Need something to worry about?

If there is one thing mother's do well, it's worry.

Yes, we worry when we need to, and we often worry when we don't. That is the nature of being a mother. You're never emotionally separated from your offspring regardless of their age or where they may roam in the world.

Recently, however, I read a couple of disturbing facts that are worth worrying about. The first one has to do with MySpace. It has been reported (by Harper's) that since 2007 over 90,000 MySpace accounts have been deleted due to the fact they were created by registered sex offenders.

This says nothing of about the number of existing accounts that have slipped through the cracks. The bottom-line is if your child is into social networking online, and many are, be careful of who your child communicates with and occasionally monitor the communication. I believe in privacy,too, but these child predators are clever, often disguising themselves as another young child. Just beware and always discuss with your child who she talks with online, and investigate a new friend.

Secondly, It was also reported (In Time magazine)that of the 100,000 kids that are rushed to the emergency room each year in the United States (due to accidental poisoning); that up to 70% of the children had overdosed on common over-the-counter medication. Make an effort to purchase childproof bottles and keep medications in a locked cabinet. If your child it allowed to take medication my herself, make clear the importance of taking the correct dosage. Its easy to think that is two aspirins make your headache feel better that 12 will make it disappear altogether.

Both of the above dangers typically occur within the home environment. Don't get complacent because your kids are within the confines of your otherwise safe house. But then again, you probably don't have anything to worry about. Relax, motherhood only lasts a lifetime (yours).