gr8 Not so

Text messaging may lead to declining language and grammar skills, according to researchers at Penn State University. When tweens text, they often use shortcuts, such as homophones (like gr8 for great), omit non-essential letters or use initials (like LOL for laugh out loud), or spell the word incorrectly (like wud for would), to compose a text message quickly and effciently. But those tweens who text frequently performed poorly on a grammar test, seemingly lacking the ability to switch between textspeak and the normal rules of grammar. Interestingly, typical punctuation and sentence structure shortcuts that tweens use during texting, such as avoiding capital letters and not using full-stops at the end of sentences, did not seem to affect their ability to use correct capitalisation and punctuation on the tests. source: Penn State Newswire

Be like Batman 6

Lighten the load

A backpack loaded with books and gear can be a heavy burden for your chi ld. Take these steps to keep their backs healthy and strong.

• Ensure that your kids carry no more than the equivalent of ten to 15 per cent of their body weight in their packs. • Encourage your kids to use both shoulder straps. Sl inging the backpack over one shoulder can cause muscle pain in the neck, back and shoulder.

• Let kids fgure out where it fts most comfortably, but try to tighten the straps so that the pack sits close to the body without pul l ing on their shoulders.

• Distr ibute the load throughout al l the different compartments to even out the weight.

source: WebMD

At the Cornell Food and Brand Lab, researchers have found an easy way to help kids make healthier choices, and it works with adults, too. Before researchers took kids to a fast-food restaurant where they would decide between French fries and apple slices, they asked half of the kids, “What would Batman choose?” Regardless of how they answered, 40 per cent more kids who were asked the question opted for the apples. source: AARP The Magazine

Kid onl the any

asleep, diffculty staying asleep or nightmares, according

to a new study. source: HealthDay finger on the pulse

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