Also this month:
*
NC A&T Food Scientist Explains Irradiation
*
Encroaching Urban Areas Can Equal Success to Area Farmers
* USDA
Administrator Visits NC A&T Campus
*
NC A&T Landscape Architecture Receives Grant, Coordinates Symposium
* The Science
of a Science Fair Project
Other News Links:
Press Release Archive
Cooperative Extension
Press Releases
Agricultural Research
Press Releases
General Links:
NC A&T School of Agriculture
Agricultural Communications
Mitch Arnold, news editor
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Greensboro, NC: The holiday season is traditionally
a time for families to hit the road. While road conditions and traffic
can create travel stress, so too can children if their needs are not accommodated.
However, with a few minor adjustments, parents can help ensure that what's
going on inside the car doesn't add stress to the situation.
"Traveling with children can be an enjoyable and adventurous experience,"
said Dr. Shirley Rouse, a 4-H and youth development specialist in North
Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program.
"However, if informed and wise planning have not taken place prior
to starting the trip, traveling with children can be extremely stressful,
and could contribute to a car accident."
According to Rouse, by increasing awareness of, and planning for a child's
needs, parents can enhance the safety and enjoyment of traveling with their
children.
Discipline is mentioned by Rouse to be a priority, especially when traveling
with more than one child.
"Since disruptive behavior in a car is a common childhood problem,
insist upon strict discipline," said Rouse, who adds that discipline
becomes more important in correlation with larger numbers of children.
"Establish rules and consequences, and follow them."
Rouse suggests that parents address the discipline problem by planning
entertainment for their children.
"Pack appropriate car games for your children," Rouse states.
"Engage children in activities which will involve the entire family,
such as name, number and billboard games, and singing. If a child prefers
to play alone, let them bring toys or a handheld computer game."
Though parents are often anxious to get to their destination, and are therefore
reluctant to take travel breaks, Rouse suggests that frequent stops can
make traveling with children more enjoyable.
"Stop often to allow children to release stored energy and to provide
an opportunity for bathroom visits," said Rouse. "Before stopping,
inform them how long the break will be."
Safety is another issue which must be addressed when traveling with children.
Rouse offers these safety-enhancing guidelines:
- when stopping, insist that adults exit the car first, so they can check
for oncoming traffic and other hazards. Children tend to run immediately
to release energy.
- to guard against catching fingers in doors, insist that doors be closed
by adults.
- seat belts and child car safety devices should be used, and used appropriately.
Check the instructions accompanying the device or car for guidelines.
According to Rouse, parents should also be aware of, and accommodate
any special needs their child may have, such as special diets and medication,
and susceptibility to motion sickness.
"Take just a little time to consider the needs of your children,"
Rouse suggests to parents. "A little planning before the trip can
eliminate big problems down the road."
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For more information, please contact Dr. Shirley Rouse, NC A&T Cooperative
Extension Program, (910) 334-7956.
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