The effects of secondhand smoke on young children are not temporary nor are the effects reversible. The American Heart Association estimates that 37,000 to 40,000 people die each year from heart and blood vessel disease caused by secondhand smoke. Infants and children who are exposed to tobacco... more

If you’ve adopted or fostered an older child you may have had to deal with a teen smoker. The first time our daughter came to live with us we told her she absolutely could not smoke. This resulted in her sneaking cigarettes in the barn, which is a fire hazard and coming up with numerous excuses to go places so she could smoke. If she couldn’t get away to smoke she would become hostile or sleep. I guess you could say we put her into a position where she had to lie to us because she either wasn’t able or willing to quit. The second... more

Yesterday I volunteered at a daycare center. Not that I have extra time to give away but it’s affiliated with my local adoption support chapter, three employees had called in sick, and they really needed my help. Nowadays daycare centers can’t call in just anyone to fill in for a sick employee or I would have suggested someone else. In order to work you need a current physical, TB test, current CPR training, local police and child protective clearances, and you need an FBI clearance. What lay person, not currently employed... more

You just brought home your beautiful baby from the hospital. You have great expectations for what it is going to be like having a newborn in the house. You’ve purchased the perfect outfits, all the right equipment, toys and music. You want to be the perfect parents. But are you prepared for a baby that has been exposed to crack cocaine or heroine or crystal methamphetamine in Utero. Tremors are to be expected and while they can look very scary they are usually part of the withdrawal process. Sometimes the screaming goes on... more