I wish I could tell you that Lani and I planned these postings – but that would suggest far more organization than we even come close to having. Nevertheless, Lani penned a great post inspired by a Lifehacker find of Wendy Piersall’s Educational Games for Kids. I will follow up with one inspired by the newest Joyful Jubilant Learning author, Angela (not her first name) Maiers. Angela also writes a blog of her own – you should go check it out.

First, the video

As a parent, I find the data shocking. Unfortunately, I know little about how to combat it. The major reason for this post is to do the same thing as Angela did – ask for ideas. There seems to be a disconnect somewhere…bureaucracy maybe…I don’t know. But there has to be a proactive idea out there that has worked.

I am wondering – is it time to reinvent the wheel? Or, has it already been done and not enough people know about it?

I know I have some educators, parents, and all around smart folks that honor me with visits here. If ever there was a time to kick in your two cents – now is it.

There’s a creative title. Seriously, I have been fighting off this post all day long but I just can’t let it be. And yes, 4PM is all day – I’ve been up for a while.

16 year old Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant (yes, that Spears). And before I get started, lemme say…

Yes, I was once a teenage girl that did things I shouldn’t have been doing when my parents weren’t looking. Yes, I understand parents can’t watch their children all the times or make decisions for them as they become a young adults. Yes, I get the fact that some times smart kids do stupid things. Yes, I understand that this must be a very emotional time for Jamie Lynn and her family and I wish them all the best of health and happiness.

However…

I did a surf of the net after I saw some pictures on the news and heard the story. I won’t post pictures or links because a) I don’t want them on my blog b) some most of the links are totally tabloid and c) smart people visit here and I am sure you can find it yourself.

I have to tell you, the whole thing really upset me. The father of the baby is her 19 year old boyfriend. Believe it or not, I have no issue with the age difference.

I do have an issue with the pictures. I understand that she is a TV personality. But she is still somebody’s 16 year old daughter. Which means, hot pants, miniskirts, knee high boots, barely there tops and letting her “girls” breath is a bit…well, not age appropriate. I am confused at what point this objectification of teenage girls became ok. Moreover, why is she able to carry a show on Nickelodeon? You know, the channel for kids? I will stop here on that point as I am frustrated and will not be guilty of saying ugly things.

I also have issues with the fact that he is described as her “live in boyfriend.” While I concede that may or may not be true – one thing surely is. There is a growing trend of children (and they are still children) being allowed to engage in serious relationships where they are allowed to spend crazy amounts of time behind closed doors with parental permission. I hear stories all the time of kids being able to spend the night in the homes of their object of affection. There are tons of pictures being passed around by parents of their cute little teenager and their cute little boyfriend or girlfriend huddled up on couches, snuggled up in arms, and making cute little kissie faces. Seriously, are you serious? Nothing about children behaving like newlyweds is cute.

It seems to fall in line with the “let them do it (whatever “it” is) in my house since they are just going to do it anyway.” When did we start expecting the worst of our children? At what point did parenting become damage control?

That’s enough parental rant for one day. Pray for me as my husband and I attempt to raise four beautiful girls through this over-sexed, feel good, so boys will like me society.

P.S. Notice I didn’t mention the possibility of this being a result of her big sister’s influence. Why? Because while the point may have merit, it is still a parent’s job to raise their children – not the siblings.