Enough. Enough of the violence. Enough of the disrespect. And enough of thinking that anyone with a conscience would condone this outrageous behavior from anyone, especially our youth.  Who do you think you are to attack anyone, especially a law enforcement officer?  These men and women who dedicate their lives to protect and serve the people of our community are somebody’s father or mother, somebody’s husband or wife. Lately it seems the only time we find out about the ones on the frontlines, caring for us all, is when tragedy strikes. When this happens, we hear of a fallen officer and the …

Preventing sexual abuse is a concern for most parents. Knowing what steps to take to do so, however, isn't something that necessarily comes naturally. This topic is often avoided as it's one that is uncomfortable. Kelly Sinn, L.C.S.W., chief operating officer at Sunrise Domestic and Sexual Violence Center, recently offered her insights on what parents can do to protect their children. After speaking with Sinn, it became clear that a lot of sexual abuse can be stopped and even prevented when parents keep their eyes and ears open, and have a willingness to believe in their children.  Sinn …

It can be easy to get lost if you don't check your compass. And, how is a child going to know that it is important to get your bearings and pause to check on where and why if the parent does not stop to pause and think, and allow that deep breath?  Goal setting helps to hit the bull's eye, or make sure you hit the moon when you aim higher than the stars. So, one rainy afternoon we had a talk about where we are now since New Year's Eve. "How are your New Year's 'Olutions going?"  I ask. "They just keep going and going and going and I am just not done, and I colored on my list."  A little bit …

It’s true. I did my "Flat 7-Up-For-You" dance while singing across the living room because the fizz had finally come out and it was just right (at last) to help the tummy get better. And those little eyes almost were laughing at me with their usual sparkle.  The temperature-taker results clearly called for TLC.  “Mommy, please don’t make me laugh I have a headache…” “Sweetheart, I thought you liked the ‘hey…flat-7-Up –da-doo, da—doo…” “MOMMY!” “Sorry.” If your home is like mine, when our weather popped back down to super chilly, we caught “what everybody’s got” regardless of daily vitamins.  …

When domestic violence is a real issue in a home, victims are often unsure of where to turn. In Land O' Lakes, Sunrise of Pasco County is the local domestic violence center. It is also the only sexual assault center serving all of Pasco County. Its hot line number is 352-521-3120.  Larry Reidt is a mental health counselor with Sunrise. He has a master's degree in rehabilitation and mental health counseling and specializes in working with child victims of domestic and sexual violence age 12 and up. He also helps adults who have been sexually assaulted. Reidt says that most times sexual assault…

Why is it that especially when it is rainy, my shoes end up in a Big Parade, sometimes matching, sometimes not, as the fast little click-clacks of the heels go across the floor? “Look at me! My feet are bigger,” was the glowing and proud announcement from the kitchen.  "I LOVE you!" "I Love you, too!" "I love you 53!" "I love you around the stars and back!" I am still bigger than this Mommy-shoes fan, and can scoop up and twirl around, mommy shoes and all. We don't skimp on I love yous around here. Each time it reminds me of when, especially back in her toddler days, my shoes were some kind …

Domestic violence is an issue that cuts across all classes, races and nationalities. As a mother, my heart breaks for children who are living in this situation. As a woman, it is my desire to assist others in taking a stand to enjoy freedom in the New Year. It is my sincere hope that by raising awareness, we can work together for solutions. Parents and children leaving abusive situations need help and support from all of us.  Penny Morrill, executive director of Sunrise of Pasco, is grateful for the Land O' Lakes community support, and thanks us on behalf of the children and parents they …

Attention all pro-active parents: Here are some safety tips to help with when children go on the Internet. Pasco County Sheriff Bob White shared these tips for parents to pass along to their children. They provide a good framework for making sure youngsters stay safe when they're online. Always assume when online that everyone can see what you are doing and read what you are posting. You should never post anything on the Internet that you wouldn’t want known by the public Keep your identity private. Never give out your full name mailing or street address your school name or telephone number, …

Time for New Year Resolutions. Or, as little ears would hear it:  "olutions."  Good point - I said it so fast it did sound a bit like New Year's "Solutions." What exactly are they, anyway?  Promises we make and hope to keep in the upcoming year.  They can be a series of do or do nots, but either way the hope is to solve something, improve self or the world, or goals to reach by this time next year.  They can be happy reminders, like guidelines.  Here's what we have so far in my house: Paint pictures for people Don't climb the tree without permission Be brave in the world  Always eat your …

The Christmas spirit keeps growing and gaining momentum, because for little ones it is only the beginning. One gift that Santa brought to my child with an artistic flair and a giving heart is an incredible set of art supplies.  "Mommy can we go get the really big paper today? I want to make more pictures for people who didn't get any.  I have lots of money, see?"  And out comes a wad of shiny pennies in the sock that went missing from the laundry.  So much love, kindness and joy was given to us this Christmas, that it is still an overflowing feeling, along with the shining little eyes of hope…

In the harried days leading up to Christmas Eve, there can be a tendency to think of what you need to get for yourself, your family, your pets or parties.  It is possible that you may encounter at least one meltdown by a fellow parent friend at the mall, or worse, in the middle of Walmart.  Taking a moment to listen can be the best gift for that friend.  Taking a deep breath and being truly present for those in your life can also model an excellent example for your children, even when they try to be backseat drivers directing you to look at all the Christmas lights and decorations along the …

It was St. Nicholas Night, also known as the easiest bedtime night in childhood.  We laid out our shoes at the side of the bed for surprises from St. Nicholas that he would bring during the night.  The kitchen table was all set up, complete with cookies, a bottle of water, a sealed letter of child-wishes addressed to St. Nicholas on the envelope, wishing him a Merry Christmas and for him to "behave!"  "Honey, why the tissues?" I asked. "In case he has to blow his nose.  Then he won't have to wipe on his sleeve." was the quick explanation. "Well, that's very thoughtful of you.  I'm so proud of…