Thoughts about kids and hand helds

I have been thinking about the kids I see entranced with hand held games..sometimes those who feel less comfortable in 'real' situations of socialization, family interactions etc. find solace and a 'place to be' in those hand held games. They are not sitting off to the side, either being ignored, insulted or scolded. They are part of the action, and in some ways, controlling it. I fear for those kids and how they will learn to manage well in real society. Thoughts? DrL

South Florida Class Size Quandry

I have been reading the news about Broward and Palm Beach County schools in the vise with regard to class size and budget. Either way, meet them, or not, there is money involved. Does it seem contradictory to measure the vaule of effective education by dollars? Or is this where we are as a society? When children are not educated with regard to the basics, including critical thinking skills, we as a society pay the price in many ways. What do you think? DrL

Crisis in Our Schools

There has been violence in our schools, yet what has happened lately in this area seems to be taking it to a new and horrific level. The burning of a boy and the stomping/beating of a young girl take my breath away. Is there concern about these kinds of events, what about the parents who send their children to school to learn, how are they taking it? What are your thoughts. DrL

Gaming isolation and abuse

Last night a Mom spoke with me about her son who games, eats, games and refuses to leave the house for anything. He lacks all human contact out of the house and considers that his post high school life is complete. Does this seem to be a trend with others, what age brackets are being affected? Is this a new 'normal'?

children and preoccupation with handheld games etc

I was thinking today about the "craze" around hand held activities that seem to be distracting, and sometimes consuming our youth. Is anyone concerned about the by products of this focus? What do you think? DrL

Issues of abuse

Just thinking today...how many homes have turmoil due to abuse of something....is it just our normal, and we live with it, or are we allowed to desire change and improvement in that setting? What do you think? DrL