Ask First Columns 2010

01/10 | Misuse of children safety seat can be deadly | Failing to make sure little ones are properly secured while riding in a vehicle can be a fatal mistake.

 

Ask First Columns 2009

11/09 | When we help children, everyone wins | A ''system of care'' approach provides a comprehensive foundation of assistance for youngsters with mental health issues.

11/09 | We all need to ask: How are the children? | The importance of the welfare of our youth is one subject on which we can all agree because our nation's future depends on them.

10/09 | 'Ask First' can help meet children's needs | Early childhood is vital to development of children. Decisions by the community can help shape that development as well.

09/09 | Early development of child is investment Tennessee lags in many important areas of education | But an initiative by business and other entities can better prepare children for future.

08/09 | Reading is powerful fuel for child's growth | One book a month from Shelby County Books from Birth stokes the intellectual fires of literacy and learning that will last a lifetime.

07/09 | Infant mortality rate is a social issue too | There are ways for all to help -- through education, improving access to care, reducing stress on pregnant women, to name a few.

06/09 | Helping children helps entire community | It is in our shared interest to strengthen community support for Shelby County's children

05/09 | For greater foresight, put focus on children | Recently unveiled child-impact reporting system will help county make choices promoting healthy and prosperous adult lives.

04/09 | Child protection needs our best efforts | To have a child welfare system that is good for the children, we need to do a few things differently.

03/09 | Want a smart baby? Pay attention to food | Daily nutrition may be the single most important factor in children reaching their full brain potential and brain capacity.

02/09 | Dad needs chance to mature and nurture | Children deserve a chance to know and learn from their father, and fathers deserve a chance to provide for, nurture and love their children.

01/09 | Recess should not be optional program | Unstructured outdoor physical activity renews children's minds and enhances their social skills

 

Ask First Columns 2008

12/08 | $1 in pre-K brings $7 return on investment | Getting children ready for school is as important as getting them through high school, and poverty is the biggest obstacle to that goal.

10/08 | Campaigns should think about children

 

Ask First Columns

The Commercial Appeal is a partner with the Office of Early Childhood and Youth and The Urban Child Institute in publishing a monthly column authored by local, state, and national child experts interested in the state of child well- being here in Shelby County. This column is designed to focus public attention on issues that affect children. It is part of the Ask First campaign to remind everyone, in every aspect of daily life, to Ask First: “Is It Good for the Children?"