Kids These Days

Car, boat or snowmachine, driving is a reponsibility, a privilege, a rite of passage, a danger and a freedom at any age! This time on KTD we're exploring all the facets of what it means to be young with a license to drive in Alaska with our guests, Don McDermott, a retired-educator-turned-driving-instructor, and Lt. Arthur "Tom" Dunn, the deputy commander of the Alaska Highway Patrol. We'll discuss safety issues, driver's ed, licensing, preventing drunk driving and why modern teens aren't getting their licenses as early as teens of yore.KSKA: Tuesday 4/10 @ 2pm & 7pm

Technology is changing the way we do so many things - how we communicate, navigate and regulate our every day lives. So how is it changing the way that we educate? We'll explore what technological innovation means to the future of classroom learning with Dr. Mark Bailey, an Oregon professor who is developing "play-based" digital curricula for early learners, and with Amanda Duvall, an Alaskan teacher who educates educators on using technology. That and distance learning in rural Alaska and we'll look at video games in a new light!KSKA: Tuesday, 4/3 @ 2pm & 7pm

Growing up means forming a solid sense of your self, figuring out who you are and what you like in order to eventually become a fully realized adult. When a young person begins to identify as GLBT (gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender) it can be a difficult time in an already fragile period of life. So, what is "coming out" truly like for Alaska's rural and urban youth and how can loved ones can best support these kids as they struggle to accept themselves - and to be accepted? The president of Alaska PFLAG and two of Alaska's young GLBT leaders join us to discuss developing a sexual identity.KSKA: Tuesday 3/27 @ 2pm & 7pm

Can you feel it, too? The days are getting lighter, the temps a little warmer and our cabin fevers are starting to break. Next time on KTD we're exploring what effect the springtime change of season has on the bodies and the minds of people of all ages. We'll talk camping, hiking and the outdoors with Babes in the Woods author, Jen Aist; we'll learn about sun and vitamin D from Dr. Matthew Benson and we'll ask: "Is there really a medical explanation behind spring fever?"KSKA: Tuesday, March 20 @ 2pm & 7pm

Youth leaders from Alaska's Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities join us to discuss the value of raising children to have faith in a higher power. We'll explore why some kids will choose to reject their parents' religion, while others will remain devout in the faith of their childhood. Afshan Mohammad, Principal of Al- Noor Academy Sunday Islamic School, Rabbi Michael Oblath from Congregation Beth Shalom, and Mark Zweifel, District Youth Director of the AK Ministry Network are guests.KSKA: Tuesday, 3/13 @ 2pm & 7pm

Assessing students' progress means a regular battery of standardized tests, a fact of life in most public schools - so how are Alaskan kids measuring up? We'll look at the history of this kind of testing, the current tests our kids take, and we'll also learn about the new, proposed standards for Alaskan K-12 students that could be implemented this fall if they are adopted. Guests from the Department of Ed and the classroom join us to discuss.KSKA: Tuesday, 3/6 @ 2pm & 7pm

More and more kids are being prescribed medications. From psychotropic prescriptions to pills for obesity-related diseases, the rate of meds given to kids is increasing at a higher rate than any other age group. Caregivers have questions about this, and about side effects and dosages too, so we'll be exploring all things pharmaceutical next time with our guest, Dr. Shubu Ghosh, an Anchorage-based child psychiatrist.KSKA: Tuesday, 2/28 @ 2p & 7p

They grow up so fast, don't they? This time on KTD! we're talking about early developmental stages - where should very young children be developmentally at one year, two years, three years? And where can caregivers find help and support if their children aren't meeting those recommended milestones? We'll meet some of the resources available to help caregivers learn how to support their growing little ones with the state's Early Intervention Manager, Erin Kinavey and Dr. Donna Galbreath who's in a new film all about keeping "Babies on Track".KSKA: Tuesday, 2/21 @ 2pm & 7pm

To celebrate Valentine's Day week, Kids These Days! is hosting a discussion about sex and romance after kids. We'll talk with Alaskan relationship and sex therapists, Chris Reynolds and Rebecca Love, about the common issues couples face in the bedroom, and they'll share ideas for moms and dads who want to keep the magic alive.KSKA: Tuesday, 2/14 @ 2p and 7p

When young people are processed into a justice system, an arrest and a courtdate are only the very beginning of the correctional journey for juvenile offenders - one that hopefully ends with successful rehabilitation. So, how does the juvenile justice system in Alaska work? And what does successful rehabilitation look like? To find out we'll speak with Brian Petrilla, a teen-bankrobber-turned-adult-probation-officer and Rob Wood, the Deputy Director of the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice.KSKA: Tuesday 2/7 @ 2p and 7p