Older Children

Thousands of welfare clients, their checks already reduced by the state's budget crisis, could lose more money next month if they can't prove that their preschool children received annual medical checkups.The final phase of Maryland's welfare reform goes into effect Jan. 1, as the state joins a growing nationwide movement to make clients more responsible.Under Maryland's reform plan, responsibility is defined by two specific actions -- getting checkups for preschoolers and ensuring that older children attend school at least 80 percent of the time.

All decked out in their red vests and blue ties, nearly 100 boys and girls sang songs of the season last night at the Children's Chorus of Carroll County's Winter Celebration."

Halloween is one holiday worthy of a suspense-filled buildup. Younger kids can spend the next two weeks focusing on costumes, candy and screwing up the courage to say "trick or treat."But older kids can indulge in something far more thrilling: ghost stories. The telling of spooky tales is one of the few oral traditions we have left. And if you can't remember any by heart, there are plenty of stories to read aloud.Eight is usually a good age to start with scary stuff, although everyone is different and parents should take care to gauge the fright factor.

Summer sure seems to be hurrying by, but there's vacation ahead for many. For families who still have places to go and things to see, here are some ideas from Harbor Hospital Center in South Baltimore to make the trip safe and enjoyable -- for everyone.* Be sure to pack tweezers, bandages, an antibiotic cream, syrup of Ipecac (use only after checking with a pediatrician or poison control center) and acetaminophen and a dropper or medicine spoon to measure doses.* If you're traveling by car, keep children secured in a safety seat at all times and stop driving when you are tired.

Summertime, when it's easy to have fun and easy to get hurt, is nearly here. Children -- rambunctious, unmindful of heat and sun, and eager to attempt warm weather physical challenges -- are especially vulnerable to a variety of seasonal injuries. Here is a checklist of precautions to make this a fun and healthy summer.* Wear a bicycle helmet. It's only "May and we have one kid in Shock Trauma from a bike injury," says Dr. Cheryl Parks, a pediatrician at Greenspring Pediatrics. Head trauma is the leading cause of death in bicycling accidents.

Born to a heroin addict and an alcoholic father who was addicted to cocaine, Michael used to have violent outbursts, didn't know how to play with other children and clung to his mother's side constantly.After 18 months in a program created by Dr. Alexandra McLean, the change in him is visible. Talking, laughing and playing with his friends -- activities that are natural for most children -- Michael seems like any other 3-year-old boy having a good time.Dr. McLean, a 41-year-old psychiatrist, created the Little People Therapeutic Program in 1987 to help drug-addicted parents and their children.

FEW CHILDREN grow up without at least one race to the emergency room, usually after an injury while playing. Most escape without much more than a scare or a scar. But each year 50,000 are permanently maimed and 8,000 do not survive their injuries.Summer, when children are out playing for long hours, is the prime season for childhood accidents. And it is up to parents, teachers and coaches to take measures to protect young lives and limbs. To make playtime safe, consider these suggestions for curbing some common sources of trouble.

IN ANY STRESSFUL situation, there are things that people involved can do to ease the tension. So it is with family tensions stemming from the Persian Gulf war.Here are some suggestions for making life on the home front easier -- at dinner time as well as throughout the day:For children:* Reduce aggravation. Habits or activities -- dropping clothes on the floor or tying up the phone, for instance -- that normally disturb parents are bound to genuinely upset them if they are anxious about the war. Toni Ungaretti, a child development specialist, suggests that youngsters can help by doing whatever they can "so their parents are less aggravated."

Buckle up those seat belts and drive down Route 75 to Union Bridge Sunday afternoon.Just as you enter town, direct your attention to the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum, where you'll find an open house from 1 to 4 p.m.Leave your autos in the parking lot and step back into the heyday of railroad travel, when the train was the nation's king of transportation.The scale model railroad will be in operation, with layout depicting scenes from the railway's 130-year history. You can imagine riding the rails, viewing the miniature version of long ago life along the railway tracks.