THE COMEBACK:

LET’S MAKE A BABY!

BITE ME

THE MESSAGE:

All parents make some mistakes. People can live with regrets, wish for better conditions, or face the consequences and other unpleasant realities; however, it is so vital to do your research, avoid unplanned pregnancies and spend time working on a detailed plan to expand the family and take care of remedies for any difficult problems that may arise. Parenting requires unselfish behaviours, communication within the family, trusting your partner, true love and learning.

LISTEN UP PUNK!

Often there exists a carelessness surrounding the pro creation of children by seemingly selfish or uncaring individuals who are responsible for childbirth without an awareness of the needs of their dependants.

TONY TODAY:

HEY M**E, WHERE DID YOU GO?

1. RAMP UP YOUR CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM

BE POSITIVE!

Your words and actions as a parent affect the development of self esteem more than anything else. Praising accomplishments, even small ones, will make them feel proud. Promoting independence will make them feel capable and strong.

Choose your words carefully and exercise compassion. Let your kids know that everyone makes mistakes and that you still love them, even at times when you don't love their behaviour.

NOT NEGATIVE

Know that all belittling comments or comparisons will make a child feel worthless. Avoid comments like “Are you stupid?!" or "You act more like a baby than your baby sister!” These cause damage just as physical blows do.

2. NOTICE AND ACKNOWLEDGE WHEN KIDS ARE BEING GOOD

Avoid being critical to kids more often than complimenting them. Look for it. "You made your bed without being asked — that's terrific!” Or "I was watching you play with your sister and you were very patient.” Find something to praise daily Be generous with rewards. Your love, hugs, and compliments can are often reward enough.

3. SET CONSISTENT LIMITS AND USE CONTROLLED DISCIPLINE

The goal of discipline is to help kids choose acceptable behaviours and learn self-control. They may test the limits you establish for them, but they need those limits to grow into responsible adults. Establishing house rules helps kids understand your expectations and develop self-control. Some rules might include: Homework comes ahead of TV or Cell phone. No name-calling or hurtful teasing is allowed. Being consistent teaches kids what you expect.

4. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR KIDS

Family meals are occasions that kids will cherish. Create a "special night" each week to be together. Let your kids help decide how to spend the time together. Teens seem to need less undivided attention from their parents than younger kids. Attending concerts, games, and other events with your teen communicates caring. Getting to know more about your child and his or her friends is an important consideration.

5. SELF QUALITIES

Studies have shown that children who hit usually have an example for aggression at home. Model the traits you wish to see in your kids: respect, friendliness, honesty, kindness, tolerance. Exhibit unselfish behavior. Do things for other people without expecting a reward. Express thanks and offer compliments. Above all, treat your kids the way you expect other people to treat you. Communication is a priority Make your expectations clear. If there is a problem, describe it, express your feelings, and invite your child to work on a solution with you. Be sure to include consequences. Make suggestions and offer choices.

Be open to your child's suggestions as well. Negotiate since kids who participate in decisions are more motivated to carry them out.

6. BE FLEXIBLE AND WILLING TO ADJUST YOUR PARENTING STYLE

If you feel let down" by your child's behaviour, or you have unrealistic expectations.... Parents might find it helpful to read up on a limited knowledge or to talk to other parents or child development specialists.As your child changes, you'll gradually have to change your parenting style. Chances are, what works with your child now won't work as well in a year or two. Show that your love is unconditional when correcting and guiding your kids. Avoid blaming, criticizing, or fault-finding, which hurt self-esteem and can lead to resentment.

Try to nurture and encourage, even when disciplining your kids. Make sure they know that although you want and expect better next time, your love is there no matter what.

THE MUSIC:

I DON’T WANT TO PLAY HOUSE. TAMMY WINETTE

THE STUFF:

A gay man, thought he was helping a good friend from medical school. He had promised her that he would donate his sperm so she could undergo 'In-vitro fertilization' and become a mother.

In 2000, he donated sperm to help the woman conceive. She used his sperm to have two babies both of whom are now teenagers. This year, she is suing him for child support.

Ontario law states that known sperm and egg donors can he held liable for child support based on biology alone.

The mother claims that the sperm donor has acted as father for the teens’ lives to date. His parents were seen as grandparents and the teens met with his extended family on holidays.

He paid for trips for the children to visit him in Europe, or to take them to Disneyland. In 2011, he gave the mother $22,000 to help out with costs.

After the second child was born in 2002, the pair signed an agreement giving the mother full custody. It detailed that she would not look to him for any financial support; however, now she’s arguing he has acted as a father all along. Her application states that her children clearly view him as their dad. The teens exchange emails with him and he signs them “dad”. As recently as 2015 they spent a week with him and his partner in Italy.

Documents show that the mother makes just under $250,000 a year as a gynaecologist, obstetrician and university professor. He made just under $280,000 with the World Bank in Europe.

If she is successful in her case, he will be on the hook for four years of retroactive child support, since 2012, as well as other expenses, including post-secondary education.

What must the twins think of their biological parents now? How will their lives be affected?

THE PUN: