InfoGuide4Parents.com

Austin is a great place for families. All year round the city is full of events that cater to its citizens young and old. One of the most popular destinations is First Thursdays on South Congress Avenue where once a month the shops stay open late and the entire street becomes a pedestrian friendly party that the whole family can enjoy. The South Congress Area (or SoCo as it is now called) has long had a reputation for its eclectic shops, art galleries, and restaurants. On First Thursday, everything stays open until 10pm on South Congress between Riverside Drive and Ben White Boulevard.

If you have never checked your kid’s cell phone messages, history or voicemail, or internet history, you should. In this technologically advanced time, kids are catching on to the tricks and clicks that erase their communication tracks.

When spouses are cheating or engaging in behaviors that they do not want anyone to find out about, what do they do? They erase phone calls, emails, text messages and begin to stay away from home longer than they had previously. Kid’s behavior, if you are paying attention, that are doing things they don’t want parents to find out about looks frighteningly like a cheating spouse.

Todd Sampson is six years old. He lives with his father, mother, and ten-year-old sister. Todd presents serious behavior management problems to his family.

He is active and distractible. He frequently gets into things he has been told not to play with and he must be nagged continually to pick up things in his room.

Todd throws at least one temper tantrum per day when he becomes frustrated or does not get his way. He tends to embarrass his parents when out in a restaurant or grocery store by running, touching and demanding things, or whining.

As a parent, you are likely to be one of the first to recognize when your child may have a serious emotional or behavioral problem. What do you do first? What if someone you consulted has recommended that your child be hospitalized in a psychiatric facility?

Before doing anything else, gently engage your child in a dialogue about his or her feelings. You should also discuss your concerns with your kids teachers, coaches, school counselors or any other adults who may know him or her well. In many circumstances, this alone may be sufficient to begin the process of a sound resolution to the problem without more serious interventions, like hospitalization.

You will no doubt have the need for a babysitter at some time or another. It is critical to know that the sitter you choose is someone you can trust. If the babysitter is only for a few hours you maybe able to rely on references, but if the sitter is long term a more detailed investigation is in order.

Do a thorough background check on all permanent babysitting candidates.
Before you even consider hiring someone to sit with your child, conduct a thorough background check on them. There are numerous agencies who will do this at a small price. Choose a reputable one. Make it known to all candidates that a background check will be conducted. If they are serious they will understand. Be aware of those who object.