From time to time I will contributing to CBS News and the Early Show’s parenting section and their Eye on Parenting blog. I’ll also post the content here and encourage everyone to visit Eye on Parenting and engage in the conversation there. Today’s discussion centers around the increased amount of public schools adopting uniform dress code policies.
Ryan's wardrobe choices fuel her independence and self identity.
It was recently announced that children at Rosemont Elementary School in Orlando and at least 10 other central Florida schools have changed or put new emphasis on their uniform dress code policy for the new school year.
When I first read about the movement many public schools are making towards uniform dress code policies — according to the U.S. Department of Education, the percentage of public schools requiring uniforms has risen from 3 to 18 percent since 1996 — I was torn. Having gone to a small private school where there was a fairly strict dress code with a formal uniform on Wednesdays, I think back on that experience with both positive and negative reactions that certainly impact my view on the topic with respect to my two daughters.
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My first piece on CBS News' Eye on Parenting blog
From time to time I will contributing to CBS News and the Early Show’s parenting section and their Eye on Parenting blog. I’ll also post the content here and encourage everyone to visit Eye on Parenting and engage in the conversation there. Here is my first article in reference to the news that Rhode Island will be doing away with the traditional notion of recess in elementary schools in certain school districts.
A Rhode Island school district is doing away with the time-honored tradition of recess.
Beginning in the fall, East Providence elementary school students will not be given 10 minutes before or after lunch to play. Instead of the traditional free-play, schools will be partnering with the YMCA to design a more comprehensive physical education program that will keep students active, even without recess.
As you can imagine, parents can be found falling on both sides of this conversation.
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{Exploring Local Playgrounds}
Ryan-punzel in the castle at Kids Kove in Merrimack - 7/26/2010
While I am not sure that Ryan will ever tire of things like going to the lake or playing in the backyard with Shaelyn or going to Bella’s house for a visit, I think exploration and trying new things is healthy for the spirit — as well as a provided break in monotony for those of us who have, for example, outgrown watching the same three movies over and over again (Caddyshack, Christmas Vacation and any of the Lord of the Rings trilogy excluded).
With Ryan out of camp for a week, I thought this was a good week to explore a few new places in the area.
Each time I drive to the chiropractor, I notice a glimpse of a wooden playground structure in a Merrimack park called Kids Kove.
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{Editor’s Note}
I’ve had my Week 12 thoughts in a draft post half thrown together for nearly a week now. But with finding time to run, some radio appearances in the mornings on 98.5 The Sports Hub talking Red Sox trade deadline options and full summer days with the girls, the evening decision is write or veg out in front of the TV for an hour and “shut it down”. I’ve chosen the later more often than not this week. With Week 13 nearly in the books, I think it’s time to dust off the draft and get it out in the wild.
{Getting Adjusted}
I’ve been going to see a chiropractor for regular adjustments since Julia was born. The more we learned about the benefits of regular proactive chiropractic care, we started to think about whether it would be a good fit for the girls.
At the core of chiropractic philosophy is the notion of a healthy nervous system. Given that the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord, controls every major organ and muscle in your body, it’s reasonable to think a healthy nervous system would promote overall health throughout the body.
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