see anything. The next night, we had a nice meal at home.
Topics: In the news | 1 Comment »
Jesus’ Treasure Box
By Christina Quick | August 7, 2008
I’ve always made a point of telling my kids how special and loved they are. When my daughter was 3 years old, I was reminding her of these things when she looked at me and confidently said, “Yes, I know. Jesus took me out of His treasure box and gave me to you.â€
I don’t know where she got the idea of Jesus having a treasure box, but it’s made an impact on me. Somehow I can picture Jesus reaching into this gold-encrusted chest and drawing out a baby. I can see Him gently cradling that child before extending His creation to the world, a precious treasure fashioned in His image.
“Jesus took you out of His treasure box and gave you to me,†I recently told my daughter, kissing the top of her head.
“Aw mom,†she groaned, feigning embarrassment. Now that she’s a sophisticated 9-year-old, she doesn’t like me to mention things she said when she was so young. Still, a hint of a smile told me she still likes the thought as much as I do.
It’s easy to view my own children as treasures. Such sentiments naturally flow from the heart of a mom. But as I look around, I need the Holy Spirit to remind me I’m surrounded by God’s treasure.
We live in a world that constantly devalues people. We measure an individual’s worth on superficial scales of wealth, physical appearance, accomplishments, intellect and influence. Even Christians are sometimes guilty of viewing others — and themselves — as hopeless or insignificant.
But God is not like that. In His sight, every human being on this planet is a precious individual created in His image, designed and chosen to enjoy a relationship with Him. Everyone — from the greatest to the least — is a person for whom Jesus died.
It took the insight of a 3-year-old to remind me Jesus took us all out of His treasure box and placed us together in this world. I can’t help but think how sad He must feel when He finds His treasure rejected, trampled down, tossed aside and marred by sin. I believe He is looking for treasure hunters to help him pick up the scattered, tarnished pieces so He can make them beautiful again.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life†(John 3:16).
Topics: Faith | No Comments »
Steven Curtis Chapman speaks out about his personal tragedy
By Christina Quick | August 5, 2008
Watch for Steven Curtis Chapman and family tomorrow morning (Aug. 6) at 8 EST on Good Morning America.
The Chapmans will talk about the loss of their 5-year-old daughter Maria, who died May 21 in a backover accident at the family home. The Chapmans will also be featured guests on Larry King Live Thursday, Aug. 7.
“Initially Steven talked about never doing any concerts or media ever again,†says Jim Houser, Chapman’s manager. “But quickly God began to show Steven that if he ever believed the songs he was writing, singing and recording before May 21 and Maria’s loss, that they must still be true now. It’s the family’s hope that these appearances will serve as a chance to proclaim to a watching world what they know and are deeply convinced of even in these difficult days: the gospel is true and faith in Christ is our hope.â€
Since Maria’s death, Chapman added a new verse to his song “Yours†from his current project, “This Moment.â€
I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
In this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you
In recent live performances, Chapman also changed the last line of “Cinderella,†a song he wrote about Maria and her sisters.
Instead of singing “she’ll be gone†Chapman substitutes the words: “But the truth is, the dance goes on.â€
What a remarkable testimony of the hope we have in Christ.
Topics: In the news | No Comments »
Phthalates Banned From Toys
By Christina Quick | July 29, 2008
Good news for parents concerned about the safety of children’s products. Congress moved this week to ban certain phthalates from toys. The ban is scheduled to take effect in six months. The legislation also phases in a near-ban on lead in children’s products. Read the Washington Post story here.
Some researchers claim phthalates can cause reproductive problems and other serious health issues in children. The chemicals are often added to plastics to produce a soft, rubbery feel. Think rubber ducks.
It’s encouraging to see these issues finally getting some legislative attention. However, there’s still more to be done to decrease children’s exposure to questionable chemicals. Phthalates alone are added to many other products, such as shampoo and lotion (including some brands made specifically for babies and children).
Lead can be found in a host of consumer products, like imported dishes and home décor.
In my opinion, we need to take a closer look at all the products that make up a child’s home environment. Too much is at stake to ignore these important safety issues.
Read my previous blog post on this topic, Consumer Products and Other Scary Things.
Topics: Health | No Comments »
ISPs Move to Shut Down Child Porn Sites
By Christina Quick | July 24, 2008
Liberty Counsel today sent out the following press release. I’m glad to see the corporate world taking a stand against those who perpetrate such evil against children. The fact that there is such a vast market for this kind of material should serve as a reminder to parents about the need for vigilance when it comes to protecting their children.
Last week, Internet Service Providers AT&T and AOL-Time Warner joined Time Warner, Sprint, and Verizon in shutting down child pornography Web sites from their servers.
The announcement came through New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Time Warner, Sprint, and Verizon have donated $1.1 million to Cuomo’s ongoing child pornography investigations. The decision to shut down the Web sites comes as another victory to advocates of protecting the innocence of children.
Officials initiated an eight-month investigation into child pornography on the Internet and found 88 different news groups that were devoted to child porn. All 88 of these news groups are being shut down by the aforementioned cable/Internet providers.
Child pornographers and pedophiles have been dealt two major defeats in the past six months, as the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a federal ban on child pornography, and now, as cable providers have begun removing such sites from servers. In the past, ISPs have inexplicably refused to take action against blatant purveyors of child pornography, and neither federal nor state prosecutors have tried to force ISPs to act.
The New York Attorney General’s office has created a Web site, which provides details on which ISPs have signed agreements with his office to eradicate access to child porn on their servers.
“This is an encouraging initial step, spearheaded by some of the world’s leading ISPs,” says Matt Barber, Liberty Counsel’s director of cultural affairs . “They are to be commended for moving in the right direction. Hopefully, other ISPs will follow suit and take similar measures to protect children. Still, much more needs to be done. ISPs must take the logical next step and begin blocking the very adult obscenity which, through the law of diminishing returns, often leads to consumption of child pornography. Research has established that, like a gateway drug, adult obscenity can ultimately lead to child abuse. Internet obscenity, at every level and every stage of production, destroys those it touches. Men, women, children, families and larger society are demonstrably harmed by such smut.”
Topics: Internet | No Comments »
Can Cell Phones Harm Kids?
By Christina Quick | July 24, 2008
A prominent cancer researcher says cell phones may be hazardous for kids.
Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, says kids should only be allowed to use cell phones in emergencies because the radiation may pose a cancer risk.
Herberman says children are of particular concern since their brains are still developing.
In a memo he sent to about 3,000 faculty and staff Wednesday, the doctor said even adults should be wary of cell phones.
Herberman advises using a speakerphone setting or headset rather than placing the phone to the head. However, he says even standing near a cell phone that is in use could expose a person to electromagnetic radiation.
So far, studies haven’t shown a positive link between cell phones and brain tumors. But Herberman says “we should err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later.â€
Devra Lee Davis, director of the university’s Center for Environmental Oncology, agrees.
“The question is do you want to play Russian roulette with your brain,†Davis asks.
This certainly gives me pause as I consider the number of times I’ve passed a cell phone to my kids so they could chat with a family member.
I applaud these researchers for going out on a limb to warn consumers about a potential health hazard. No doubt their concerns will be pooh-poohed by the cell phone industry, which has aggressively marketed their devices to teens and even introduced special models for young children.
In a society that’s grown dependent on iPhones and techno-devices, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that convenience isn’t always innocuous. As a parent, being safe rather than sorry seems like a good policy to me.
Topics: Health | No Comments »
Exercise Declines As Kids Grow Older
By Christina Quick | July 17, 2008
A study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association offers new clues as to why so many youngsters are overweight.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota found kids become more sedentary after they leave elementary school, with daily physical activity dropping between the ages of 9 and 15, from an average of three hours to less than one hour.
Researchers collected the data from approximately 1,000 children and youth who wore accelerometers. The devices measured any kind of movement, including walking.
On Saturdays and Sundays, 15-year-olds moved only about 35 minutes a day, the study found.
The most rapid decline in activity occurred at around 13 for girls and between 14 and 15 for boys.
In a related study published earlier this year in the journal Pediatrics, it was reported the amount of leisure time spent on the computer increases dramatically between the ages of 11 and 18.
When walking to the kitchen for a soda and bag of chips is the only exercise many kids get, should we be surprised that so many are obese?
Topics: Health | No Comments »
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