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With 20 million plus families in the United States having a child with special needs, more children with challenges are being mainstreamed into America's public schools. Unfortunately, too often those without special needs feel uncomfortable around a classmate who seems out-of-sync. What's more, they can translate their discomfort into ugly behaviors, such as verbally demeaning or physically hurting the individual with differences. Helping youngsters become more sensitive is always important. Here are some specific ways to make kids feel more comfortable.

Games People Play
Unique Alternatives to Playing Fetch on Those Dog Day Afternoons . . .
by Cynthia Gallagher
Anyone who thinks dog ownership is easier than child rearing obviously never had to entertain two energetic boxers cooped up inside on a rainy day. For a breed that loves to run and frolic, high-speed chases around the sectional sofa hold their interest only so long. Made a desperate woman by two pairs of plaintive brown eyes, I thought back to the favorite games of my own childhood. The surprising results are guaranteed to wear out even the most active dogs, rain and/or shine.

Meet the Author
"Ashes to Ashes...Families to Dust"
"False Accusations of Child Abuse"
by Dean Tong
hosted by Joe Spataro
Interview & FREE excerpts
He is the author of Ashes to Ashes, Families to Dust: False Accusations of Child Abuse: A Roadmap for Survivors. He is an advocate for paternal rights in a particularly thorny issue revolving the truth in divorce proceedings as it relates to allegations of child abuse by parents. This interview features an excerpt of the book that describes the viewpoint of the accused alleged abuser.

Meet the Author
How to Be First in a Second Marriage
by Rose Sweet
hosted by Joe Spataro
FREE excerpt & interview

Rose Sweet has been a First Wife, Second Wife, Ex-wife and Stepmother and knows first hand the problems faced by those in todays' blended families. Rose has authored magazine articles, appeared on TV and radio talk shows and is a public speaker at seminars around the country, helping to heal the hurts unique to divorce and remarriages.

Meet the Author
"If My Kid’s So Nice… Why Is He Driving Me Crazy?"
by James D. Sutton, EdD, CSP
hosted by Joe Spataro
with a FREE excerpt Chap7: The "Quick Fix"
interview & FREE excerpt
He speaks to us about a variant on ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) called the "The Good Kid Disorder." As an educator, he has taught everything from grade school to graduate school. His interest in working with emotionally troubled youngsters motivated him to earn a doctorate in psychology. Today, Dr. Sutton addresses the needs of young people as a consulting psychologist, an author, and an accomplished speaker. Find out more.

Health-Byte-of-the-Week
Good Sportmanship
The role of parents in children's sports
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN

With the devastatingly violent murder of a New England father by another father at the local ice rink during ice hockey practice for 10 year old boys, America has been forced to reexamine the role of parents in their children's sporting events. This national discussion puts a spotlight on how parents are taking the fun out of their children's sports and putting violence, poor sportsmanship, and rage in it's place. Find out more.

Meet the Author
Jackie Silberg
"300 Three Minute Games
Interview & FREE excerpts
hosted by Joe Spataro
Jackie Silberg presents concerts, workshops and keynote address at early childhood conferences all over the United States. She holds an M.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Emporia State University in Kansas where she is a Distinguished Alumna. She is the early childhood leader of the Education Forum on Compuserve online service. She is the author of numerous early childhood books. Find out more.

Fresh Air TeenZine: Rants & Raves:
Where's the Girl Power in Girl Magazines?
by Joanne Spataro
The contemporary girl-driven publications are extremely popular, displayed on newsstands just about everywhere. But the magazines' description of the young woman is shameful. Fresh Air, is a new, diverse on-line magazine for pre-teens and teens. I've created a place that takes girls seriously, with teen health, new fashion tips, movie reviews, a column devoted to answering your questions, and fictional stories every week. Find out more.

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