L IVING
april 2012
lower columbia.
A supplement to
The Daily News
paws & punkins
parenting
local groups for moms
animals
adopt a pet; area events
Vision Center
Kids Vision and Learning Did you know that children with vision related problems often have ‘20/20’ or ‘perfect’ eyesight? It has been estimated that 75% of children identified as learning disabled have their biggest deficit in reading. Of those who are reading deficient, 80% of them have difficulties with one or more basic visual skills such as tracking, focusing and eye coordination/teaming. Common signs and symptoms of a child who is struggling with one or more visual skills are headaches, eye fatigue, blurred vision, losing place while reading or having to reread words and/or sentences and a general disinterest in reading altogether. Fortunately, vision training can treat these visual issues successfully. Vision training is a program of eye exercises designed to develop, improve or enhance visual skills needed for successful reading and learning. The overall goal of vision training is to strengthen visual coordination and maximize visual performance needed for educational success. It is better for children to visit the eye doctor early on, so risk factors can be identified, small problems managed and bigger problems avoided. A thorough exam should not only identify problems such as near or farsightedness, astigmatism and general eye health, but also evaluate visual skills needed for successful learning. Call today to schedule your child’s comprehensive vision exam at Longview Eye & Vision!
Woodland (360) 225-1010
“The vision training my son has received has truly made a huge impact in his school work and hand-eye coordination. His attitude toward his own capabilities in reading has been highly recognized by his teachers and at home. Thank you for everything.� – Julie T, Longview “My daughter used to sit close to the television, complain of blurry vision and burning eyes. In addition to eye glasses, vision training was recommended. Within weeks she was reading better and with more confidence. I’m so glad she had the opportunity to do vision training, as it will help her throughout her life!� – Tenley T, Kelso
lonGVIEW (360) 636-2020
Care Credit Program
Testimonials:
CathlamEt (360) 795-3223
www.longvieweye.com
Part of the Community Since 1990 As a Locally owned and operated business, we are part of the community and are proud to support these local causes Habitat for Humanity Crime Stoppers of Cowlitz County D.A.R.E. Jr. Olympics (Skiing) KLOG-KUKN Student Scholarships Shop with a Cop Longview/Kelso Little League Hospice Relay for Life Kelso Tree Lighting Washington State Patrol Rainier Days at the Park Ducks Unlimited Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Kelso High School Band Go Fourth!
Honest & Reliable Service at a reasonable price
360.414.8655
open 24 HourS • Drain Cleaning • SeptiC pumping 24 HourS/ 7 DayS Licensed • Bonded • Insured
All Out Sewer & Drain ServiCe
Coupon
Sewer & drain Service
10% oFF Drain Cleaning & SeptiC pumping
Must provide coupon. Expires5/31/12
436003
L IVING lower columbia.
What’s inside How the parent-child bond is being threatened ................... 6 MOPS: Where moms meet .................................................. 10 Child car seat safety tips . .................................................... 14 Cowlitz Humane Society has a pet for you.......................... 16 What’s lacking in kids’ snacking .......................................... 20 Vets say dogs, cats turn old halfway through life ............... 22 Can parents change their ways?.......................................... 24 How to handle a tot’s sudden bed-wetting.......................... 29 Stores, workplaces becoming more pet friendly................ 30 Pudgy pets are problematic . .............................................. 31
April 2012
Volume 1, Issue 3
publisher
advertising
contact us
Rick Parrish • 577-2505 • rparrish@tdn.com
Advertising sales managers: Steve Quaife • 577-2559 • squaife@tdn.com Marianne Chambers • 577-2562 • mchambers@tdn.com
Write to: Lower Columbia Living • The Daily News • P.O. Box 189 • Longview, WA 98632
editor John Markon • 577-2579 • jmarkon@tdn.com
editorial Copy editor/designers: Evan Caldwell • 501-2704 • ecaldwell@tdn.com Rieva Lester • 501-2709 • rlester@tdn.com
l
Advertising sales representatives: Cam Wilson• 577-2551 • cwilson@tdn.com Andrea Klingberg • 578-7684 • aklingberg@tdn.com Shannon Cadwell • 577-2568 • scadwell@tdn.com Liz Bronson • 577-2536 • lbronson@tdn.com Rachel Purcell • 577-2556 • rpurcell@tdn.com Mary Kate Morgan • 577-2560 • mkmorgan@tdn.com
Lower Columbia Living is a special publication by The Daily News. Copyright© 2012 The Daily News all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.
A
Vision
Exam Could Help This Student Do Better on His Next Exam. Early eye examinations are important for young children to detect and treat problems before they interfere with learning. The American Optometric Association recommends periodic vision examinations for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Vision exams can determine a child’s visual acuity. They are also important in early childhood to detect visual or physical problems than affect vision and learning.
Call Us Today to Schedule an Appointment
360.414.8000
Visit us online at www.threeriverseyecare.com
Dr. Laulainen
209 West Main Street • Kelso, WA Ask about Share the Care Program.
Dr. Sipe
Invest in Us bonds PeaceHealth educator tells how the vital parent/child connection is threatened
A
By Julie Breslin jbreslin@tdn.com
sk Pat Harrold what’s at the root of attachment disorders in children, and all the usual suspects crop up: abuse, neglect, poverty, substance abuse, depression … the list goes on. But then a surprise culprit appears in the lineup: “technology.” Society’s obsession with gadgets — particularly cell phones — is seriously interfering with the parent/child bond that is crucial to a baby’s developing brain and emotional pathways, she said.
“A break in attachment can occur even with loving, conscientious parents who planned their families.” — Pat Harrold, a registered nurse with a master’s in health care management and the program coordinator at PeaceHealth Women’s Health Pavilion in Longview
Since 2009, Harrold, a registered nurse with a master’s in health care management, has been the program coordinator at PeaceHealth Women’s Health Pavilion, which will host a free class on bonding May 10. Harrold, a longtime parent educator and attachment disorder specialist, will teach the class, and she hopes to expand on the topic in later sessions. Constant texting, she said, has become a major hindrance to child-parent bonding. “We get really caught up with looking at the phone,” Harrold said. “But if you look at the phone from your child’s perspective, you’re standing or sitting there looking at this thing, and your fingers are moving, and what happens is, the child gets put on hold.
Continued —>
Parenting Classes NOW Available Bonding & Attachment
Free, May 10th, 2 to 3 p.m. Learn the building blocks of a strong bond with your baby and how it will shape your baby through life. The first 3 years are so important! Enroll at www.peacehealth.org/st-john or call the Women’s Health Pavilion at (360) 501-3700.
FREE, May 10th 2-3pm Taught by Pat Harrold, RN, BSN, MBA
NICU Survivors
A Support Group for Families Whose Infants Required(d) Intensive Care Who: This support group is for familes who currently have a child or children in NICU as well as those who have older children who have survived intensive care. Your child’s current age doesn’t matter, if they required treatment in the NICU, this group is for you! Goal: For survivors of the NICU to provide emotional support, information, and assistance with allocating resources to families in similar circumstances. What to Expect: Survivors of the NICU will find a supportive, caring environment to share your experiences with other NICU survivors. Opportunities to volunteer support to families currently in the NICU will be available, as needed. Families currently in the NICU can receive support during and after your child’s stay, as needed. Supervised children are welcome. Toys will be provided for children to play with under parental supervision.
1660 Delaware, Longview, WA
(360) 501-3700
1615 Delaware Street, Longview, WA
(360) 414-2000 www.peacehealth.org/st-john PeaceHealth is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer
Learn more What: Parent/child bonding class When: 2 to 3 p.m. May 10 Where: PeaceHealth Women’s Health Pavilion, 1660 Delaware St., Longview For whom: Any caregiver (parents, grandparents, foster parents). Children may attend if caregivers can keep them from being disruptive. Cost: Free Registration: Encouraged, but not required, at 501-3727 or through www.peacehealth.
org/st-john
More classes PeaceHealth offers numerous adult education classes, including a new support group for parents of children who are or have been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, regardless of the child’s current age. All classes are free except for childbirth preparation ($60 per session).
The lingo Generally, the term “bonding” refers to how the parent feels about the child, whereas “attachment” is the connection a child has with a caregiver, generally a parent.
Help available Information on Youth and Family Link programs is available at http://www.link program.org/ or 423-6741.
More bonding information www.4therapy.com/ conditions/attachment disorder/understanding attachment-disorder-2354)
“I’ve seen it with Baby Einstein a couple years ago, and even back with Sesame Street. Studies have shown that is passive learning.The children aren’t getting what they need when they’re watching the TV.” — Pat Harrold, a registered nurse with a master’s in health care management and the program coordinator at PeaceHealth Women’s Health Pavilion in Longview “I know as an adult, that’s annoying to me. But can you imagine being a child and every few seconds the parent’s attention is being taken away?” Facebook, video games and television also cause technological interference to bonding. Even childfriendly programming is no substitute. “I’ve seen it with Baby Einstein a couple years ago, and even back with Sesame Street,” she said. “Studies have shown that is passive learning. The children aren’t getting what they need when they’re watching the TV.” Pat Harrold “The abuse and neglect, it doesn’t have to be as severe as we think of. It can happen in a typical American family,” Harrold said. “A break in attachment can occur even with loving, conscientious parents who planned their families.” It can happen when parents get busy, are dealing with multiple children or have a particularly difficult baby (fussy, medical difficulties, etc.), so bonding needs to be a deliberate pursuit. From birth to age 3, children are primed for bonding. For parents and
children who miss that window of opportunity, Harrold said, attachment gets a lot harder … and the consequences of failure to connect are dire. Unhealthy bonding (known as disrupted and anxious attachment) leads to emotional and social problems and results in biochemical consequences in the developing brain, according to Harrold. These infants have abnormally high levels of stress hormones, which can impair physical and mental development, leading to behavioral problems (aggression, disruption, bullying), depression, apathy, learning delays, chronic anger and chronic illness. These conditions can dog these individuals into adulthood unless addressed, usually with the help of a therapist, Harrold said, who can teach parent and child “what normal is.” One local resource dedicated to helping foster healthy bonds is Youth and Family Link, an outreach and intervention service at 917 Douglas St. in Longview.
SpRiNG
Special! Qualify for up to
$3,150
in total rebates! 36 MoNthS Interest Free FInancIng*
423-3010
24 Hour Service
Free iN-HoMe evAluATioN! WWW.eNTeKHvAc.coM
reSideNTiAl • coMMerciAl • iNduSTriAl *Financing available o.a.c.
436316
Families served by Youth and Family Link “come from a variety of backgrounds,” Youth and Family Link clinical director Mary Schubmehl wrote in an emailed response to The Daily News, “and sometimes the parent/child bond is strained.” “We always strive to see a secure attachment between a child and their primary caregiver(s),” Schubmehl wrote. “A healthy attachment to a primary caregiver is highly associated with someone who will go on to have healthy relationships with others.” “Not all children who form an insecure attachment grow up to be sociopaths,” Harrold said. “However, all sociopaths have attachment problems.” On the other hand, children with secure attachments tend to grow into independent, confident, resilient and caring adults with high self-esteem. Studies show these kids don’t bully and are rarely victims of bullying, Harrold said. Solid bonds are built on responding to infant cues with consistent parental warmth and nurturing. Frequent eye contact, verbal communication and touch are key. Harrold encourages parents to incorporate conversation with babies into their everyday activities, casually narrating when you’re doing housework, paying bills, grooming the pets, etc. “That’s what causes the neurons to develop, the words to be formed,” she said. “We’re talking about the science, here, that can actually be seen happening in the brain. “It doesn’t mean that every moment of your life you have to be talking to your baby, because they need some quite time, too,” Harrold said. Parents don’t have to be perfect to be successful, Harrold stressed, just “good enough.” “I encourage parents, when they’re babies are attentive, they need to treat that like gold.”
Energy Solutions
Luke peeks around the shoulder of his mother, Renee Thorsvik of Longview, during a recent Mothers Of Preschoolers meeting at Longview Community Church. Behind them are Longview moms Haylee Toler and Haley Takko, packing her baby. Several MOPS moms said getting a meal at the meetings is a nice break.
MOPS: Where moms meet Mothers Of Preschoolers groups aim to meet the needs of area mothers
T
Story and photos by Julie Breslin I jbreslin@tdn.com
wo hours. Two times a month. Too many moms to accommodate. The offer of a brief break from toilet training and a chance to converse with people that can see over the sink is so coveted that the Longview chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers has nearly topped out. Haylee Toler, a Longview mother of three, toted her 4-month-old redheaded cutie to the final April meeting. “It’s a good support group to interact with other mothers,” she said. “It’s important because I don’t have much communication with other adults because I’m a stay-at-home mom.” 10
For non-member mothers reading this Longview, 50 women corralled toddlers and salivating, don’t despair: Kelso has into MOPPETS classes, then hustled to a room for you at its newly launched chapter. basement room with their babies. “We are actually taking regisThe aroma of hot coffee and tration forms as we speak,” said warm eggs wafted through Tia McGreevy, secretary at Rose the air as the women multiSafe Kids Lower tasked. There were name tags to Valley Friends Church. As an Columbia staff sort, papers to pass, infants to incentive, those who join before share car seat bounce and a buffet to ogle. May 31 will be entered in a drawsafety tips ing for a $25 Target gift card. Cur“Pastries! Which I won’t buy rent members who refer a friend for home,” exclaimed Sarah Jones Page 14 get a crack at the gift card, too. of Longview, who is expecting If “better moms make a better world,” as her third boy this summer. “It’s a day that the MOPS International motto claims, these you don’t have to make breakfast.” groups seem to be fulfilling their mission. Most important, there were fellow Minutes before a recent meeting in moms to greet.
related
“I think the conversation is just different. You have an instant understanding and an instant connection,” Linda Mittleider said. “And it gives you comfort in that — in knowing you’re not alone.” Mittleider, the math program director at Sylvan Learning Center, who has a 5-year-old daughter, will soon exit the group, which focuses on mothers of children up to 5. She’ll bring much away with her. “(MOPS) “When you’re allowed me to single, there’s meet people no one at the that I wouldn’t otherwise end of the day have met,” the saying, ‘Good Longview woman said. “I would job!’ So these say that some ladies are great.” of my closest friends I’ve met — Tierna Hunter, at MOPS.” Castle Rock mother Rebecca Aldrich of of a 2-year-old Rainier, who has three sons, agreed. “I really like the chance to talk to other moms who are in the same season of life.” Through MOPS, play dates are arranged and baby sitting duties are exchanged. At the recent meeting, Mittleider entertained Aldrich’s 4-month-old son, Gabriel, while his mother, who serves as MOPS finance coordinator, collected dues and directed visitors to round tables. The women began circling up, still chatting over their shoulders. These ladies know the value of quiet time, too. The volume dropped as MOPS co-coordinator Lannie Sheldahl welcomed everyone and asked members to be in prayer for the host church’s pastor’s family, whose new baby was born with a hole in its heart. Only a handful of the MOPS members who spoke to The Daily News said they attend Longview Community Church where the meetings are held, though most said they’re Christians. “This is a Christian organization,” affirmed Aldrich, who attends St. Rose Catholic Church. Non-believers attend, she added, “and that’s fine — we welcome anyone.” One mom indulged in a long pause when questioned about her beliefs. “ … It’s complicated,” she said. “It might not be a good thing to put in the newspaper.” Another mom credited MOPS with strengthening her faith.
Continued —>
393780
11
Longview chapter n For whom: Moms of kids to age 5. Children older than 6 months attend MOPPETS classes run by screened volunteers while mothers meet. n When: 9 to 11 a.m., first and third Tuesdays, October through May (to accommodate older children’s summer vacation schedule). There will be a third meeting in May to make up for a snow day: May 1, 15 and 29. n Where: Longview Community Church, 2323 Washington Way, Longview n Cost: Annual dues $21.95 pay for MomSense magazine and starter bag. $5 fee per meeting pays for craft materials, paperwork, speakers, speaker gifts, leadership development, prizes and gifts. Scholarships are available. n Contact info: Wendy Stewart and Lannie Sheldahl via
www.longviewcommunitychurch.org/mops.htm or 423-6380.
Kelso chapter n For whom: Moms of kids to age 5. n When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., second Friday, August through May (a play date also is usually scheduled each month). n Where: Rose Valley Friends Church, 1437 Rose Valley Rd., Kelso. n Cost: Annual dues $25; no other fees. Scholarships available. n Contact info: Tia McGreevy at 425-3222 or www.rosevalleyfriends.com. 12
Gabriel Aldrich doesn’t want to let Linda Mittleider go during a recent MOPS meeting in Longview. Mittleider, of Longview, was holding Gabriel for friend Rebecca Aldrich of Rainier, who was fulfilling her duties as the group’s financial coordinator. Kelso has “three sons, three daughters-inlaw and three grandchildren” and has been “I’ve gotten wonderful spiritual advice,” a mentor mom for 10 years. said Tierna Hunter, 29, of Castle Rock, “It makes me feel youthful,” she said. a full-time LCC student majoring in edu“I like the community involvement, and cation. The best nugget she has gathered? I really enjoy the young moms. One MOPS speaker gave the “Don’t Should “We talk about marriage, we talk about Yourself” talk. “Don’t say, ‘I shouldn’t have children … ” and the consummate mom done this, I should’ve done that,” Hunter said. talks up everyone but herself. “Just appreciate where you’re at and know you’ve done the best “I really like the Dismissing her role as adviser, Dunlap you could.” chance to talk to steered the conversation away The father of Hunter’s a wave of the hand. She 2-year-old son is “a homeless other moms who with was all admiration for this heroin addict. He wasn’t always, are in the same reporter, who juggled a baby but he chose to go a different and a camera. season of life.” direction.” She praised the “wonderful “That’s why this group is invaluable,” she said. “When — Rebecca Aldrich, job” done by MOPS co-coordinators Sheldahl and Wendy you’re single, there’s no one at Rainier mom of 3 boys Stewart of Longview, who the end of the day saying, ‘Good lined up “excellent” keynote job!’ So these ladies are great. … The only reason I’m able to take some of the classes I’m speakers (see related story). And she pointed out how they run meetings taking now is because some of the moms that like clockwork so as not to I’ve met here watch my son.” inconvenience volunteer child care staff. At the start of each year, members are “Straight up,” Dunlap said, gesturing sorted into groups of six women who hang totoward a clock as mothers sifted out. gether until the next fall, attending meetings “You see that they let out — it’s always and exchanging parenting advice over craft 9 to 11.” projects and fundraisers that benefit area Hunter, who serves as MOPPETS coordicharities. One recent project was rounding up nator and was getting ready to pack up her cribs and car seats to donate to the local crisis son and go, summed up: “This is just a great pregnancy center. place to come where you can give yourself Each team comes equipped with an older, a break. We’re always taking care of others. wiser “mentor mom.” Connie Dunlap of
Mattress superstore Shop LocaL & SaVE
LocaLLy owned & operated
Queen & king sets Starting at
$299
FREE BonuS GiFt!
we wiLL beat any price by
10
Mention this ad at time of purchase to receive your
%
†
Whatever you do in bed sealy supports it.
Posturepedic coresupporttM center
seaLy posturepedic Queen Sets Starting at
Free
• BEd FraME
* •• dElivEry SET UP & rEMOval • 100 NighT COMFOrT gUaraNTEE
NO
$699
Free MONEy INterest FINaNcINg dOwN For up to 24 Months
436186
Reinforced center third provides additional support right where you need it most.
Largest assortment of tempur-pedic in cLark & cowLitz counties
360-636-0188
730 Vandercook Way • Longview Between Manchester & Country Village Nutrition Center †
10% Excludes Tempur-Pedic Mattresses. *See store for details. On approved credit.
13
“Motor vehicle accidents are the No. 1 killer for ages 0 to 14.” — Brandi Ballinger, car seat inspector who says just 9 of 300 seats checked in Cowlitz County last year were installed correctly
Seat savvy: Safe rides save lives Cowlitz County staff share tips for keeping tykes safe on the road By Julie Breslin jbreslin@tdn.com
W
Get your car seat inspected
n What: Safe Kids Lower hen Brandi Columbia car seat safety clinic Ballinger — no appointment needed was sent to n When: The third Saturday training for of every other month. The next proper child car seat one is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19 installation in 2001, she n Where: Cowlitz 2 Fire & had a 4-year-old and an Rescue, 701 Vine St. in Kelso infant and thought she n For whom: Caregivers already knew it all. and the child using the car After getting there, seat (mandatory) she said, “Boy, did I get n Cost: Free a wake up call.” n Contact info: Brandi Ballinger learned Ballinger at 575-6280 or brandi. she was among the ballinger@c2fr.org; or Tracey McDaniel at 957-0441 or 95 percent of Cowlitz cowlitzems@comcast.net County parents who n Also: McDaniel said the make car seat errors. organization is looking for Now, as the public volunteers to help with car education coordinaseat clinics; no experience tor for Cowlitz 2 Fire & is necessary. Rescue and the Safe Kids Lower Columbia Car Seat On the Web Team lead, it’s Ballinger’s job to open other parents’ n NHTSA has compiled a list of eyes to how tricky it is to companies that install airbag off/on correctly install safety switches at www.safercar.gov/ seats — and how vital. Vehicle+Shoppers/Air+Bags/ ON-OFF+Switch+Requests. She and Tracey Julie Breslin / The Daily News n Check if your car seat has been McDaniel of Longview, Brandi Ballinger, the Safe Kids Lower Columbia Car Seat Team lead, recalled at www-odi.nhtsa.dot. the Cowlitz County gov/cars/problems/recalls/ talks to area moms about the importance of correct installation durEmergency Medical childseat.cfm. ing a recent Mothers Of Preschoolers meeting in Longview. Services and Safe Kids coordinator, took their four seats are installed incorrecly. It’s even message to area moms during a recent 30 miles per hour. If you get in an acciMothers Of Preschoolers meeting at dent, that’s 900 pounds of force against higher in Cowlitz County, where Safe Kids says 95 percent of car seats are misused. Longview Community Church. your child’s body,” Ballinger said. If that Safe Kids often sees the wrong recline One common mistake is buckling kids harness retainer clip is too loose and low, in with the car seat harness in the wrong “that force is going to be concentrated in on a car seat, which Ballinger said many parents don’t realize is adjustable. position, Ballinger said. The harness the stomach area.” Incorrect recline can be perilous for should be snug against the child (cinch She followed up with another shocker. newborns, McDaniel said, likening an init tight enough that you can’t pinch any “Think about stuff you leave on the fant windpipe to a straw. Since young bafabric between your fingers) with the floorboard. Even if it’s just a can of forharness retainer clip across the chest mula that’s only 1 pound, in a collision (at bies don’t have the neck strength to com(line it up armpit to armpit). She followed 30 mph), that’s 30 pounds of force. It can pensate, she explained, if they are tilted too far backward or forward, the head can up with some sobering math. hit your child. It can hit you.” tip, folding and closing off the windpipe. “Let’s say your child weighs only The National Highway Traffic Safety Proper car seat placement inside the 30 pounds, and you’re going only Administration estimates three out of 14
you’d Have to Be Blind not to see what you’re Saving!
30-45%
OFF
All BlinDS!
The More You Buy The More You Save! Offer Expires 5/15/12
FREE
Top Down/BoTTom Up with purchase of 4 or more blinds.
DiD you know... Cellular shades beautifully filter light and conserve energy! pleated shades gently filter light and add privacy. www.BudgetBlinds.com/Longview
Call Us First! (360) 577-6517
436399
vehicle also is key. MOPS co-coordinator Ballinger suggested Funkhouser Wendy Stewart wondered which side of revert to car seats, saying boosters aren’t the car is safest. recommended for kids younger than 5. “We used to say the center, but we “Especially boys. They unbuckle themdon’t say that anymore,” Ballinger said. selves, they kick and they slouch; they “Because what we found was people just don’t understand the concept.” were trying to force it into the middle, When buying a car seat, don’t go used, even when it doesn’t fit there. Safe Kids recommends, unless the seller “A great fit outboard is better than a can accurately tell: poor fit center.” n The seat’s age — car seats are good The vehicle manual for just 6 years owing to should show the safest technology advances, “Think about stuff you position for that car’s recalls, plastic that leave on the floorboard. make, and Ballinger grows brittle and growth Even if it’s just a can of reminded parents that of mold on the fabric. formula that’s only all children younger Some seats are stamped than 13 should ride in with an expiration date. 1 pound, in a collision the back every time. n Whether the seat (at 30 mph), that’s Studies have shown has been in an accident, 30 pounds of force. It can which can compromise kids in the front seat are hit your child. It can hit you.” its ability to withstand at much higher risk of injury or death during a a crash properly. — Brandi Ballinger, Safe Kids crash. For vehicles with n If the seat’s comLower Columbia Car Seat Team lead ponents have been put only a front seat, experts recommend that parthrough the washer ents at least disable the air bags, which are and/or dryer, which weakens the meant to protect adults and can be deadly webbing. Spot cleaning padding and for children when deployed (see sidebar). webbing or hand washing and drying it “So when the kids are wearing jackets flat is recommended. and things, I know it’s a lot harder to get “And people do Dumpster dive,” (the seat harness) tight,” said MOPS Finan- Ballinger told the moms, “so if you ever cial Coordinator Rebecca Aldrich. “Should throw (a car seat) away, cut everything we take (coats) off when we put them in?” off that you can, let your husband go All snow suits, buntings, blankets and crazy and break up the plastic — or you jackets should come off. can get out your frustrations.” “I know it’s more work, but it really is She also advised parents to fold the car for the safety of your child,” Ballinger said. seat handle back before driving and said not “Everyone rides safest when wearing one to attach toys or anything not approved by layer between themselves and the seat belt.” the manufacturer. Same goes for mirrors on Parents sometimes mistakenly believe the seat backs, McDaniel added later. the extra padding will help protect their “A lot of times, here we are saychild in a crash, she said, but it instead ing ‘Don’t use it,’ but they sell it in the makes it more difficult to tighten the stores,” Ballinger said. “It’s really hard.” harness. In the case of a collision, that Although she demonstrated correct extra padding can compress and a child installation on a several car seat models, can be ejected or seriously injured. she advised moms to, when in doubt, Choosing the appropriate car seat check it out. Safe Kids and Cowlitz 2 offer from the myriad types on the market free car seat inspections available by ap(rear-facing, front-facing, harness type pointment or by attending a regular Safe or booster, etc.) depends on the child’s Kids clinics (see sidebar). Ballinger also weight, height and maturity. invites caregivers unable to afford a car Longview mom Heather Funkhouser seat or who are stumped on which seat — seeking advice on how to handle her to buy to attend a clinic, where seats are 4-year-old twin boys unbuckling them- available for purchase. Cost depends on a selves on the road — learned they probvariety of factors, including income level ably aren’t ready to handle booster seats. and number and type of seats needed. “Because of their height, they look like “Motor vehicle accidents are the they’re kindergartners,” Funkhouser told No. 1 killer for ages 0 to 14,” Ballinger a reporter. And although they’re doing said. Out of 300 inspections done last better with booster seats now, “the first year in Cowlitz County, just nine seats couple days, they would unbuckle them were found to be correctly installed. when we stopped, and I’d say, ‘We don’t Parents are doing the best they can, unbuckle when we stop. We unbuckle she said, but having car seats inspected when we’re parked.” “truly is a live-saving change.”
15
Waiting for a home Cowlitz Humane Society near capacity most of the time
A 16
By Amy M.E. Fischer afischer@tdn.com
s Rick Johnson walked through the Humane Society of Cowlitz County’s stray dog room one day in mid-April, dogs stood on their hind legs in their concrete kennels to bark over the doors’ privacy panels. Johnson, the nonprofit agency’s executive director since 2007, stopped at the kennel of a blue heeler. The dog had been picked up March 8 roaming
South Kelso. Wearing a nylon collar, the dog obviously had been someone’s pet, but because it lacked identification tags or a microchip, there was no way to track the owner. Five weeks later, no one had claimed the dog. Kennel after kennel, it was the same story. Johnson opened a door and stroked a 15-pound Chihuahua terrier, its tail wagging. “This is a cute little dog,” Johnson said. “Why aren’t people looking for their dogs?” The dogs — former pets and strays— wait for adoption.
Continued —>
They’re not just pets! They’re family!
Boarding
Toys
Treats
Grooming
Accessories
Raw Food
Daycare
All Natural Food
Supplements
Longview’s Premier Social Club for Dogs!
1239 California Way, Longview, WA • 425-1744 6:45am – 6:00pm m-F • 8:00am – 5:00pm Saturday 17
Upcoming pet events Do you feel a pang of guilt leaving Fido at home while you have fun in the sun? Grab a leash and head out together instead. A variety of events especially for dogs are coming up this summer in Southwest Washington and northern Oregon. Whether your woofer is a working dog, an athlete, an obedience whiz, a social butterfly, a pampered princess, a showoff, a goofball or just likes to be at your side, there’s an activity sure to get her tail wagging.
n Kickin’ Ash in Castle Rock, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 2; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 3, Castle Rock Fairgrounds. Dog training and grooming seminars, racing, lure coursing, go-to-ground tunnels, weenie bobbing, and other games and activities for dogs of all sizes. Sponsored by the TriState Jack Russell Terrier Club. 360-274-6234 n Doggie Olympic Games, June 15-16, Long Beach, Wash. Games, agility, obedience.
http://doggieolympicgames.com n Strut Your Mutt, 1 p.m. July 1, Clatskanie City Park. A dozen silly dog contests, such as grayest muzzle, shortest ears, longest tail and best kisser. Part of Clatskanie Heritage Days Festival. 503-728-2502 n Bark For Life, 10 a.m. to noon July 14, Cowlitz County Expo Center/Fairgrounds. Noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Walk followed by demonstrations, contests and games. Register individually or by team online at
www.relayforlife.org/barkcowlitz n Pug Parade, 6 p.m. July 20, on Commerce Avenue in downtown Longview. (Part of Friday Night Downtown LIVE from 5 to 9 p.m.) All breeds welcome. n Sand Flea Pet Parade, Saturday, July 28, Long Beach, Wash. Part of the 28th Annual Sandsations sandcastle-building event running all weekend. www.sandsationslongbeach.com n Dogapawlooza, Sept. 15 and 16, Cowlitz County Expo Center/Fairgrounds. (New spelling for event.) Herding classes, lure coursing, silly contests and a two-day Flyball tournament. Benefit for the Humane Society of Cowlitz County.
www.thedogzone.net
— Amy M.E. Fischer / The Daily News
18
Bill Wagner / The Daily News
Although about 70 are adopted every month, the Humane Society’s kennels, which can house up to 120 dogs, always seem to be full. New dogs are brought in all the time, and Johnson tells people who are looking for a specific breed to adopt, “We may not have it today, but in three days we may.” Last year, 648 dogs were adopted. Some dogs, such as a friendly pit bull that licked Johnson’s hand through the bars, have been at the shelter since early last summer. Then there are the shelter’s dozens and dozens of cats, some of which are abandoned or lost pets. Many of the others are feral, meaning they’re at least three generations removed from a household cat and avoid human contact, even as newborn kittens. Animal control officers don’t collect roaming cats — they’re brought in by residents who find them trespassing on private property. People also routinely drop off boxes of their cats’ kittens. The out-of-control population of unwanted animals is frustrating for the agency, which has been preaching the importance of spaying and neutering in local schools since the late 1970s, Johnson said. “The kids go home, and we still don’t get the response from the parents,” he said. “I’m not sure if it’s the money or if it’s taking responsibility for what you have.” Some people think their young pet will “calm down” if it has one litter, he said. Or they want their kids to witness the “miracle of birth.” Those folks need to look at the big picture, said Johnson, who knows all too well that in many cases, the litters become the Humane Society’s problem. Adding to the glut of animals, some of the cats give birth at the Humane Society. Within one week in mid-April, three cats brought in as strays had litters, bearing a total of 13 new kittens. All the kittens and their mothers will need to be vaccinated, spayed or neutered and put up for adoption. Spaying the three momma cats would have stopped the process before it began, and the Humane Society would have had three cats to try to adopt out rather than 16, Johnson said. The Humane Society, which has room for 140 cats, adopts out 40 to 45 cats a month. In 2011, 545 cats were adopted. Residents with proof of low-income status may get their cats sterilized at the Humane Society of Cowlitz County’s spay/neuter clinic. The fee is $35 for neutering and $50 for spaying. The clinic, which opened in October 2007, sterilizes about 1,000 cats a year, Johnson said. The Humane Society is at 909 Columbia Blvd., Longview. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. 360- 577-0151. www.cowlitzhumane.com
Did you know?
Labrador retrievers are by far the most popular dog breed in Cowlitz County, based on 2011 Humane Society adoption records. Here’s a breed breakdown of the 648 dogs adopted from the Humane Society in 2011: Labrador retriever Pit bull Chihuahua Terrier Shepherd Springer spaniel Other
43 percent 15 percent 10 percent 10 percent 8 percent 5 percent 9 percent
Source: Humane Society of Cowlitz County
has
gone natural Introducing ral ll natu “Evanger’s” a de Dog a american-m s. & Cat Food
By Amy Fischer, The Daily News
Foster parents needed for baby animals
The Humane Society of Cowlitz County has an ongoing need for foster parents who can take new dogs or cats and their puppies or kittens home for several weeks until they’re big enough to be vaccinated and fixed. This gets the babies used to people touching and holding them, which makes them adoptable. A quieter environment is also less stressful for the new mothers, Executive Director Rick Johnson said. All foster homes are carefully screen to ensure the animals will be raised in a loving family environment. “We want them to come back as a welladjusted animal,” Johnson said. To apply to be a foster parent, contact the shelter’s Kitty Korner at 360-577-0151.
Ways to find a missing pet n Call the Humane Society at 360-577-0151 to file a lost pet report. n Call the lost pet line at 360-425-7000. n Call the shelter office at 577-0151 AND come by to look at the animals in person. Your description of your pet may not match the one the shelter provides.
shop with confidence at this area’s leading All NAtuRAl PEt SuPPly StoRE! Buy any EvangEr’s Dog or Cat Food & Get a Bag of All NAturAl EvANgEr’s trEAts for FREE!
Self-Service dog wash Bring in your dirty pooch & we supply the shampoo, brushes, towels & dryer.
Open 7 Days a Week
503-338-6721 240 14th, Astoria OR • 14th & Marine
n Visit the shelter daily to look for your pet. n Place a free “lost pet” ad in The Daily News, and check the newspaper for “found pet” ads. n Check with nearby convenience stores. n Post fliers in the neighborhood. n Notify nearby veterinary clinics, your mail carrier and your newspaper delivery person.
1257 Commerce - Longview • 636-0830 • www.thePetWorksInc.com 19
What’s lacking in snacking By Laura A. Jana and Jennifer Shu McClatchy-Tribune
One of the biggest problems with snacks is, quite simply, that they typically consist of high-calorie, unhealthy foods rather than nutrient-dense, healthy foods. With fresh fruit, all too frequently replaced by juice and other sugary drinks, more candy, less milk, and the prize for the largest increase in snack foods over the past 30 years going to chips and crackers, what’s clearly not lacking in snacking is salt, sugar and fat.
Smart Snacking So now that you know what not to serve for snacks, we wanted to make sure to impress on you the fact that snacking can and still should play an important role in your child’s daily diet. Simply put, the right approach to snacking can help keep kids from getting hungry and cranky while also giving them added energy and (if you plan it right) added nutrients. By following simple, smart snacking advice like the tips below, you can ultimately help your child grow better, think better, and stay active throughout the day and throughout childhood. n Snacks should not be the exception to the rule that food, in general, should have nutritional value. 20
Courtesy photo
Make sure you commit to applying the same noble goals in choosing your snacks as you (hopefully) do for your child’s meals. n Keep finger foods on hand. Finding foods that are quick and easy to grab and serve is actually quite easy. Simply cut up some fresh fruits or veggies; keep whole grain crackers, pretzels, or ready-to-eat (and preferably low-sugar/high-fiber) cereals on hand; and then let your toddler or older child handle the feeding part independently. n Don’t be fooled by packaging. Labels on snack foods for kids, along with sugary children’s cereals, seem to be the most commonly misleading when it comes to nutrition. Don’t let creative labeling such as “fruit snacks” or “low-fat” lead you to believe that sugary treats are necessarily healthy. n Figure out some “free foods” that your child can eat at any time. It’s entirely appropriate to agree on some healthy “free foods” (such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt or hard-boiled eggs, for example) that your child can sit down and eat whenever he’s hungry. Remembering that your ultimate goal is to help your child learn to eat when he’s hungry and refrain when he’s not, your role is to simply make very sure that the criteria you use for creating this list is based squarely on the food’s nutritional value. n Keep junk food out of sight and out of mind. This means not only limiting the amount of junk food you buy and allow into your pantry, but also the amount of television your child is allowed to watch. With literally thousands of television ads designed specifically to make your child’s mouth water over unhealthy snacks and cereals, turning off the television—not just when you’re eating but keeping it turned off throughout the day—can go a long way toward preventing unhealthy eating habits.
Act now for less stress And more success! select a subject to learn more:
math | reading | writing | Homework
study skills | sAt/Act® Prep scHedule A consultAtion now!
celebrate
success here!
skip mezger, director 360-577-3939 1157 3rd Avenue, Suite 125 Longview, WA 98632 skip@sylvanlongview.com 21
The Associated Press
Hey! Who ya callin’ old? Vets say dogs, cats turn old halfway through life By Sue Manning / The Associated Press
Technology has advanced and today’s owners are more willing to go the disAge may creep up on man, but his best friend gets there at tance for their pets, Pointer said. “In the past, if your cat was diagnosed warp speed. with diabetes, the recommendation was Going from pup to grandpup doesn’t leave much prime time probably to euthanize the cat. Now, a under American Veterinary Medical Association labels that lot fewer people are willing to do that because it’s a treatable disease,” Pointer cats and small dogs are geriatric at 7 — and large dogs at 6. But not everyone agrees, and rescuers say those definitions said. Kristin Dewey of Los Angeles has an can be a death sentence to older animals in need of homes. 18-year-old Ragdoll cat named Cokie. He fell from an 80-foot palm tree 16 years ago and seemed OK until four years ago Dr. Emily Pointer, staff internist and equal one human year, the AVMA said. when something temporarily paralyzed medical coordinator at the American A 7-year-old dog weighing less than 50 him and left him incontinent. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to pounds is like a 44- to 47-year-old hu“Indoor-only cats that are loved and Animals’ Bergh Memorial Animal Hosman; 10 equals 56- to 60-year-old hupital in New York, said she considers the mans; 15 is like a 76- to 83-year-old; and treated like family start to get old around 15 but can still live good lives until 19 or last third of life the sunset years. 20 is like a 96- to 105-year-old human, more. They may be a little creaky and “That seems fairly crazy,” she said of the group said. have some health issues, but so do we the AMVA designations. “I would never Pet health improved in the 1950s and all,” Dewey said. consider a person in their 40s or 50s to be ‘60s when commercial dog food and Pointer agreed: “Well-loved pets live senior.” vaccinations became popular and spaylonger than unloved pets.” The AVMA said the oldest cat on reing and neutering increased, said Ste“We find that most dogs become cord was 34, the oldest dog was 29. phen Zawistowski, ASPCA executive vice geriatric after age 12, and that at 12-ish Forget the notion that seven dog years president and science adviser. 22
“Well-loved pets live longer than unloved pets.” — Dr. Emily Pointer, staff internist and medical coordinator at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York
they are like humans at 65,” said Judith Piper, founder and executive director of the rescue group Old Dog Haven in Lake Stevens, Wash. Most shelters consider dogs old at 8, Piper said, so Old Dog Haven works with dogs 8 and up. The group tries to place the 8- to 12year-olds they rescue from shelters and find final refuge homes for those over 12. At age 14, Solomon is one of those final refuge or hospice dogs. Part Dalmatian and part German shepherd, he has been with Lisa Black for 30 months. Black owns the Stardust Salon and Spa in Seattle and Solomon goes to work with her every day to greet customers. “If they don’t like him, it’s not the place for them,” Black said. “Old dogs are usually good with other dogs and housebroken. They are easy and don’t require a lot of trips to the park. They are usually happy with us and do whatever we want,” she said. Losing them is hard, she said, but you focus on the dog. “It’s what Old Dog Haven does so they don’t end up alone in a shelter. We give them a happy ending,” Black said. “Even if the time they have with the dog is short, it’s worth it,” Piper added. Dori Repuyan of Columbus, Ohio, says Tucker, a 60-pound German shepherdbeagle mix her family rescued nine years ago is between 11 and 13. She worries that calling dogs old so young will cost them good homes because “people don’t want old dogs.” Tucker started showing his age a few years ago, Repuyan said. He stopped running with her, limited his walking and had trouble jumping on the bed. He started going gray and when he tore a
ligament, developed weight problems. Repuyan and her husband had two children and it seemed to depress Tucker, she said. They rescued Phoebe, a small, young dog that brought Tucker out of his funk. However, Tucker now sees the vet more often, gets a supplement for arthritis and is no longer allowed on the stairs. “It’s not so much that pets are living longer than their life expectancy, although they are, but we are taking better care of them and they are surviving longer. Sixty is the new 40 is true for pets,” said Fadra Nally, a writer and blogger from Raleigh, N.C. Nally figures large dogs should be old at 8 and small dogs and cats old at 9 or 10. Tracie Hotchner of Bennington, Vt., author of “The Dog Bible” and “The Cat Bible,” believes the AVMA’s numbers are right. “It raises people’s awareness of the need to get more frequent and more thorough wellness checks,” she said. “Not enough people respect the fairly serious physical changes that take place in older cats and dogs and the kind of preventive care that’s available.” Dogs don’t have middle age, she said. At 6 or 7, pets can experience kidney failure, digestion problems, arthritis, obesity, teeth trouble or other ailments that can be treated. Hotchner has two older dogs with knee problems. They had surgeries, are on medication and undergoing stem cell therapy harvested from their own belly fat, she said. The quality of their lives has been extended decisively because of those things, she said.
Take Your Dog to Paradise! • Cage-free Kennels • Dog-Park atmosphere • A/C in Summer • Heated in Winter • Most breeds accepted • Licensed and very affordable! • Pick up and drop off service available
Free Range Dog Boarding & Day Care Come Let Your Dog Run With The Pack! 4821 Green Mountain Rd., Kalama, WA 98625
360.601.3570 ParadiseDogRanch.com www.facebook.com/theparadisedogranch 23
Can parents change their stripes? ... Views from a parenting researcher By Jeremy Olson Star Tribune
Sure research can define the best parenting. But what good does that do for parents who have already been raising kids for years — even if they recognize that they should be doing things differently? To put it another way, can parents change their stripes? It’s a question I put to University of New Hampshire researcher Rick Trinkner, who published a study last week finding that delinquency was less common among kids with “authoritative” parents than it was among kids with domineering “authoritarian” parents. (Delinquency wasn’t more common among kids with pushover “permissive” parents, but his research raised concerns with that parenting style as well.) A change of parenting style probably won’t help when it comes to certain aspects of kids’ lives, such as the clothes they wear, he said. But when it comes to preventing delinquent actions (drinking, vandalism) a switch to an authoritative approach could be meaningful. Authoritative parenting involves setting boundaries, but not with a “my way or the highway attitude.” It requires parents to explain the reasons behind their rules and to hear out their kids’ concerns. More from Trinkner: “If parents want to change their 24
behavior, they should take some time to think about what domains their children will be more likely to respond positively to, in terms of exerting more authoritative authority. This would make it easier for the parents. To put it more simply, pick your battles. Some battles it will matter if you use an authoritative style, while other battles it
Trinkner said this is a losing battle, because kids don’t recognize their parents as authorities over their general social media usage. The exception is in cases of cyberbullying when parents do play a role in protecting their children from harm. But that wasn’t the situation with this dad, who should have redirected his frustration, Trinkner
“Authoritative parents ... not only dictate their needs, wants, desires, anxieties to their children, but they also give their children the opportunity to express their own needs, wants, desires, anxieties. This way, the children feel that they are getting a voice — they are getting a chance to explain their side of the story.”
probably won’t really matter what style you use because the child doesn’t believe you have a legitimate role as an authority regardless of what you say/do.” The recent viral web sensation in which the dad who gunned down his daughter’s laptop because his daughter complained on Facebook about chores.
concluded: “In this case, the father is probably picking a losing battle because his daughter most likely doesn’t believe he has any authority to determine what she can and cannot say on her own Facebook page. Rather than focusing on what his daughter says on Facebook, the father should instead have focused on being an
authoritative parent in terms of her housework/chores.” That means, spending time telling his daughter to do chores and explaining why they are important. Becoming this kind of parent isn’t easy, Trinkner said: “In many cases, a parent may need to question or be introspective about some of their core assumptions about the parentchild relationship. Authoritative parents recognize that their children are becoming autonomous and try to interact with their children within this understanding; authoritarian parents either do not realize or refuse to recognize this and instead try to exert their control through “brute” force. Before a parent can even begin to try to change their actual behavior in terms of moving toward an authoritative style, they first need to examine their beliefs concerning how they should be interacting with their children.” In the end, most parents use all three styles Trinkner evaluated in his research. Authoritative parents, for example, may be much more forceful about issues of illicit drug use. Trinkner challenged parents to observe situations when they used different parenting styles, and to evaluate which ones were successful. Listening is a key. “Authoritative parents ... not only dictate their needs, wants, desires, anxieties to their children, but they also give their children the opportunity to express their own needs, wants, desires, anxieties. This way, the children feel that they are getting a voice — they are getting a chance to explain their side of the story. People (not just children) get irritated when they feel they don’t have a way to express their side of the story. ... The big thing to remember is that just because authoritative parents give their children a voice ... this doesn’t mean that the parents have to agree with their children, nor does this mean that the parents have to not enforce the rules. If parents did that, they would probably be falling into a permissive style which isn’t very beneficial either.”
Join us on FACEBOOK
Three Vancouver Locations Grand Central - 360.718.7015 Salmon Creek - 360.546.1929 • Fisher’s Landing - 360.882.8962
WWW.WHENTHESHOEFITS.COM 25
Q&A
Living with children By John Rosemond
Q:Our 4-year-old daughter goes to the bathroom frequently during the day. Sometimes, she will go into the bathroom, pee, come out, and go back in again within Question: My 12-year-old daughter minutes. Her need — if that’s the right thinks she’s old enough to set her own word — increases when we put her in her bedtime. We told her that we want her in room for time-out, during nap time in the bed, lights out, by 9:30 on weeknights and afternoon, and after we put her to bed at 10 on non-school nights. This really isn’t night. Her pediatrician has ruled out a working, however, as she continues to try urinary tract problem. How do you recto stay up later. In one of your books, you ommend handling this? describe a system for letting teenagers A:I’m glad you told me her physician earn their curfew. Can we use a similar has ruled out a urinary tract problem system for bedtime? because I wouldn’t have given you advice otherwise. This isn’t the first time parAnswer:Curfew and bedtime are ents have described this problem with a horses of two different colors. The forgirl this age. Odd, for sure, but nearly all mer involves safety, peer group, maturity young children do odd things of one sort and responsibility issues that are not or another, and one or two odd things involved, or as involved, as regards beddoes not make a odd child. The sometime. For that reason, I would not advise what selective nature of the problem tells using an approach similar to the curfew me this is a tad manipulative. system that I describe in my book “TeenTell your daughter that if she has to Proofing.” go to the bathroom more than once durI generally recommend that parents Courtesy photo ing her nap time, that you have to move set no specific bedtime for a child 12 her bedtime back one hour that evening years of age or older; rather, they simply (notice the margin of error). Otherwise, I insist that after a certain time — say, recommend that you completely — and I 9 p.m. — the child is on non-punitive mean COMPLETELY — ignore her need restriction to her room. Assuming that child’s room is cleansed and the “old” she does not make it difficult for other bedtime is enforced for at least a month, to be in frequent contact with white family members to get a decent night’s but no more than two months. Then par- porcelain during normal waking hours. With dispassionate enforcement on your sleep, the youngster can stay up as late as ents replace the distractions and let the she wants. However, if getting up in the child determine her own bedtime again. part, the naptime urges should disappear morning and getting ready for school, My experience is that the “punishment” within a couple of weeks. When you think that part of the probchurch or whatever become problematic, doesn’t have to be used more than twice lem has been solved, use a similar apthen the parents go back to enforcing a before the problem is solved. proach concerning her bedtime urges. specific, and relatively early, bedtime. In This approach helps the pre-teen or Tell her that if she goes to the bathroom that unfortunate event, they also remove young teen see the lifelong relationship more than once after being put to bed, distracting electronic devices — cell between freedom (what this age child you will move her bedtime back an hour phones, computers and the like — from wants most) and responsible behavior the next night. If my experience serves the child’s room so that she can fall (what parents want most from this age me well, that approach — ignoring and a asleep more easily and get the sleep she child). To maintain or gain more freemild consequence — should clear up her obviously needs. dom, the child begins to act more reurinary tract hyperactivity in short order. If that step needs to be taken, then the sponsibly. Win-win! McClatchy Newspapers
LOCAL FEATURES LOCAL Weather LOCAL Voices 26
tdn.com/lifestyles tdn.com/weather tdn.com/news/opinion
Follow TDN.com on Facebook & Twitter for breaking news
Ask Mr. Dad: Is there intelligent life in your living room?
Dear Mr. Dad: started reading This might sound signs on stores we silly, but is there were driving by. some way to tell if n regularly my daughter is a questions authorgenius? She’s only ity. This doesn’t 7 but I think she’s necessarily mean a lot smarter than she has no respect I am. for authority, just A: As parents, that she asks a lot we’re always worof really tough ried about how our questions. kids are doing, and n is easily there’s no shortage bored. of information on n is incredibly warning signs of curious and abBy Armin Brott some terrible consorbs new inforMcClatchy-Tribune News Service dition, or red flags mation the first that might inditime she hears it. cate something n likes to colelse. But it’s pretty rare to read about lect, organize, compare and contrast. signs that our kids might be above averIf a few of the above are true for your age instead of below. child, it’s probably worth getting her You’d think it would be a you-knowtested. it-when-you-see-it kind of thing. And Okay, assuming your daughter is reit can be. Sometimes. In England, a ally, really smart. Now what? Here are a 4-year-old girl was recently accepted few ways you can nurture andencourage into Mensa (mensa.org) — a society of her intelligence even if she is the smartgeniuses. Officially, one has to be a teen- est person in the room — including you. ager to get accepted, but this little girl’s n Read. Talk about the stories, the IQ came in at 159 (Einstein and Stephen subplots in the illustrations. Encourage Hawking just squeaked past her at 160). her imagination by asking her to make up By age 2 she had taught herself to add another story using the same characters. and subtract and was reading elementary n Minimize exposure to “educational” school books. videos or “brain-building” games Cases like this are quite rare. And I’d — most of which are neither. What she bet that for every one of them, there are really needs is live interactions with at least 10 kids who are just as smart but other people. whose high intelligence goes unnoticed n Talk about everything and anybecause they’re bored out of their minds thing. Ask a lot of questions and listen and spend their time screwing around to the answers. You’ll probably learn instead of working. something. Things like, “What would So what are the “warning” signs of happen if we dropped this uncooked extreme intelligence? Here are a few egg on the rug?” “What about if we indicators suggested by the American tossed it out a car window while we’re Association of Gifted Children (aagc. driving?” org). Your daughter may be a genius (IQ n Don’t push too hard — or too little. of 140+), or just gifted (IQ of 110-140) if On one hand you don’t want her to burn she: out. On the other, a brilliant child who’s n seems much more mature than lazy will eventually be left in the dust by other kids her age. a plain, old bright kid who works hard. n has trouble interacting with her n Be the adult. Yes, your child may be agemates and prefers to hang out with smarter than you, but she still needs your older kids or adults. help navigating the world. Hopefully n developed language skills early. you’ve got more knowledge and common That could have shown up as skipping sense. the babytalk and going straight to full sentences, or teaching herself to read. My Read Armin’s blog at DadSoup.com, send middle daughter scared me half to death email to armin@mrdad.com, and follow him on Twitter @mrdad when, at the ripe young age of 3, she
It’s New... It’s Exciting... It’s a
Martial Arts
Birthday Party We do all the work invitations, party favors, prizes and clean up .
You have all the fun!
Call today to schedule your FREE class.
360.577.8323 1236 14th Ave. • Longview, WA 98632 27
The Parent ’Hood
Liking the parents, but not their kid By Heidi Stevens Chicago Tribune
Your friends’ child is very badly behaved. Do you say anything to correct the kid when the parents are present?
Parent advice (from our panel of staff contributors): Of course the parents already know their kid is a nightmare. Will raising the issue change anything? Nope. So keep quiet. To raise the issue will just be rubbing it in. If possible, get together with the pal at night when the little horror show is at home with a baby-sitter. —Ellen Warren I wait for the other kid’s parent to take the lead when something goes wrong, and if they don’t, I don’t mind getting the little tyke’s attention and saying, “Durwood, the hunting knives should stay at home, buddy.” I think it’s good to put the attention on certain behaviors and actions instead of criticizing the kid. —Michael Zajakowski I have been a wimp about this and not told a few people how unpleasant it was to be around their children. The consequence: I don’t get together with those friends much anymore, which is a sad reality. Although in a couple of cases, the difference in parenting approaches pointed out major differences between these friends and me, so a distancing may have happened eventually anyway. —Dodie Hofstetter
Expert advice: “The first thing you need to do is figure out what you’re reacting to,” says clinical psychologist Roni CohenSandler, author of “I’m Not Mad, I Just Hate You! A New Understanding of Mother-Daughter Conflict” (Penguin). Is the problem child’s behavior simply annoying (bosses your kid around) or 28
Courtesy photo
downright dangerous (tries to light your kid’s hair on fire)? Does he remind you of a kid (or possibly a sibling) who really got under your skin when you were younger? Are you worried his habits will rub off on your child? “Parents have to realize that when you have a close relationship with your child and your child knows what your values are, based on what you say and what you do,” Cohen-Sandler says, “there’s very little chance your child will be led astray by some peer and do something completely antithetical to your values or their values. That’s really rare.” Still, if the behavior repeatedly tests your patience and your boundaries — and it’s happening in your house — you’re well within your rights to rein in their child. “I think it’s best to just say something directly to the kid and make less of a big deal out of it,” Cohen-Sandler says. “’Hey, guys, no jumping on the couch,’ in a nice, friendly voice. Parents tend to feel very defensive about their kids so I
think it’s better to just make less of an issue with a quick, ’We don’t do that here.’ Very casual. Very quick.” If that approach isn’t making a dent in the behavior, it may be time to approach your pals, the parents. But frame your concern as a self-centered one, not a judgment on their parenting style. “Put it on yourself,” Cohen-Sandler says. “’You know, your son might calm down very quickly after (jumping on the couch, chasing the cat around the house, etc.), but mine can’t, and I wonder if we did such and such if that would work better.’ So it’s not that your friend has a bad kid, but that it’s not working for your kid. “Think how you would feel if your friend said something to you about your style as a parent or your kid’s behavior,” she says. “Try to avoid, in your mind and in your words, this sort of good versus bad. It either works for your kid or it doesn’t work for your kid, and that’s where your focus needs to be.”
Your 5-year-old is suddenly wetting the bed at night. Is this cause for concern?
How to handle a tot’s sudden bed-wetting
it wants to empty but the brain fails to either wake you up or send the signal to the bladder to stay Parent advice closed. The signal (from our panel of gets sent, but it staff contributors): doesn’t get reIf the child ceived.” has been reliably Root out posdry for a couple sible causes. If of years and is the bed-wetting now wetting the is happening bed, I’d rule out after months or medical issues years of nightfirst (those urinary time dryness, the tract infections deep sleep could are a headache, be brought on by especially for life stressors — By Heidi Stevens girls), then look to trouble at school, Chicago Tribune emotional upsets. a new sibling, (I’m sure you’d an illness, says know if there’s a Danuloff. You new sibling in the house, but there may may not be able to eliminate the source be something at school.) And don’t over- of stress, but knowing what’s triggerreact to an occasional accident, which ing the change in sleep patterns can give is easy for me to say, since my kids are you some idea whether the bed-wetting grown and not using my bedding anyneeds medical attention. more. Comfort your child. “When a bed—Maureen Hart wetting incident occurs, this is a time when the child will most likely feel embarrassed and down,” says Trachtenberg. Expert advice “It’s important for parents to keep up a “Bed-wetters of all ages suffer more positive attitude, as this will help keep than their parents or pediatrician may their child’s self-confidence and selfknow,” says clinical psychologist Lyle esteem up.” Danuloff. “Children as young as 5 often Skip the lectures. “All you need to live with feelings of fear of discovery, say to your child is ’Let’s get you up and shame, low self-esteem and feeling difchange the sheets and make sure you ferent.” don’t go to school stinky,’” says Danuloff. So address the issue, by all means. But “Don’t criticize your child. Don’t shame address it with care and patience. your child.” “Bed-wetting is not anyone’s fault,” Seek treatment ... If the problem persays Danuloff, who works as a consulsists and no underlying medical issue, tant with the Michigan-based Enuresis such as a urinary tract infection, is idenTreatment Center, a facility that helps tified, you may want to enlist the help of patients overcome chronic bed-wetting a treatment center, such as Danuloff’s through sleep studies and other exer(nobedwetting.com), which works with cises. “Our findings point to a deep sleep patients all over the world. that prevents the brain from responding ... or ride it out. “It’s been found that 5 to the bladder’s signal.” to 7 million children over the age of 5 still Danuloff and pediatrician Jennifer wet the bed,” says Trachtenberg. “That Trachtenberg recommend these steps: number continues to decrease by about Call your doctor. “I always recom15 percent each year without any real inmend visiting a physician for evaluatervention.” tion,” says Trachtenberg. “Medical issues including urinary tract infection, diabeHave a solution? Your son’s lifelong best friend tes and constipation may be the cause.” is two years older. Now that they’re 12 and Understand the brain’s role. “In 99 percent of all bed-wetting cases — based 14, two years seems like a decade. How can you help? Email us at parenthood@tribune. upon our research of tens of thousands of documented cases — the root cause is com. Find “The Parent ’Hood” page on Facesleeping so deeply,” says Danuloff. “The book, where you can post parenting questions bladder sends the signal to the brain that and offer solutions for others to try.
GYMNASTICS 4U
Recreational and Competitive Gymnastics and Cheer for boys and girls. Serving Cowlitz County for 11 years and going strong. Tidal Pool Preschool with the uniqueness of gymnastics lessons weekly for gross motor development. The only true Spring Floor in Cowlitz County for safety while performing Cheer and Gymnastics Skills. USAG and USASF Certified Instructors Summer Camps for cheer, gymnastics and movement.
KELSO.
WASHINGTON
1323 S. 13th Kelso, WA 98626 360-575-9499 360-751-4966
gymnastics4u@q.com www.gymnastics4u.com 29
Some stores, workplaces becoming more pet friendly By Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki Detroit Free Press
Partridge Creek mall store owners enjoy its dog-friendly policy almost as much as the dog owners who shop there. “People really enjoy it, it brings more customers in,” said Cory Hardy of Bears & Buddies, who often takes his two dogs, a Chihuahua and a puggle, to work with him at the Clinton Township, Mich., establishment. Today, dogs are welcome at places that were off limits to pets just a few years ago. No one is keeping track of the number of dog-friendly employers, but taking Fido to work and elsewhere appears to be a growing trend. The Mall at Partridge Creek has been dog friendly since it opened almost five years ago. The concept is so successful that Taubman Centers, which owns the mall, plans to open two more dog-friendly malls, in Utah and Missouri. Google’s Ann Arbor, Mich., office is dog friendly, as are all Google offices. The same is true at Amazon.com’s Seattle offices. Dog-friendly stores dot downtown Birmingham, Mich. The companies see it as an employee-friendly move that also is good for business. Julie Capp, owner of J’s Silkscreens in Eastpointe, Mich., takes her lab and labmixes to work every day. “Almost all my customers love them,” Capp said. “They give an ambience to the shop as a friendly place.” The trend is fueled by the growing research into the health benefits of pets, said Patricia Olson, chief veterinary adviser for the American Humane Association. “The research is pretty compelling,” Olson said. Pets, she said, provide social capital. “Social capital brings us pleasure and a feeling of wellness,” Olson said. “And that’s animals. Even if I don’t have one, I may get social capital from having animals in a community.” A Virginia Commonwealth University study published March 30 tested employees at Replacements.com in Greensboro, N.C., to see the effect of dogs on workers. 30
32 percent said they would take a pay cut if they could take their pet to work. The survey found 49 percent would Take Your Dog to Work Day switch jobs to take their pet to work; 70 percent said a dog-friendly work place is Pet Sitters International has sponsored an important employee benefit. the day since 1999, encouraging On any given day, five or six dogs are in the Farmington Hills, Mich., offices of employers to allow pets in the Marx Layne, a public relations firm. workplace for one summer Friday. “It’s part of the overall feel we want to create; we want people to feel comfortable when they come to work,” said JenThe goal is to boost employee morale and promote animal adoption nifer Cherry, senior vice president. The company has allowed pets for more than and support for shelters and animal five years. “Pets are our family, they make rescue groups. people relax. Pets make people happy.” There are anywhere from three to five dogs each day at Summit Sports in For information, go to Bloomfield Hills, Mich., which has alwww.takeyourdog.com. lowed employees to bring dogs for about two years. “I think it’s a huge stress-reliever for a lot of people to be able to pet a dog or be The company has allowed dogs at work greeted by a dog,” said Alisa Robison, difor 15 years. Roughly 20 dogs are at the rector of employee morale. “Some of our company on any given day. non-dog owners will take a dog for a walk The employees with dogs said their during the day, just for a little stress relief.” stress decreased as the workday proWalking a dog for a few minutes “beats gressed, said management professor a smoking break,” Robison said. Randolph Barker who headed the study. People with pets say they are happier Those without dogs said their stress inwhen they can take their pet with them, creased. and many shopping areas find customers Replacements.com employees both like a dog-friendly atmosphere. with and without dogs reported a higher Biggby Coffee in downtown Birminglevel of job satisfaction and employer supham has a bowl of dog treats near its door port than those in dog-free businesses, Barker said. They also found the dogs ap- so customers can grab a coffee and a treat for their pooch. peared to increase employee interaction “Birmingham is a walking community and communication. and dogs are an important part of people’s “This might provide a low-cost welllives,” said owner Rose Glendinning. “The ness program for people that could dogs definitely know there are dog treats provide potentially stress reduction and perhaps increase job satisfaction,” Barker here.” Mikayla Jidas drives from Clarkston to said. Not everyone wants Fido around. Even Partridge Creek because she can take her chocolate lab, Benilli, with her. supporters such as Google acknowledge “It makes me feel better to know that they have dog-free areas for people who I can take him instead of leaving him have allergies, who dislike or are afraid of home,” Jidas said. dogs or are not comfortable with dogs. “We’ve always been a family-oriented “There’s a balancing act that compacenter and pets are part of family,” said nies have to go through,” Barker said. mall general manager Steve Berlow. “PerA Dogster.com and Simplyhired.com fect strangers, if they each have a dog, it’s online survey found that 66 percent of dog owners would work longer hours and an immediate conversation.”
June 22:
Pudgy pets are problematic
G
abby doesn’t exactly walk anymore, she sort of ambulates on her daily strolls. As she moves, her “love handles” sway from
side to side. Shamefully, we have to admit that we can no longer pass her undulating fat rolls off as rippling hind-quarter muscles. Our rescued Jack Russell terrier was a trim and svelte 16 pounds when we got her about seven years ago from a foster home near Dayton where she landed after being found running loose along a busy highway. Today, as an elder dog, she weighs about 20 pounds. For a dog her size, each pound she gained equates to about 20 pounds on an average woman who is 5 feet, 4 inches tall. We cheered when Gabby’s doctor told us she had lost four ounces since her weigh-in last September, as trivial as that might seem. We were content that she hadn’t gained weight. In her defense (as well as our own), I have to say that for an 11- or 12-yearold dog, she does very well. Although she takes daily medication for a chronic illness that gives her a ravenous appetite, the added bulk doesn’t seem to slow her down. Gabby’s doctors have never expressed much concern over her weight but we know we need to watch what she eats, even when she pleads for more food with those big brown eyes. We aren’t alone when it comes to overfeeding our pet. Apparently as Americans, we don’t seem to understand that we are killing our pets with kindness by giving in when they want more. Pet obesity is becoming an epidemic in America, according to a report from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention based on the findings of its fifth annual veterinary survey. The results, issued earlier this month, noted that 94 million animals — 53 percent of adult
dogs and 55 percent of cats — are classified as obese or overweight according to veterinarians. But the fact that many people seem unaware that their pets are overweight is called the “most distressing” finding in the survey, with 22 percent of dog owners and 15 percent of cat owners saying their overweight animals are fine. And although almost 95 percent of surveyed pet owners recognize that obesity is a problem, the number of obese pets continues to grow, according to the APOP. “We’ve made fat pets the new normal,” said the agency’s president and founder, veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward. Obesity is now the leading health threat of pets, he said. The simple truth is, being overweight has caused many of the same health problems in animals as it has in their human counterparts. Arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and kidney disease cause pets untold misery and cost pet owners millions of dollars in medical bills each year. “The reality is that most of these cases could be avoided simply by preventing weight gain and shedding excess pounds,” Ward said. The APOP advises that an owner’s best tool to fight against obesity is a measuring cup. Unfortunately, most pet owners don’t use one and many don’t even know how much food they should be feeding their pets, anyway. To assist owners, the APOP has devised a weight translator to help people understand their pet’s weight by comparing a human’s weight gain to an animal’s. To find your pet’s optimum weight, go to www.petobesityprevention.com/pet-weight-translator. You will also be able to find information on the safest ways to help your pets lose excess baggage. In the end, the advice is the same for pets and their humans: Eat less and exercise more. — By Kathy Antoniotti / Akron Beacon Journal
Handmade Amish Furniture Good examples have twice the value of good advice.
Beautiful handmade Amish Toys & Games for your Little One Visit our showroom today!
Store Open 10-6 • Mon. - Sat.
74447 Larson Rd • Rainier, OR
503.556.2675
West on Hwy 30th 1st Left, top of Hill 2 miles look for the Black Buggy sign (1 mile past Hudson Park)
www.blackbuggyfurniture.com
Ocean Beach Animal Hospital
www.vcaoceanbeach.com 4011 Ocean Beach Hwy • Longview WA • 360-425-0850
31
Without dogs, how would we get rid of that new car smell?
Dog TesTeD, Dog ApproveD!
BUD CLARY budclarysubaru BUDCLARY.
WWW . WWW.
COM .cOM
Bud Clary SuBaru 800-899-1926 • Local 360-423-1700 961 Commerce Avenue • Longview, WA
WWW.budCLArysubAru.Com 32
436183
LONGVIEW