February 7, 2012

Answering the Question, “Mommy, why did Shamu do that?”

Helping Kids Make Sense of the Sea World Tragedy

Opinion by Dr Gwenn

SeaWorld Adventure ParksWednesday’s death of Dawn Brancheau at Sea World is truly an unthinkable tragedy. It’s one of those events that reminds us that some family entertainment that we take for granted is much more involved than we want to admit and puts many highly trained, dedicated and good-hearted people at risk each and every day.

Given children’s love for orcas, and Shamu in particular, this story is likely to have an impact on most children, regardless of age. In my mind, there are two big issues to consider when helping your children process this story: the media coverage itself and the issues around the orca, Tilly.

[Read the rest of the story]

Encourage Social Skills in Children

Danny the Dragon Author Offers Tips

One of the ways parents can increase involvement is by supporting their child’s education and helping him achieve academic success. An important part of this, which parents don’t often think about, is teaching your kids the social skills they’ll need to succeed in school. Here are some tips for parents on how they can send their child to school with the social skills they need to successfully interact with teachers and other students.

First, it’s important to teach your child to ask for what he needs. How can he get help unless he’s able to admit he doesn’t understand something? A great way to instill this in your child is to practice it at home.

One of the most important things you can teach your child is manners. Teachers may attempt to teach students politeness and social skills, but if it’s not being practiced in the home, the child will not successfully absorb these lessons. Your child should be taught when to say, “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Have him practice sharing things, taking turns, and waiting his turn in line.

Point out good examples of behavior to your child when you see it. If you’re watching a movie or out in public, you can say to your child something such as, “Did you see how the man held open the door for the lady? He was being a gentleman.”

Finally, rehearse at home anything your child may feel awkward saying or doing with other people. In such a way, you’ll be able to get your child interacting with others with ease.

Success in school isn’t only determined by academic skills and knowledge. By following the helpful tips above in the time you spend with your child, you’ll notice an improvement in your child’s education experience in no time as they become more comfortable in their learning environment and better equipped to flourish in it.

From Danny the Dragon

PBS #1 in Children’s Media

* PBS KIDS earned the #1 ranking as the most educational media brand for children, receiving 21 percent of the top ratings from respondents. National Geographic Kids was second with 13 percent of respondents and Nick Jr. received five percent.(2)

* PBS KIDS remains the most essential source of children’s programming, with 67 percent of respondents stating that PBS’ children’s service is “very important,” compared to 49 percent for cable and 44 percent of commercial broadcast television.(1) Eighty-nine percent of respondents believe it is “very important” for PBS to provide children’s programming.(2)

[Read entire PBS article]