The main tenet of a parent’s job description is that they take care of their child or children, they shield them from harm, keeping them as happy and healthy as possible. However, it’s not possible to cocoon your child in bubble wrap and a helmet every morning when they get out of bed. (Well, yes, WE did do that to our adorable cover model, 5-year-old Natalie Adcox, but that was in the name of cuteness!) So where does a parent draw the line between protection and paranoia?
Writer and new mother Heather McDonnell has asked herself this question many times, and spoke with other parents and local experts in an attempt to answer it for the article “Are you a paranoid parent?” for the September edition of Pikes Peak Parent magazines, available on newsstands and online at www.pikespeakparent.com.
One helpful piece of advice she gleaned:
Counselor Krista Johnson of the Center for Child Counseling says today’s parents may be more worried simply because we’ve become more aware of the dangers that exist around us. Kids experience more and are aware of more dangers, but the solution is absolutely not to panic.
“Panicking about everything is going to make a very scared environment and a fearful child,” Johnson says. And no parent wants that for their kids.
Other great articles this month include where to find local bargains on used kids’ gear, resources for single parents wanting to connect with others, a profile of one local mom who turned personal tragedy into healing art classes for others, and more. Of course, you’ll always find out regular features like Pikes Peak GRANDparent, Fresh Perspectives, pARTicipate and the region’s best family calendar.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, e-mail us at parent@gazette.com.
Happy September!
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ENTER TO WIN!
For those with little ones:
• “Reading With Your Young Child”
• “The Ultimate Guide to Grandmas & Grandpas”
• “How to Talk to Your Child’s Doctor”
• “The Marvelous Musical Adventures” DVD
• “Baby Einstein: Wake-up and Goodnight” CD
HOW TO ENTER
• Send your name, phone number and children’s ages to parent@gazette.com or mail to Lisa Carpenter, Pikes Peak Parent, 30 S. Prospect St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
• Entry deadline: Sept. 30
• Winner will be drawn and notified Oct. 1
Please note: Only one entry per person; only one prize per household in a six-month period.














So a while back, when I posted the 
