September was such a beautiful month here in the city. We can only hope that October will also provide us with sunshiny days and good spirit. I always hope for decent weather on Halloween so the kids can have a fun time trick-or-treating. It’s a real drag when it’s raining or too cold. A bit brisk, OK, but if the kids have to cover their costumes with coats and carry umbrellas, it really ruins the whole thing. It should be autumnal, not wintry. Anyway, I have my fingers crossed.
This issue presents a special teen focus in addition to all the regular items. October is when many of the high schools offer Open Houses for the coming school year and when middles schoolers and their parents are checking out their options. Be sure to see what schools are highlighted here inside. In addition we have a few articles on teen issues that will be certain to stir some emotional response. Anyone who has had a child with an eating issue will tell you how important it is to be on the lookout for signs of bulimia. Not always easy to spot, be sure to read this to become more informed. If detected early, kids can get the therapeutic help they need to break the control factor that is at the root of this syndrome and many others.
Another one is centered around abuse behavior. In this issue we highlight a New York City program called Day One and our resident writer Tammy Scileppi has interviewed their director, Michelle Paolella. This organization provides a local voice on the issue of dating violence and domestic violence among our youth. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we want to contribute to the awareness by entering the conversation and shedding light on this issue. Part II will be found in the November issue.
These are important topics for us to be addressing. They impact all of our lives in numerous ways. No one’s family is immune. Regardless of income, strata or education level, the human conditions remain prevalent. Adolescence is a tough time and it takes very determined parents to talk tough topics with their kids. Our writer Christina Katz addresses this in her tips for talking to your tweens and teens. We can all use as much advice and help as possible. Pressures are out there for our kids that we don’t even know about. Every generation presents it’s own new elements of stress. As parents we must be trying to do our best and researching and listening for what the new signs are that signal trouble.
There’s so much to be aware of. It’s hard to imagine when you hold that new baby in your arms what a myriad of issues your will be dealing with in the years ahead. With no classes or degrees to prepare us or back us up, we take on this role and hopefully find support, information and intelligence in our quest to raise healthy and happy adults.
We hope very much that our Award winning editorial helps. That’s our goal.
Thanks for reading.
