Seven year old Charlie Simpson from London saw the images from Haiti on television and decided to do something about it. Charlie launched his efforts with a simple message: “My name is Charlie Simpson, I want to do a sponsored bike ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have lost their lives. I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti.” Now everyone from the Prime Minister to Simon Cowell have recognized him for his efforts. What started out as a simple bike ride to raise a little money has turned into almost $300,000 for UNICEF through his fundraising page. This inspires me to do much, much more for others and instill this same spirit of love in my own young children. 
Even young children can be profoundly depressed
A sad but important reminder to take signs of childhood depression seriously. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Montana Lance in The Colony.
WebSafety
The misuse and abuse of technology is rampant among kids. I see the effects regularly in my office. Cyber bulling, sexting, pornography, sexual solicitations & texting while driving are common. An Irving based company thinks they have found a solution. I agree and when my kids are old enough for mobile phones I’ll be a card carrying member of WebSafety.
Why are kids more depressed?
Kids are more depressed, anxious, and possess more antisocial attitudes than they did during The Great Depression. At least 5 to 6 times more likely than kids during the late 1930’s. And it has nothing to do with the economy. For one, kids are more aware and educated about mental health issues but you could possibly guess all the other reasons. Instant gratification, 24/7 access to social media, technology, reality tv, and celebrity saturation…
Every waking moment
A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation finally proves what many parents have been saying to their kids for years. Children ages 8-18 are spending virtually every waking moment on electronic devices when they are not in school. 7.5 hours to be exact. Due to their ability to multitask they actually pack 10 hours and 45 minutes of media content into that 7.5 hours. Compared to 5 years ago kids are spending an hour more per day on electronics such as smart phones, computers, tv, and video games. And this does not count the 1.5 hours kids spent texting on their phones or the half hour they spent talking on it. The researchers were shocked because five years ago they believed use could not get any higher and that youths had hit a ceiling. Wrong! Forty seven percent of the heaviest media users had grades that were “C” or lower, described themselves as bored and sad, got into trouble, had trouble getting along with their parents, and did not like school.
We apologize for our e-mail problems
For some reason we have been experiencing serious technical issues with our email server as of late. I am working to resolve the issue with our Internet Service Provider and Domain Hosting Site. If you have not been able to reach us via email or have not received a response from us we are sorry because we more than likely did not get it. Again, we apologize and will post an update when it has been resolved. In the meantime you can email me at [email protected] and Catherine at [email protected] to reach us until the other email issues are resolved. Catherine can always be reached directly at 972-313-0505. Thank you for your understanding and patience!
Antidepressants
The latest research on antidepressants. In a nutshell without counseling and lifestyle changes, most of the time medication won’t “cure” the problem alone.
Happy New Year
Some of us start resolutions on January 1st but you can start a resolution any day of the year. Personally, I am starting mine on January 8th which is my Mom’s birthday. She died this past September. If you need a few ideas consider some of these.
1) Turn off the TV
2) Check your email one time per day or better yet one time per week 
3) Stop surfing the Internet aimlessly (e.g. FaceBook) and instead read 2 good books each month
4) Volunteer
5) Play with each of your children individually 20 minutes per day
6) Listen to your spouse 20 minutes per day
7) Practice random acts of kindness at least one time per week
8) Exercise 30 minutes per day
9) Pray
10. Smile
The Reason for the Season
Although this time of year is busy for most families consider taking time out with your children to give back and teach them the real reason for the season. You can volunteer your time or donate during the Holidays at Christian Community Action by helping to provide food or toys to deserving children and families. Or donate to dozens of other worthy, local charities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Merry Christmas!
