UNION TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A 2-year-old girl found dead inside a car Thursday afternoon [August 23, 2007] in Union Township died due to heat exposure, an official said Friday.
Authorities said the car was parked with its windows rolled up outside Glen Este Middle School, where teachers started reporting Wednesday to prepare for next week's start of classes.The Clermont County coroner's office said the girl had been inside the car for at least seven hours while her mother, assistant principal Brenda Nesselroad-Slaby, attended a faculty meeting.
There are many heated debates about this topic going on all over the country. I participated in one on Cafemom.com.
I'm not sure what should happen to this woman....what her true punishment should be. Nothing will bring her daughter, Cecilia, back, and no one is suffering greater than this child's family. I can not even imagine the pain of losing my child and hope I never experience it -- especially if I were the cause of it. But is losing her child punishment enough for this woman....?
The big question is -- was this truly an accident? What really happened?
I won't go into how I could never leave MY son in the car, etc. Or rehash all the excuses -- she was distracted, running late, didn't usually drop off her daughter, had tinted windows and so on. I would like to point out one thing that I feel is being overlooked by many, though.
I live very close to where this happened in Ohio, so it's been all over our news, and I've read several stories about it.
Here's a link to one such news article:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070824/NEWS01/708240427
And another:
http://www.wlwt.com/news/14023482/detail.html
While reading these news stories, something caught my attention......doughnuts. This kind, thoughtful woman REMEMBERED to pick up eight dozen doughnuts and drop them off at school for her staff....security cameras even showed that she returned to her Mercedes SUV multiple times to retrieve items from the back seat. Police also said the doughnuts were even on the seat next to Cecilia Slaby's car seat.
So, this educated, devoted mother remembered to pick up doughnuts for her teachers but forgot to take her daughter to a baby-sitter.....and then didn't notice the child [who was supposedly sleeping] in her car seat even though she made several trips to her car.....?
I'd also like to ask.....
.......How many people would feel the same if this 2-year-old had been left to die an agonizing death in a beat-up old car from a poor minority mother living in a really bad part of town instead of an educated one with a good job and a fancy Mercedes?
.......Would the media have been so interested in this story if this same thing happened to a child in a Honda? I mean, how many times do they need to mention the make of her SUV and the illegally tinted windows.....?
.......What if she had been in a bar drinking and "just forgot" about her child -- what then?
........Or what if you eliminate the doughnuts from the story....?
Would a change in circumstances or details change YOUR opinion on the fate of this woman.....? Would you be MORE sympathetic and understanding or LESS....?
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
I'm Walking. Yes, Indeed.....
My good friend and Maid of Honor, Diane, has a son who was born a mere eleven hours after Nicholas. Her baby started walking around 9.5 months....while Nick remained on all fours. I began to wonder, "Is there something wrong with MY baby....? Why isn't HE walking yet?? When will he walk? And when should I be worried....?"
Perhaps you are asking yourself these same questions....so, here is some information to put your mind at ease. It's possible you have a baby with a big, ole noggin' like mine! I'm not sure how that kid could balance that thing....but he's learning!
On August 22, my almost 1-year-old took his first steps, and I started crying! I was so happy to be there! I'd been afraid that I would miss this amazing milestone.....
More about Babies/Toddlers and walking:
When and how it happens
Your child has been training for his first steps from the day he was born. Over the first year, he has been developing his muscle strength and coordination, and has mastered one physical feat after another, from sitting to rolling over to crawling or scooting. Once he nailed these skills, he was ready to move on to pulling himself up to a standing position and even cruising around a room while holding on to furniture for support. After that, it's been a matter of gaining the confidence and balance to set out on his own. Learning to walk takes a lot of practice, which can go on for a long time. And mastering it is a major advance in your toddler's struggle to become more independent.
12 to 18 months
Most children take their first steps between 11 and 14 months, but the normal range for reaching this milestone is very broad. Some kids walk as early as 8 months, others as late as 17 months. Don't worry if your child is one of the later ones — what's important is the progression of skills. If your child was a little late learning to roll over and crawl, chances are he'll need a few extra weeks or months for walking as well. As long as he keeps learning new things, you don't have to be too concerned.
Soon after your toddler takes his first steps, he'll learn to stoop down and then stand back up again. If your child's an early walker, he's probably enamored of toys that he can push or pull as he toddles.
19 to 24 months
As your child becomes more sure on his feet, he'll start to feel more comfortable walking while holding something in his hands, such as a ball or a stuffed animal. He'll also challenge himself by carrying heavier loads, so don't be surprised if you catch him trying to lift something too heavy for him, such as a briefcase. He's also thrilled to discover that he can run, not just walk, from one place to another.
25 to 30 months
By the time he's 2, your child has grown so confident of his ambling abilities that he now takes part in games like tag and ring-around-the-rosy. At around 26 months, his steps will become more even, and he'll have the hang of the smooth heel-toe motion adults use. At this age your toddler probably also enjoys jumping and climbing, which means you need to decide now what you want the rules to be about bounding all over the furniture.
31 to 36 months
There are still some actions — like balancing on a curb or standing on one foot — that require concentration and effort, but by the time your child's third birthday rolls around, walking is second nature to him. He no longer needs to exert as much energy to walk, stand, run, or jump, and he's more nimble on his feet. He can stop and start a sprint at the drop of a hat, and zip left and right with little hesitation. Watch him experiment with the power of his limbs — as he hops on one foot, for example.
When to be concerned
Kids develop skills differently — some more quickly than others — but if you're concerned that your child may have a physical delay or if he missed a motor milestone (he's still crawling at 18 months, for example), bring it up with his doctor. There may be perfectly logical reasons for your child's taking his time. Maybe he's busy working on another developmental task, like talking, or maybe he just likes to take his time whenever he learns a new skill. Keep in mind that toddlers who are heavier or who were born prematurely often learn to walk a little later than others.
Most children walk on their toes occasionally when they're cruising, especially on bare floors. Some do it just for fun. But your child shouldn't toe-walk the majority of the time. If you notice that your child walks on his toes all the time, he may have a physical problem (such as a short Achilles tendon) that's preventing him from putting his feet flat on the floor. It could also be a sign of a more serious motor disorder, such as mild cerebral palsy.
Your child's feet may turn in slightly when he walks, which is called in-toeing. For almost all kids, in-toeing improves by itself over time. If it doesn't, consult your child's doctor.
What's next
After your child's able to run proficiently, he'll develop the ability to skip. Some experts believe that skipping — which looks like pure fun but requires a complicated right-foot-left-foot motion and sense of balance — flexes the same brain and body muscles used to read and write. As your child's physical skills develop, you may want to channel his energy into organized group activities, such as soccer or gymnastics.
Perhaps you are asking yourself these same questions....so, here is some information to put your mind at ease. It's possible you have a baby with a big, ole noggin' like mine! I'm not sure how that kid could balance that thing....but he's learning!
On August 22, my almost 1-year-old took his first steps, and I started crying! I was so happy to be there! I'd been afraid that I would miss this amazing milestone.....
More about Babies/Toddlers and walking:
When and how it happens
Your child has been training for his first steps from the day he was born. Over the first year, he has been developing his muscle strength and coordination, and has mastered one physical feat after another, from sitting to rolling over to crawling or scooting. Once he nailed these skills, he was ready to move on to pulling himself up to a standing position and even cruising around a room while holding on to furniture for support. After that, it's been a matter of gaining the confidence and balance to set out on his own. Learning to walk takes a lot of practice, which can go on for a long time. And mastering it is a major advance in your toddler's struggle to become more independent.
12 to 18 months
Most children take their first steps between 11 and 14 months, but the normal range for reaching this milestone is very broad. Some kids walk as early as 8 months, others as late as 17 months. Don't worry if your child is one of the later ones — what's important is the progression of skills. If your child was a little late learning to roll over and crawl, chances are he'll need a few extra weeks or months for walking as well. As long as he keeps learning new things, you don't have to be too concerned.
Soon after your toddler takes his first steps, he'll learn to stoop down and then stand back up again. If your child's an early walker, he's probably enamored of toys that he can push or pull as he toddles.
19 to 24 months
As your child becomes more sure on his feet, he'll start to feel more comfortable walking while holding something in his hands, such as a ball or a stuffed animal. He'll also challenge himself by carrying heavier loads, so don't be surprised if you catch him trying to lift something too heavy for him, such as a briefcase. He's also thrilled to discover that he can run, not just walk, from one place to another.
25 to 30 months
By the time he's 2, your child has grown so confident of his ambling abilities that he now takes part in games like tag and ring-around-the-rosy. At around 26 months, his steps will become more even, and he'll have the hang of the smooth heel-toe motion adults use. At this age your toddler probably also enjoys jumping and climbing, which means you need to decide now what you want the rules to be about bounding all over the furniture.
31 to 36 months
There are still some actions — like balancing on a curb or standing on one foot — that require concentration and effort, but by the time your child's third birthday rolls around, walking is second nature to him. He no longer needs to exert as much energy to walk, stand, run, or jump, and he's more nimble on his feet. He can stop and start a sprint at the drop of a hat, and zip left and right with little hesitation. Watch him experiment with the power of his limbs — as he hops on one foot, for example.
When to be concerned
Kids develop skills differently — some more quickly than others — but if you're concerned that your child may have a physical delay or if he missed a motor milestone (he's still crawling at 18 months, for example), bring it up with his doctor. There may be perfectly logical reasons for your child's taking his time. Maybe he's busy working on another developmental task, like talking, or maybe he just likes to take his time whenever he learns a new skill. Keep in mind that toddlers who are heavier or who were born prematurely often learn to walk a little later than others.
Most children walk on their toes occasionally when they're cruising, especially on bare floors. Some do it just for fun. But your child shouldn't toe-walk the majority of the time. If you notice that your child walks on his toes all the time, he may have a physical problem (such as a short Achilles tendon) that's preventing him from putting his feet flat on the floor. It could also be a sign of a more serious motor disorder, such as mild cerebral palsy.
Your child's feet may turn in slightly when he walks, which is called in-toeing. For almost all kids, in-toeing improves by itself over time. If it doesn't, consult your child's doctor.
What's next
After your child's able to run proficiently, he'll develop the ability to skip. Some experts believe that skipping — which looks like pure fun but requires a complicated right-foot-left-foot motion and sense of balance — flexes the same brain and body muscles used to read and write. As your child's physical skills develop, you may want to channel his energy into organized group activities, such as soccer or gymnastics.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Almost One Year!
It's hard to believe that Nicholas will be the big 0-1 on Saturday. I feel like I just gave birth to him!! Where did the last year go? When did he get so BIG? Why didn't I take MORE photos of him??? I feel like I'm forgetting what it was like when he was small and new....
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Toys for Tots
In a few weeks, I will officially have a toddler on my hands. Some consider the first birthday to be the milestone -- while others say they have become a toddler when they start walking. For me, it's the birthday. Although I'll always think of Nicholas as my baby, the world will begin to think otherwise after August 25th....
Give them something to look at: Pull toys that flap, bobble, squeak, or in any other way make a scene are favorites. To find out more about walking and your toddler, click here. [Would the TV be considered a big toy they can look at....? See Nick watching "Finding Nemo" recently....he and his doggy look pretty comfy in his big, gel pillow, huh?]
So, what do I get my toddler on the big 0-1? If you are also struggling with what to get my son for his birthday [ha, ha!], I thought this article might help....
Your toddler is really taking off these days — and as you chase her little body down the street, you may miss the days before she learned to use her legs so well. "Active" is an apt way to describe her now, and she likes any toy or game that allows her to throw her whole self into it — balls, swings, and tiny climbing sets, to name a few.
Her hands are becoming more coordinated, too, and she can now use toy sorters more efficiently, build even greater block towers, and scribble a drawing. Her play involves lots of experimentation, like "What happens if I drop this ball?" or "What happens if pull this lever?" She's very interested in the consequences of her actions, and because her memory isn't well developed she won't tire of repetition. Toddlers also like to try out what they see adults doing, so look for toys that imitate daily life.
Large building bricks: These light cardboard bricks are big enough to stack up into a fort or wall, or any other way your toddler wants. But the most satisfying part of the process continues to be the finale — when the walls come tumbling down.
Push and pull toys: Heavily weighted push toys can give your beginner something to lean into as she motors around your home. Wagons can be ideal. Pull toys are for slightly advanced walkers who can look behind them as they move forward.
Give them something to look at: Pull toys that flap, bobble, squeak, or in any other way make a scene are favorites. To find out more about walking and your toddler, click here. [Would the TV be considered a big toy they can look at....? See Nick watching "Finding Nemo" recently....he and his doggy look pretty comfy in his big, gel pillow, huh?]Sorting and nesting toys: Toddlers love to sort, stack, unsort, unstack, and basically reorganize their lives. Sorting and nesting toys are great fun for those who are trying out their early problem-solving skills.
Climbing gym: A tiny gym can give your toddler a safe place to climb, hide, slide, and practice all her emerging motor skills — over and over again. But these sets can also be pricey and are quickly outgrown. [Do the stairs count as a climbing gym...? No? Okay, just checking....]
Balls: Any ball that's easy to grasp will be a hit with this group — underinflated beach balls, vinyl balls, cloth balls. Stay away from foam balls that could end up as a mouthful. This is the age at which you can introduce your child to "catch." Start slowly — she'll begin to get the back-and-forth rhythm with some practice. [Balls are Nicholas's FAVORITE toy!]
Washable crayons and paper: Let the scribbling begin! Hand your toddler no more than a couple of crayons at a time — you don't want to overwhelm her — and tape the paper to the floor so she can make her mark without dragging the paper along with her.
Ride-on vehicles: This mode of self-locomotion may be even more popular than walking. Many small ride-on toys have models with handles for an adult to push when the child gets tired. Avoid the electronic versions — they're expensive and take away from the fun of getting around under your own power.
Tool bench or toy kitchen: Junior fix-it kids or aspiring chefs will get hours of play out of plastic or wooden models scaled to their size. Sets like these give a child a chance to emulate the things he sees adults doing, and they'll continue to hold his interest for several months as his play gets more sophisticated.
Picture books: Your toddler will enjoy more advanced picture books showing familiar objects and activities. She may also start to take pride in her own library and the chance to pick out a favorite for you to read. For more ideas, see our recommended books for toddlers.
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