Did you know that the many benefits of reading aloud to your child begin from birth? A recent study reported in the New York Times found here shows that reading and playing with young children (ages 0-3) can shape their social and emotional development, in addition to helping them learn language and early literacy skills. Children who were read [...]
When I started this Ground Control Parenting blog years ago to talk about educating and encouraging our black and brown boys it was fueled by a concern about the underachievement of young men of color—a concern I saw evidence of all around me. While many of my black female friends were enjoying successful careers and lives, in many instances [...]
Today is International Women's Day, where we honor and celebrate the social, political and cultural achievements of women, and encourage awareness of gender inequality on a global scale. Wow, that is a tall order for one day--good thing it's Women's History Month so we don't have to have to do it all in one post! In honor of International [...]
So you've noticed that your teenager has been more moody than usual. Do you dismiss it as normal teen behavior, or should you be more concerned? Read on for help with figuring this out. As noted in a recent Wall Street Journal article found here, depression in teens is on the rise. With all the pressures of increased academic [...]
It has been two weeks since the tragic school shooting in Parkland Florida which claimed the lives of 17 high school students. How are your children dealing with this tragedy, especially your younger children? Are they worried about whether their school is safe? The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) suggests the following points to emphasize when talking to [...]
Today's Thoughtful Thursday offers a break from the sadness and sorrow that surrounds us in the aftermath of the horrific Florida school shooting. Here are a delightful hodgepodge of poems to read aloud to your little ones as you tuck them in at night. We hope you have shielded them from the bulk of the coverage, but even the [...]
Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you must know that the "Black Panther" movie is opening on February 16th, just a few days away. This is the EAGERLY anticipated film, based upon a very popular Marvel comic book character, which stars Chadwick Boseman, Academy award winner Lupita Nyong'o and Michael Jordan, and is directed by Ryan Coogler [...]
Greetings GCP Parents, We posted this originally in 2011, but having reviewed it recently (and finding out about a few new and useful sites) we are posting this updated version. While it may now read a bit alarmist in tone, the underlying message is still critically important: Pay attention to your children's social media activity! This is especially important [...]
It may not come as news to you that there is a nasty strain of the flu virus--H3N2--sweeping the nation. This flu has been sending folks to the hospital in record numbers, has killed at least 37 children nationwide and it is on track to become the worst flu epidemic since the swine flu nearly a decade ago. Why [...]
A recent New York Times article found here brings alarming news for parents: a parasite that is often found in stray dogs and cats has been found across the nation in places where children play, and children exposed to the parasite could develop problems with their breathing, liver function, eyesight and their cognitive skills. Don't want to be an [...]