NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee parents should be wary of too much "screen time." A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study of 2,000 children aged eight to 18 nationwide found they spend an average of over seven hours a day interacting with digital media.

Lu Hanessian, mother, journalist and author of "Let the Baby Drive," says too much screen time makes it difficult for children to relate to their parents and other children.

"I am actually quite concerned and disturbed by the amount of time that children today, teenagers, are spending on devices and computers. It actually concerns me not just for the kids, but for their future."

Hanessian says Tennessee parents could see their children lose interest in school and not respond to discipline because of texting and Facebook updating. She says the attachment that grew between parent and infant can be strained by electronic device distractions, but that it's never too late to re-establish those essential ties.

"It's really hard to set a limit with a child who's losing empathy. They don't care! So, the question to me is, how do we reclaim that empathic state, that connection, the attachment?"

The study found that over two-thirds of children 11 to 14 own a cell phone and spend an average of an hour and a half each day texting.

Critics of the study findings point out that electronic communication and computer skills are essential for future business success.

The study is "Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds." It is available from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation at www.kff.org




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Ahead of Mother's Day, one Kentucky middle-school student has received recognition for honoring his grandmother in a "Grandparent of the Year" essay contest sponsored by the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association and AARP Kentucky.

In his winning essay, P.J. Brock describes his grandmother Sue as "caring, kind, hardworking, selfless and loving."

Sue Beeler, 74, a retired teacher's aide, said she encourages all grandparents to nurture strong relationships with their grandchildren.

"You get closer to 'em," she said, "and the kids appreciate you more, and do stuff more for you when they grow up."

According to the group Kentucky Youth Advocates, 55,000 kids in the Commonwealth, or an estimated 6%, live with a relative that isn't their biological parent, and is often a grandparent. That's among the highest rates in the nation.

P.J. presented his essay to an audience of 300 retired educators at a ceremony in Louisville, and won a $500 award.

May is Older Americans Month, and P.J.'s mom, Ashley Beeler, said she's grateful Sue has been recognized for her dedication to her family. She noted that her mother stepped in to help raise P.J. during times of crisis, which helped strengthen the bond between grandson and grandmother.

"It was just a hard time," she said, "but, I mean, we've got past it now. We're doing good, the kids and I, and mom."

Nationwide, grandparent caregivers often face financial burdens, housing instability, food insecurity and mental-health struggles. One report by Generations United found about 31% of children growing up in grand-families live in poverty, compared with 18% of children living with parents. And nearly half of all grandparents raising grandchildren are no longer in the labor force.

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives.

A 12-year-old boy who was previously moved between multiple residential facilities found hope when a familiar face from his past stepped forward.

Gretchen Emch, adoption assessor for the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services, recalled how it began.

"She was actually a behavior specialist at his school; said that this young man reminded her of her younger brother," Emch recounted. "They connected very well, and she wanted to try and visit him and figure out what to do."

The behavior specialist and her husband became licensed treatment foster parents through Ohio's pilot program, which funds therapeutic care to keep children with trauma out of group settings and closer to community. Critics argued the program still needs more staffing and funding to meet statewide demand.

Patrick, the boy's foster father, advised anyone with a spark of interest in fostering to reach out to county organizations. He said their family has been guided and supported every step of the way and fostering has deeply enriched their lives.

"If you show any interest, they will help guide you through the entire process," Patrick explained. "It was super helpful. And honestly, it's a blessing having this new face in our home, this new life in our home and having to teach each other experiences and tell stories and this, that, and the other. It's been amazing."

The Treatment Foster Home Pilot, launched under Gov. DeWine, now funds 11 county collaboratives in Ohio.

Advocates said stories like this show what's possible but emphasized the state must ensure sustainable support if it hopes to recruit more families for youth with complex needs.


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At Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will see relatives who may be on the other side of the political divide for the first time since the election and experts have some tips for approaching the conversation.

Emma Nadler is a therapist, speaker and author of the book "The Unlikely Village of Eden." She suggested people consider what their overall goal is for the evening -- and the relationships -- and respond accordingly.

"When you feel yourself getting angry, frustrated, take a few seconds to consider, 'How do I honor my purpose here? What do I want to say next that brings me back to why I'm here at this holiday?'" Nadler recommended.

The group Braver Angels promotes civil political discussions. It suggested people focus on finding out where the other person is coming from, without putting him or her on the defensive, and try to find common ground before stating an opposing viewpoint.

Nadler added if the conversation takes a wrong turn, it is best to take a long pause, maybe pitch in with the dishes or take a walk rather than let things get nasty.

"Anyone can say and do things they regret," Nadler stressed. "It takes about at least 20 minutes of non-activating conversation to get back to your baseline regulation. So it's not two minutes."

Some families may choose to send out an email ahead of time to set the tone for the holiday, in hopes the Thanksgiving gathering will be about enjoying the time together, where people include and respect each other regardless of political viewpoints.


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