i just happened upon 'the perils of parenting', on nbc's dateline last night and was so incredibly happy i did. there were such great topics covered -- bullying, texting, stranger danger, etc. the things the little kids said about their parents texting and talking on the phone had me in tears. why? because i'm guilty. and with the health and fitness changes i'm making for myself, i'm making necessary (and long overdue) changes for my kids...

when they come home at 2:30 PM, my phone and my computer go off until after they are in bed. it's bullshit that i can have any excuse not to do the above. if i don't use my time wisely while they are at school, it's my own fault; not theirs. my kids deserve my undivided attention more than anyone or anything else in this world. whatever i have to do on my computer or phone can wait!

and while our family has talked about strangers and bullying many times in the past, we will be having more conversations about such topics, in the very near future. one of the undercover videos on dateline shared what would happen if a man came to the door, when the kids were home alone. first, the man had a fake badge and said he was at the house, as an inspector, to test their milk. the kids not only opened the door, they let the man in the house. the second time, the man was screaming at the door that his wife was sick and he needed help. i mean he was screaming for help. and while the 12-year-old boy went to the door, he told the man repeatedly,

NO NO go find an adult to help you.

the boy was shook up, but never opened the door.

as parents, we can only hope and believe that we've taught our children well and the lessons they need to live a safe and successful life. and we need to remember that we are leading by example (another thing i'm very guilty [and embarrassed] of is texting at stoplights. that too will cease today.)

what examples are you showing your kids? have you been talking to your kids? do you know what your kids would do? do you know how your kids feel?

the entire show is going to be available on dateline this afternoon. and i highly, highly recommend taking the hour to watch it.

think about it...