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How to speak to your kids about grown up issues
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It may seem hard to discuss some of the more serious issues going on in the world today with your kids, but it is important to do so. Here are some ways to talk about grown us issues. - photo by Megan Shauri
It seems kids grow up too fast in todays world. With social media and news available 24/7 it's hard to shield them from some adult topics that bring reality all too soon to their attention. School shootings, bombings, even political issues are becoming daily topics of conversations amongst adults, on TV and the internet. These are issues that your kids may hear and wonder about. They may be scared or confused, but dont know how to talk about it. Here are some ways to speak about these adult topics to your children:

Be open

Make sure your kids know they can come to you with any questions about any topic, no matter how sensitive it may be. You want to be the one teaching your child (especially about the more sensitive topics). If you seem uncomfortable or awkward, your child will learn they should not bring those things up with you. Remind your children often that you have an open door policy where you can share things and talk about difficult matters without judgement.

Be informative and neutral

It's easy to want to simplify things or spare your child from the not so pleasant details, but it is best to be as informative as is appropriate and as well-rounded in your response as possible. Obviously use discretion. It is okay to share that people died (this may even open up a greater conversation about death) but you dont have to share the gory details. It may be hard to share both points of view on a topic, especially if you feel very strongly about one side, but it is important to let you kids develop their own opinions. Explain both sides of an issue, and then ask them how they feel before sharing your own feelings. It is okay to teach and explain your opinion, just dont push it on them.

Talk to them right away

As soon as something serious happens that can affect your child (like a school shooting for example) talk to them about it right away. By delaying the conversation it can cause fear and tension to build in your child. Or it may cause them to search for answer themselves, leading them to websites that are not appropriate or conversations with people who may not convey the same message you do. It is easy for people to get emotional and one-sided about certain situations, and when speaking to children, a more delicate approach may be appropriate.

Ask them questions

Your kids may have tons of questions for you, which you should answer as best as you can, but try asking them questions as well. Ask them how they heard about it (if you dont already know). This will help you understand what sites they are looking at, or what conversations they are having at school. Ask them how they feel. Ask them questions to make sure they understand what you are telling them. Questions are a great temperature check to see how the conversation is going.

Come up with ways to make things better

When you have finished explaining the issues and asking/answering questions, talk about how you, as a family, can make things better. If there is an issue about refugees, discuss what you can do to help the problem and take action. If there was a mass shooting in your area, talk about how you can help the victims, or start a no-bullying campaign at their school. Being active in your community and country helps your kids build a feeling of belonging to something bigger then themselves and know they can take action to help, rather than feel victimized.

While it is tempting to just shield our kids from these more serious topics, it only builds fear and uncertainty in your child. They are hearing about these things, even if it is just tidbits here and there. The more informed they are, the better prepared they are to deal with these issues and start making the world a better place.
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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