For the Dads

Dr. Bruce Linton offers classes for fathers in Berkeley.   My husband enjoyed the Dad’s group and I know that Bruce has much to offer.

The more information on his private practice, dad’s group and “Becoming a Father” workshop go to: www.fathersforum.com

Please pass this along to a Dad in your life.

Becoming a Father Workshop:

Bruce says,”I will be offering my “becoming a father” workshop on Saturday June 23 1:00-3:30.

We live in a society and culture that does little to prepare us as men for the important experience of childbirth and the transition to parenthood. This two and half hour class is designed to help men understand how the process of childbirth and becoming a father may effect them. Come join us in this class as we discuss the emotional, and social adjustments men experience in the process of becoming a father.

At the conclusion of this class the expectant father should:
(1) be more confident about the childbirth experience
(2) feel reduced stress and anxiety about becoming a father.

Cost is $35 (sliding scale for those in need)
For additional information or to register call:
the Fathers’ Forum
(510) 644-0300

http://www.fathersforum.com

How To Find Out More About Toxins In Children’s Toys or Products?

In my one of my tum e time classes I bring in loads of alternatives to use as toys.  Why?  Unfortunately, many of the children’s toys that are on the market contain toxins that are unhealthy for your little ones and the planet.

The time you want to be most concerned about this is when everything goes into the mouth to be explored. While this is a very important developmental stage, be mindful that what goes in your baby’s mouths gets broken down and digested.  This is the time to have natural products or products that don’t contain toxins.

When researching what to get your child for a birthday present or offering recommendations for family members to purchase for you as a holiday gift, stop by Healthy Stuff (formerly Healthy Toys) first to see how it ranks in terms of safety.

http://www.healthystuff.org/get-stuff.php?group-report=Children%27s%20Products

The organization also offers information on everyday products as well for your home, car, pet, etc.

Update the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976

MomsRising.org sent this email out today.  There is a group ‘educating’ at the Capitol today.  Why should we have to deliver such a message?  Shouldn’t it be our right to assume that what we give our children is non-toxic?  Please be proactive and ask the Senate to update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA).

Here is the form letter to send or alter to your Senator.

“Dear Senator,

Today, moms and kids from across the country will be gathering at the U.S. Capitol to deliver one single message:  We know our Senators can be super heroes and protect America’s children & families from toxic chemicals.

I can’t be there in person today, but I’m there in spirit. Please move quickly to update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) by supporting the Safe Chemicals Act.

A growing body of science has documented widespread human exposures to toxic chemicals in everyday products, and has linked those exposures to the rising incidences of a number of serious chronic diseases and disorders, including reduced fertility, learning disabilities, breast and prostate cancer, and certain childhood cancers.

This is unacceptable. The time has come to give the EPA enough authority to require that chemicals be tested for safety before they are put into the products we use every day. Updating the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) is critical. The current TSCA law is widely acknowledged to be ineffective.

Please take action now to update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) by co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act in order to provide vigorous oversight of chemical use and to ensure all products, including children’s products, are safer. I urge you to support this effort to lead us into a new era of safer chemicals and healthy families.

Thank you for using your superpowers wisely!”

Roles of Dads

Here are a couple of recent articles on how the roles of dads are changing.  Certainly not the role my father played, but definitely changes that my husband has embraced and is grateful to share in our family.

Are Dads the New Moms?  Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304451104577392261536405038.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Why Stay-at-home Dads Are Still The Invisible Men In The House.  The Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/29/stay-at-home-dads-policy