Penn State- Let the Children Down!

I have been reading and hearing quite a bit about problems stemming from the Second Mile Organization and it's relationship to Penn State.  I am shocked that this could of been going on for so long without the administration of Penn State not taking a proactive stance to stop this type of behavior.  The behaviors of this coach through his own acknowledgement during a phone interview with NBC are not only inappropriate and criminal but repulsive.  How can anyone try to rationalize the touching, showers, etc.?  It's apparent that Penn State was trying to avoid bringing this situation to the public for the scrutiny it would take but how could they go as far as try to perjury themselves to cover up such a horrible act knowing that it was most likely continuing through the years.  I believe that all people have a societal obligation to protect the health and well-being of all children.  The administration should of been more concerned about the children than their national image.  It's a shame that so many have been hurt due to their lack of moral consciousness.  I am applaud at the lack of action by the administration at Penn State, The Second Mile Organization and Coach Paterno. 

This man being an ex-football coach was still allowed to enter the Penn State facilities. While Second Mile was prohibited from having any further relationship with Penn State.  This looks like children were punished for crimes of others.  We need to protect children in our society from the actions of pedophiles like Standesky.  Adults should not be rubbing or caressing legs of children; taking showers with young children and horsing around naked . . . They really looked the other way while the one coach who brought this to Penn State's attention is receiving death threats.   Why?  Didn't he do the right thing by making sure it stopped that day and informing his coach, his immediate supervisor?  Could of he done more?  I don't know.  It doesn't sound like anyone was truly listening.  It is easier for all to sweep it under the carpet.  That is until the carpet is lifted and it makes national headlines.  What was Penn State thinking?  JoePa, What were you thinking?   Everyone could of done more to protect the children! 

The World Through a Child's Eyes!

 Don't you ever want to sit back and look at the world through a child's eyes.  Their perspective is so innocent and untarnished.  They have such curiosity.  The utter will to just explore practicing and developing skills through simple experimentation, inquisition and trial & error.  A child is unconditionally loving, unforgiving and carefree.  They forgive, forget and move on instantly.  They are constantly on the move during their waking hours always observing and wondering why, what, when, where and how about the world around them.  They do not hold grudges, bully, or intentionally cause anyone else pain or discomfort.  A child is learning each and every moment watching those around them, modeling what they see and forever praising their role models.  They want so badly to be big just like you and me, so they try to be us by simply modeling our behaviors, words, and daily routines.  A child is not innately mean, prejudicial or lazy.  They do not pull inappropriate behaviors or words out of the sky.  These are all learned behaviors from those very role models they worship~ parents, teachers, older siblings.  Lets raise a kinder, more tolerant generation by being exemplary role models for each and every child our lives touch.  I know I will be, how about you? 

Language and Communication

SOUNDS  ➜  WORDS  ➜  WORD STRANDS   ➜  SHORT SENTENCES   ➜  LONGER SENTENCES  ➜  CONVERSATIONS

Talk to your child from the womb on using a normal voice that is calm and comforting.  You want your child to learn to speak properly so talk to them properly.  Use complete sentences, pronunciation . . . .  Do not talk to them like a baby.  Oh it’s cute!  But do you want your child to grow up talking that way?  I didn’t think so.  We all want children to learn how to communicate with others; have conversations with others; be active listeners; understand and process the words they speak and hear.  Here are a few more suggestions to help your child develop language and communication skills which influence their ability to become literate as they grow:

• Use voice inflections and tone to show excitement . . . conveying meaning in speech and help your child to develop the ability to do so.  Nothings worse than to have to listen to a monotone person who has no inflections at all.  I don’t know about you but that puts me to sleep ~  Zzzzzzz
• Sit and chat with children ~ helps build stronger communication skills.  When you actively involve yourself in a conversation with a child, hopefully you are modeling good conversations skills.  Try to avoid saying Aha, Aha . . .  or nodding your head.  Use words just like you want children to do.   We want all children to learn to use their words to express themselves.  Children who have speech impairments or difficulties will find other ways to communicate and in most cases we do not consider them appropriate (touching, hitting, biting, throwing, grabbing, pinching, etc.)  We also want children to use words not tears or whining.  It’s important for you to remind your child often when they are young to use their words because you are unable to understand crying, whining, etc. 
• Talk to your child on the phone and let them say hello and share with relatives.  Don’t take the phone away until they are done talking and have said good-bye.  You and everyone else have to grow patients.  Children are often in no hurry, we are!
• Let your child say the blessing on their own or with you.  Let them create their own from time to time.  It doesn’t have to be perfect but it will be their thoughts put together.  Very important for cognitive development and critical thinking.
• Let children read you a story as soon as they are able providing correction or help only if they ask for it.  If they are struggling with a word, let them try to figure it out.  Too often as adults we lack this patience and blurt out the word before the child is ready and then they lose confidence, become frustrated and want to quit.  You want them to feel successful because the more anyone feels success the more they want to try.
• Have children dictate to you using their words to communicate in writing. If they receive a present from someone, have them tell you what to write in a thank you note.  Read their dictations back to assure you recorded them correctly. Do not chance their dictations ~ make it authentic. This encourages a child to want to write.
• When children get in a tryst or argument.  Do not immediately try to solve it for them.  Let them think it through and attempt to solve it on their own using their own words.  Never intervene unless the child has been injured or has harmed another or could in some way.  Only intervene if harm is or could be caused.  Otherwise let children solve it on their own.  If they come to you for help.  Tell them it is their disagreement not yours and they need to solve it.  If they say they do not know how, you may give them some advice but again do not intervene.  If the situation involves harm, you need to speak to both children separately to begin with.  First talk to the victim to make sure they are okay and ask them what happened.  Asked them if they could have done something differently to make it better.  Then talk to the other child and ask them what happened.  Then get both children together.  Tell them what you feel should of happened.  What rule was broken and/or what you did not like about the situation.  Then you need to ask the first child to tell the second how they feel.  And then have the second make the first feel better.  Please note you did not yell; you did not put words in anyone’s mouth; you did not tell anyone to say “I’m sorry.  Keep in mind the second child can say I’m sorry but it will be more meaningful if no one ever tells them to do so.  This way each child learns to use their own critical thinking skills and will grow both emotionally and socially. 

Today's Children

As a society we need to realize that everything we do has an impact on the future of our children.  It is our responsibility to assure that ALL children receive fair and equal access to the experiences and opportunities they require to grow and develop as they learn to become productive, self-sufficient, independent, honest and responsible young adults.  We need to set exemplary models for children to follow treating each other honestly with respect and empathy communicating openly and actively listening to one another, each and every minute of our lives.  We need to illustrate to children by our own actions that we care about others through our actions by volunteering, helping others when needed and being considerate to our neighbors.  When children of all ages observe their role models showing kindness, honesty, and respect to others, they themselves learn and practice these traits.  This occurs with everything, children and students observe throughout life.  Therefore, it's important that ALL adults realize that each action they take not only affects them but those around them as well.  I have always tried to be an excellent role model for those around me and I hope that as a society, we can all work towards this rather simple goal because I know the world would be a much happier place if ALL people were kind and empathetic to each other.  Don't you agree?