Moms Talk is a weekly feature on Cartersville Patch and we want to hear from all the parents out there! Tell us in the comments what you think of this week's question: How should we address in discussions with our children the criminal acts and other stories with underlying adult issues so often played out in the news? It is important to take into account age and level of maturity when discussing news headlines with children. Think of yourself as an editor tailoring the news stories you hear to your specific audience, your children. A five-year-old has a limited world view, is not emotionally…

I feel strongly there is never a need to spank a child. As adults, it is our responsibility to have perspective and self control, and we must realize that hitting is harmful on many levels and there are always alternative ways to discipline. Instead of spanking, you could take away a privilege or have a heart-to-heart about why a specific behavior is unacceptable to you. Wait until things have calmed down and then try reasoning with your child. Being spanked doesn’t teach a lesson as much as it scares your child into submission; they should be “taught” not “trained.” — Courtney Sirotin Every …

Moms Talk is a new feature on Cartersville Patch that is part of an effort to reach out to moms and families. Cartersville Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Cartersville. Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families who make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour pharmacies and the thousands of …