This guy is a second-grade teacher, and he has this picture hanging in his classroom as a behavioral motivator. I actually just made that up, but wouldn’t it be funny?

Statue Fun is a post from: The Inquisitr

Yes, pot smoking and drinking teens are the newest scourge of our society because they seem to think that they can go where ever they want and pollute the space with pot smoke and empty bottle with no sense of recourse for those of us that are looking for a nice place to wander.

It is even worse when that place is a nice and quiet bit of forest but the council of Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough in England have hit upon a rather unique solution.

Pig manure.

Yup, that’s right folks they have rescued the woodlands from those marauding bands of rotten kids by spreading a liberal layer of pig manure in the woods themselves.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: “Following complaints, an inspection of the area revealed it was being used to drink alcohol and take drugs, as paraphernalia known as ‘bongs’ were found.

“The Neighbourhood Safety Team commissioned the Area Care Service to cut back trees and thinned out the area to make it clearly visible from a footpath. The area care staff also provided and spread the pig manure.”

via Darlington and Stocton Times

Now I’ve lived near pig farms in my youth and I gotta say I’m not sure I would be so enthusiastic over having to smell that acrid tear inducing odor – especially on a hot summer day.

Secret weapon to stop pot smoking teens from invading the woods – pig manure is a post from: The Inquisitr

You’d step in front of a bus for your future children, but you have to draw the line somewhere.

Blankie Rage is a post from: The Inquisitr

Pretty much almost always when there is something unsaved and or irretrievable on the screen.

Babies Vs. Laptops is a post from: The Inquisitr

The latest Barbie doll comes with tattoos across her left arm, neck and chest, something that has apparently prompted an outrage amongst parents. Because hey, Barbie was always such an amazing role model for young girls.

The new, limited edition Barbie is the work of Mattel and Italy-based brand Tokidoki and sells for $50. She sports a pink bob, leopard print leggings, a dog called ‘Bastardino’ and tattoos. Supposedly, this has invited the wrath of parents across the land.

Yet are the irate parents really out there, or are they a media fabrication?

Well, they do exist. But this Daily Mail piece resorts to hunting around obscure websites for “tweenage” girls, just to locate a negative opinion about Barbie’s new body art. None of the usual ‘experts’ are wheeled out to offer an opinion, and that’s probably because – like the rest of us – they don’t see this as A Big Deal.

This greater acceptance of an inked Barbie is probably down to the fact Mattel has already manufactured a tatted Barbie. In 1999, Butterfly Art Barbie was withdrawn from stores after parents complained. In 2009, the company released Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie, a doll with removable sticker tattoos that some people found a tittersome use for. When people complained about the latter, Mattel stuck to its guns.

In the case of 2009 Barbie, the Mail at least trotted out a so-called expert who droned a bit about how childrens’ play habits were becoming sexualized. But in 2011, nobody with a brain still located on Earth seriously believes a doll with tattoos is an issue.

Barbie Tattoos Lead to Predictable Media Hysteria, World to End Soon is a post from: The Inquisitr

As a parent, what topics are difficult to discuss with your teens? Perhaps the traditionally touchy subjects like drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex?

A research conducted by a partnership between WebMD and Sanford Health revealed that being overweight is a more difficult topic for parents to discuss with their teens. One in 20 parents of teens said that they are struggling with the subject of drugs, alcohol, smoking while about 10 are uncomfortable talking with their teens about sex. Nearly a quarter of parents are hesitant to talk to their teens about overweight. The study even suggested that many parents of kids ages 8 to 17 are avoiding the subject of weight.

More than one in five parents admit they have never brought up the subject of maintaining a healthy weight to their kids despite knowing that being overweight poses an immediate health risk to their kids.

It should be noted that according to the American Heart Association, about one in three American kids and teens are overweight or obese.

About 90 percent of healthcare professionals said that maintaining a healthy weight is the most important health topic that parents should discuss with their children, over safe sex, cigarette smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption.

Still, one in five parents are said that the doctor should be responsible in discussing the dangers of being overweight.

Why are parents having such difficulty discussing this issue with their teens? Susan Bartell, Psy.D., an obesity expert, reasons out:

“Weight has become such an emotionally charged and pervasive subject, especially in a culture that is highly image-driven. Broaching this subject can be extremely intimidating for parents, especially given that parents themselves may be struggling with weight.”

With parents and doctors pointing fingers at each other on whose responsibility it is, teens are left behind not knowing what healthy habits to pursue and what information to digest about the issue of weight.

As a parent, are you prepared to discuss weight with your teens?

Weight is Harder to Discuss Between Parents and Teens Than Drugs and Sex is a post from: The Inquisitr

I wonder why this type of thing only seems to happen at chains and not small, mom-and-pop joints? (Actually, theory unlocked.)

Perhaps the chain instances are a bit more high-profile- children have gotten accidentally sauced at locations of Olive Garden, Chili’s and Applebee’s scattered around the US, and now an Outback Steakhouse has been accused of inadvertently helping a toddler get their drink on.The fourth known incident of way, way, way, way way underage drinking, occurred at an Ohio Outback Steakhouse.

Unlike the prior incidents, this one doesn’t seem to involve a kid-sized cocktail, but rather those small samples provided to waiting diners until their table become available. Diner Kelly Kerwin describes the incident- which in fairness to the restaurant, seems like a simple and rather harmless scenario:

“My sister asked if there was alcohol in them and she said no and so we all took one and the kids had a couple… I couldn’t believe it… I thought they were serving alcohol-free samples and I called over the manager and before I said anything to him my first question [was] ‘Is there alcohol in these?’ and he said ‘Yes.’”

Kerwin says that the manager apologized profusely, and even offered to make a donation to her sister’s church. But when she called to follow up, the manager went back on the offer and referred Kerwin to the chain’s legal department. The chain addressed the incident in a statement, reading in part:

“We sincerely regret this mistake and we have terminated the server’s employment.”

Do you think this was an honest mistake? Should someone lose their job for it?

[via Consumerist]

Another Child Served Booze Slushy at Chain Restaurant is a post from: The Inquisitr

Two-thirds of American parents are worried about their children’s safety when using the Internet. So, despite the widespread acceptance of the Internet as source of information, e-commerce, social networking and more, it remains a source of worry for parents as well.

In a nationwide survey conducted by legal information website FindLaw.com, it was revealed that 67 percent of 627 parents are extremely worried (10%), very worried (18%) or somewhat worried (39%) about their children’s safety online. About 20% said that they are not very worried while 14% are not worried at all. The study was done with a small sampling but FindLaw.com said that it was demographically representative.

Most parents are taking steps to restrict their children’s use of the Internet. Steps taken vary, including: monitoring which sites they visit (35%); using site-blocking software (21%); restricting their access to computers (19%); restricting the use of social networks (18%); reading their emails or social posts (17%); and not allowing any Internet use (8%).

Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney and editor with FindLaw.com, said:

“Our survey shows [that] the vast majority of parents (74 percent) are taking at least some steps to try and protect their children from what they feel are potentially dangerous or unwanted aspects of the Internet. While the Internet can be a very useful tool for adults and children alike, there are many areas that can concern parents, from age-inappropriate content to cyberbullying to Internet predators and more. However, there are many options available for parents to monitor activities and limit access to certain parts of the Internet.”

We do not disagree with the findings but we may frown on some of the restrictions employed. In this day and age though, kids should be worried as well with how their parents are using the Internet.

Two-Thirds of American Parents Worried About Their Children’s Safety Online is a post from: The Inquisitr

Getting up in the morning can be a painful experience even for adults. After all who really wants to pry one’s eyes open at some ungodly hour only to have to go through the boring repetition of our daily getting one’s shit together.

Even worse than adults though are our kids. Man, trying to get a kid up in the morning without them turning into some demon spawn is a challenge at the best of times but this father seems to have found a really cool and geeky way to rouse his son.

Yes that is him wandering through the hall after loading up his Thunderstorm Super Soaker singing the theme from Doom. Then once he locates his still sleeping son he lets him have it full blast.

Yes dad you are cool and one of the geekiest dads we know.

via DVICE

Every kid should have an awesome Doom singing water pistol shooting father like this kid [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

In the digital age, some of the old tricks corralling little kids still exist. You just have to find them.

Troll Babysitter is a post from: The Inquisitr

Cute, but the best part? “I’m gonna go play ping pong now.”

[Video] Child Reacts to Gay Marriage is a post from: The Inquisitr

These two little kids, Levi and Jasmine, discuss their future in the video below. Awww…

[Adorable, Video] Little Kid Love Story is a post from: The Inquisitr

Spotted on Reddit, with the explanation “how my 1 year old perceives objects she finds lying around the house.”

[Pic] A Toddler’s View of Random Objects is a post from: The Inquisitr

Shopped perhaps, but this note announcing the death of a class pet is funny nonetheless.

[via]

When The Class Pet Dies… is a post from: The Inquisitr

A new study suggests that kids with “stubborn” asthma or skin allergies may actually be experiencing food allergies or sensitivities.

Some of the children displayed symptoms including hives, “an itchy rash,” difficulty breathing and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea after consuming certain foods, and were tested. Researchers discovered that in the 228 children seen at the inner-city New York allergy clinic, 28% had an allergy to at least one food. In American children, the general rate of kids with food allergies is only 4%.

What’s more, 71% of the kids were “sensitized” -meaning they tested positive for detectable antibodies- to at least one food. Although researchers advise examining the possibility of allergies masquerading as asthma- with milk, nuts and eggs being the most common triggers- they are unsure what causes them for certain:

One theory blames changes in children’s diets. Another theory, known as the “hygiene hypothesis,” holds that today’s clean living — creating less exposure to germs — may actually make some people’s immune system more prone to attacking normally harmless substances, like food proteins and pollen.

Regardless of what’s behind the trend, the research team says that when inner city children have skin rashes or asthma that can’t be controlled with standard medicines, doctors should consider the possibility of food allergy – even if the kids don’t show any of the usual reactions to food.

The study was published in last month’s Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

Kids’ Asthma Could Actually Be Food Allergies, Study Hints is a post from: The Inquisitr

A group of children mindlessly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance… cute or creepy?

[Video] Creative Pledge via The Whitest Kids U’ Know is a post from: The Inquisitr

Not too long ago (and perhaps a bit more now than is healthy), there was an attitude that preventative antibiotics were not harmful and a fine choice for treating possible infections.

Then we got nasties like MRSA out in the community (thanks, hypochondriacs!) Doctors have been beating the “please don’t overuse antibiotics” drum for quite some time now, and two new studies out of the University of California San Francisco indicate that antibiotic overuse is indeed a problem, perhaps particularly in children with asthma and urinary tract infections.

Data was gathered between 1998 and 2007 for both studies. Researchers contrasted outcomes when prescriptions were offered first versus when pediatricians spoke to parents about asthma attack prevention and other treatment options:

Of the 5,198 outpatient visits included in the analysis, antibiotics were prescribed during nearly one in six visits. The researchers estimate that this equates to about 1 million antibiotic prescriptions for kids with asthma in the United States each year.

The study also indicated that when pediatricians discussed best practices for treating asthma and preventing attacks during office visits, patients were less likely to receive antibiotic prescriptions. As a next step, the researchers emphasize the importance of encouraging more doctors to take the time to educate their patients about asthma in order to eliminate unwarranted prescriptions.

Additional study regarding whether antibiotics hold promise for reducing inflammation in patients afflicted with asthma is ongoing. Hillary Copp, MS, MD, lead author of one of the studies, commented on the importance of targeted antibiotic use in preventing bacterial resistance:

“It is always concerning when we see a rise in a particular antibiotic class, as this can create drug resistance through antibiotic selection pressures,” said Copp, who is an assistant professor of pediatric urology at UCSF. “It is okay to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics if a doctor thinks the clinical scenario warrants it. However, when this is done, a urine sample should be obtained so therapy can be tailored accordingly and patients can transition to a more narrow-spectrum drug based on the urine culture results.”

Both studies have been published in the June edition of the journal Pediatrics.

Kids with asthma, UTIs may be overprescribed antibiotics is a post from: The Inquisitr

Okay, it’s not really an epidemic, but by alarmist media standards it’s practically a pandemic. An italicized pandemic.

If you didn’t see it in the news, there were three incidents in the past few weeks were toddlers got schwasted in sucky mass-feeding trough chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s and Olive Garden when their sippy cups were refilled with cocktails masquerading as chocolate milk or juice. (And I shall pause to point out that isn’t that in and of itself kind of gross because who knows if people actually wash their kids’ stuff very thoroughly at home?)

Anyway, none of the kids suffered ill-effects, but at least one became belligerent and talked loudly, which is kinda funny. And since consumer-stuff is sorta their thing, Consumerist managed to find out why this happened three times in the period of a few weeks that we know about. It turns out, it’s not at all an uncommon occurrence, and here’s why:

Several people who work in these types of restaurants say that servers often help themselves to “happy juice” – make alcoholic drinks and put them in sippy cups so they can drink on the job.”

“I’ve worked for a few years in restaurant­s and both: servers and bartenders using sippy cups to hide their own booze is a routine mode of operation. The type of work most of these people do is both long (10-12 hours per day) and rather stressful. Many combat this by abusing alcohol, some start drinking as early as noon on a weekday.”

Sound plausible? Have you seen servers supping sangria from Handy Manny cups behind the scenes? If you were serving Poppin’ Jalapeno Zingers to the post-Walmart crowd, would you be getting hammered on the clock, too?

Consumerist explains booze in sippy cup chain restaurant epidemic is a post from: The Inquisitr

Like a BOSS.

Happy Mothers’ Day, your kid’s a perv is a post from: The Inquisitr

“Babies Drink Free!” seems to be the order of the month at our nation’s chain restaurants, with scandals erupting of toddlers inadvertently intoxicated at a Florida Olive Garden location and a Michigan Applebee’s.

Since the message of “you should never eat at chain restaurants unless your fridge lost power and everything else in town is closed” has not yet been absorbed, another family has witnessed their preschooler tie one on while out enjoying a family meal. Tyree Davis, mother of 4-year-old Brooklyn, was surprised to find her little girl was uninterested in finishing her chocolate milkshake at a Chicago Chili’s location Sunday night. The family claims this is because the milkshake was actually a mudslide.

Davis said staff tried to confiscate the cocktail, but the family refused and began snapping pics:

“She (waitress) tried to take the drink and leave the shake and I said no, leave the drink and go get your manager. And that’s when I pulled out my camera phone and I took pictures. And after I took the pictures, I called the police,” Davis says.

The child was treated at a hospital for an alcohol ingestion overdose. In this case, however, the restaurant “disputes” the Davis family’s version of events and has not issued an apology.

Third drunken toddler story surfaces, this time at a Chicago Chili’s is a post from: The Inquisitr