Behavior

As I read the newspaper and await the next horrific headline which details the sadistic behavior of one human against another human, I pause to study those characteristics of good and evil. Why are people prone to committing violent and shocking acts against other people? As I attempt to examine this question, I am reminded of an old Cherokee story that perhaps provides as good an answer as any great book on behavior that tries to do the same. The story goes something like this: One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

scottb@herald-mail.com WASHINGTON COUNTY - A write-in candidate for the Washington County Board of Education has been warned to watch his behavior at the school board's central office or face being banned from the public building. A June 29 letter from Chief Operating Officer William Blum to candidate Tom Janus said, "On numerous occasions of the last several months, various employees have reported behavior, by you, which they felt was threatening, intimidating or which interfered with their ability to perform their daily tasks.

As my daughter and I were working in the kitchen earlier this week, that evening's news played in the background. Our dinner preparations were accompanied by commentary on Rep. Anthony Weiner's behavior. We listened as a reporter stated that the White House had called Weiner's behavior "inappropriate" and "a distraction. " I would tend to call it "pompous. " How dare a politician act in such a self-important manner that he would ignore common decency? What kind of a man sends sexually suggestive messages and photos of himself to women?

Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and mental or emotional injury all fall under the umbrella of child abuse and neglect. The Washington County Department of Social Services has recognized warning signs and indicators that might suggest a form of child abuse. The presence of the following signs does not necessarily mean a child is being abused or neglected, says Stephanie Andrews, acting supervisor for the Washington County Child Advocacy Center. "They are possibilities or red flags," she explains.

If I could classify the commands we parents give to our children, there would be three categories: before, during and after. · Before they do something wrong. ("Don't touch that!") · During the act. ("What do you think you're doing?") · After the deed is done. ("Don't just stand there staring at it. Grab a rag and clean it up!") At times, parents can feel that their primary role is to issue a series of instructions, repeatedly. After all, we know that once is never enough.

Teaching your child about appropriate touch Parents need to understand how pedophiles entrap their victims By KAREN MASTERSON Staff Writer Guarding children from sexual abuse should not stop at teaching them self-protection and good and bad touch. New research on the MOs (modis operandi) of sexual offenders bring to light a better understanding of how adolescent and adult pedophiles entrap their victims. According to research at Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, adult offenders who know their victims are less likely to use force at first.

Sharp quotes from "Sharp Students" Grade 5 "Sharp Students" at Sharpsburg Elementary School recently talked about the positive character traits and behaviors that set them apart as role models for other students. "I was responsible," said Virginia Lefter, 10. "I turned in all my homework. " "I listened to the teacher's directions," said Amanda Bussard,10. "I was kind and respectful. I didn't pick on nobody," said Cody Myers, 10. "I was trustworthy," said Bradley Benedun, 10. "I made a deal with the teacher to work harder and I stuck to it. " "I was loyal.

Bottom line: Be nice To the editor: I'm writing in response to the letter that a gentleman reader originated about behavior of children in restaurants. I happen to agree with what he stated in his letter. I happen to love children (in fact I was one myself once), but I feel that it's the adult's - whether parent or guardians - responsibility to control behavior of the children they're in charge of. What I have also encountered is some adults showing improper behavior at restaurants, whether fast food, average or fancy, but also in theaters and libraries.

Letters to the Editor 1/17 Worms aren't always for early birds To the editor: I would like to steal a line from Kathleen Parker and reiterate "We seem to have reached a point where common sense can't be applied and draconian responses are the norm rather than the exception. " When I read the article about the elementary principal who wants a no-tolerance policy on children getting to school late or leaving early, it made me glad I live in Frederick County, Maryland where office administrators have an adequate system to keep up with comings (late arrivals)

Shepherd University is hosting an autism workshop "Creating Inclusion in the Classroom" featuring Amy Bryan-Chapman, autism coordinator and behavior specialist for Berkeley County Schools, Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Erma Ora Byrd Hall on campus. The workshop will have two sessions.  The first is an overview of autism spectrum disorders, and the second will cover strategies for easing transition, change, and scheduling for students with autism. Areas to be discussed during the workshop include identifying behaviors, developing strategies and lesson plans for scheduling and transitions, discovering the impact of autism on developmental skills, and learning how autism affects the ability to learn.