Sunday, August 25, 2002


Happening in my back yard:

CNN: Oregon girl's body found behind neighbor's home


As I write this, it has been confirmed through television reports and through internet news outlets (click link above) that the body discovered yesterday at the Oregon City home of Ward Weaver is, in fact, the remains of Miranda Gaddis. The second set of remains, found under the suspicious concrete slab at Weaver's rental home will undoubtedly be those of Ashley Pond.

Parents: It's important to take the time to explain to your children what has happened and help them in dealing with uneasy feelings. Remind them of the basic safety rules they should already know: Dont talk to strangers; don't accept gifts from strangers; use the "buddy system," etc. Let them know that it's okay to cry.

Out of all this tragedy, there is a way for parents to take advantage of an otherwise tragic situation. When your own children are insubordinate, you can quietly get them to cooperate by simply digging a hole in your own backyard. Place a shovel near your home/apartment's back door then ask your child to clean his or her room. If they refuse, or don't complete the task in what you feel to be a timely manner, start digging a hole. The child may ask why you're digging a hole. Simply say "no reason."

If they make the connection early on, they'll start behaving pretty quickly. If they don't catch on you can start digging at irregular intervals, on the same hole - little bits at a time. If the child doesn't respond, start placing bags of concrete around the hole, put a barrel in the hole and put news clippings about the missing Oregon City girls in a prominent place in your home. Get the other spouse to help you dig or build concrete forms. By this point, your child should respond with a clean room, a mowed lawn, a waxed car, and more. After a short while, you can start filling the hole again - only to be re-dug as needed.

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