Character Education

I believe that children should be taught values and ethics at home. I think it is wrong for society to subject teachers to this task. Having to rely on teachers to instill manners on our children is unfair. Parents should be providing these values in the home. I also feel that a teacher should have the authority to intervene if a child is not showing proper values and manners in school. I do think that a teacher does need to encourage good behavior but not be the foundation of that behavior. Many of our children today lack respect for authority. It infuriates me when I see parents defending their child’s inappropriate behavior, when they really need to be reevaluating their parenting techniques. I am not an expert, however I have worked with children for years, and I noticed the children became more and more disrespectful as the years went on. It is my opinion that a parent needs to be an ally with the teacher. Instilling morals and values in your child, at home, allows the teacher to focus on educating children academically.

Just a thought..."What is the biggest challenge faced by children today?"

In my opinion the biggest challenge faced by children today is lack of simplicity. I think that many children are living in such “complex” worlds. Having so many choices adds pressure to children, ex: just a trip to an ice cream parlor turns out to be a 4 year olds biggest decision in life and because they are so indecisive it usually brings on a temper tantrum. This complexity adds to so many different levels of problems. It starts off with ice cream and then leads into much larger things in life. Yes choices can be a good thing at times but facing so many is hard enough on adults, imagine what it does to children and teenagers. Adults can keep life simple for children; don’t give them so many choices and options. When a child makes a confident decision it adds to their self-esteem. It allows children to become creative and rely on their imagination. Only having one TV in the house creates quality time and fun. Lack of so many toys and electronics creates imagination and crafts. Having so many materialistic options creates over indulgence and greed.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!

Mothers Day is the perfect day to celebrate the joys of having a mother. It is the time to make amends for not being able to spend quality time with her. So turn your wrongs right by making all efforts to give a perfect Mothers Day to your mother. Think about her likes and dislikes about gifts and idea on celebration and act accordingly. Strive to make Mothers Day absolutely hassle free for your mother and take the responsibilities on yourself for a day. Pamper her a little on this special day of hers just as she pampers you all the year round. Give her a warm hug and a big kiss as you wish her a Happy Mothers Day!

Im back...

Wow what a busy few weeks...I am back!!!!
First and formeost I must wish a belated birthday to my son Andrew, he is now 15 years old and quite the young gentleman. I couldn't be any prouder of him. I'm a very lucky mom :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW, I LOVE YOU!!!!!

I would also like to wish my wonderful mother, my brother Michael and my father in law Paul a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! All these April babies :)

The Story that Changed My Life (from post on 12/8/08)

The Boy From the Orphanage :)

This is an absolute true story that happened to me just yesterday. Prepare to grab your box of Kleenex (hear that Aunt Bev).It was around 8:00 and I was decorating my front bay window for Christmas, I noticed a boy with what appeared to be a book bag. I saw a woman in a white car stop and chat with the boy for a little while and then she drove away. He looked around, standing close to the edge of the road, I feared he would be hit by a car. I stared and watched wondering what is this boy doing. He started yelling to me "lady please help me, please lady". With slight hesitation I ran to the front door and opened it slowly."What's wrong honey?" "I need a ride home to Wilkes Barre he said shivering in the 20 degree weather. "Wilkes Barre? you're in Pittston?", where are your parents and where are you coming from? After several minutes of listening to his stories, I realized this boy has no home. He told me he was 11 years old (thats right, just 11) and that he was taken away from his parents in New York. He had a 7 year old brother and a little sister (didn't get her age), they lived with his Godmother in Wilkes Barre and he wanted to live there too. He ran away from a local orphanage because the other kids didn't like him and he missed his brother and sister. I asked "how long have you lived at this orphanage?" (I am keeping the name private to respect my little friend's privacy). He told me a few weeks. I sat him down on my front steps and let him pour his little heart out.He was so cold and so scared. He was walking around for nearly 4 hours and just wanted to see his brother and sister. I explained to him how special he was, and that I only knew him for a short time and had a love for him already. He looked at me with disbelief and said "lady will you come work where I live, you're very nice." That says to me he just needs someone to believe in him and I did, I told him how much I believed in him. I explained that just because he was taken away from his parents didn't mean he was the bad one...I told him his situation was not his fault and he could change it. I told him to stay where he was at and believe that good things can, and will happen. After moments of talking and listening, I told him I had to call and he had to go back to the orphanage. He kept asking over and over, "am I going to jail?" and I said no honey I promise you'll be ok.The orphanage was closed and an anwering service was all I kept getting, I explained I had to call the cops, but I assured him that cops are good people and they don't only take bad guys but help people in bad situations too. I went in the house and called 911 and explained he was a good kid who was just scared and sad. They asked if he was a little black boy from the orphanage and I said yes he is, they knew he was ok and were on their way. As they drove up the street I said "look honey, they don't even have their lights and sirens on, your not in trouble," and we both chuckled. I looked at him and said "are you scared?" and he said "yes", I knew I had to let this cop know this boy is not a criminal and he is only 11. As the cop (actually a state trooper) pulled over he said "boy from the orphanage", I said yes, this is Shamar (fake name), and he is a good kid who is confused and scared. I put my hand on Shamar's shoulder, gave it a squeeze, and said "I believe in you and you will make something of yourself, stay on the right path and I know you'll be ok, believe in yourself Shamar!" I walked to my front door with a lump in my throat and a heaviness about me and as I went to turn the handle the officer yelled, "Maam, thanks for taking care of him, he'll be ok" and I said "it was my pleasure and I know he'll be ok". I closed the door and that was it, holy waterworks, I cried for over an hour.To think it all started putting Christmas decorations in a window and meeting a boy who has no idea who he is even spending Christmas with. I called the orphanage today, and after being told they don't take volunteers, I pleaded and begged explaining I am torn between Nursing and Social work and that I really wanted to see if I could handle it...after begging and begging and explaining I have all the requirements (child abuse clearance, more than half my credits for a sociology degree, and a heart filled with love), I have an appointment Tuesday the 16th.To think this little boy who thinks he means nothing may be the reason I make one of the biggest decisions of my life...He's going to make it, I know he is :)

Children and Sleep

Sleep is as important to your health and well-being as food and water. Sleep deprivation is currently one of the most pervasive health concerns in the United States. For children, sleep plays a critical role in their healthy growth and development. Beyond simply affecting children's moods, behaviors, and academic performances, insufficient sleep has also been associated with lower social skills, learning disabilities, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

I Have a Dream…

I’ve always dreamt that one day I would abolish child abuse. Since I was a young girl I’ve been bothered by the reality that children are abused and neglected everywhere. In seems as though laws are not severe enough to help prevent this maltreatment, and I wanted to be the person who changed this.
I remember being a little girl and there was a particular commercial on TV that caused me absolute heartache, it was the “Calgon” commercial. As funny as it seems, I thought when the baby was crying and the mother said, “Calgon take me away”, she was going to leave the baby. My mother tried explaining the reality of the commercial, but I cried every time. It was years later that I actually realized the meaning behind “Calgon take me away”. It was at this time I realized how passionate I was about children and their well-being.
Growing up in a large family with lots of love and affection, I couldn’t imagine what an abused child went through. As I got older and started watching the news, the stories devastated me and left me confused. How can people do this to innocent children? Why aren’t these “excuses for human beings” being punished for this? Who is there to protect these children? I prayed every night that someone would save these children. My prayers turned into dreams and I was the hero.
In my dreams children had voices, not just ordinary voices, but voices that brought delight to everyone eyes. In my dreams children have hopes and dreams and no one will dare rip that away from them, for one day those hopes and dreams will lead to a world of discovery and innovation. In my dreams the people who dare to harm these innocent blessings from God are justly punished for their actions. In my dreams there is no such thing as torture, starvation, neglect, or molestation. In my dreams there aren’t privileges for parents such as: rehabilitation over and over again, or a welfare system that compensates drug addict mothers and fathers for continuing to have children and then neglect them, or a system that allows child molesters to walk free after a few months in jail. My dreams are happy children enjoying their lives like children should be. In a place where people hug, listen, and believe in kids. A place with laws set in place, so no one can get away with hurting children. This is my dream, a dream that the children of our world are happy, healthy, protected and safe.

Stories you don't always see on the news...

Pa. Man Kills Dog then Daughter.
24-year-old Vincent Davis of Erie, Pa. kicked his family’s dog to death after it crapped on the floor. But he wasn’t done there. He then shook his 5-month-old daughter to death because she was crying.
As usual in these cases he tried lying to police by saying that he dropped her while changing his diaper. I wonder what his excuse for the dog was. That he dropped his shoe on the dog repeatedly until it died accidentally?
How much anger can one man possibly have? Scratch that. He’s obviously not a man but a coward of the highest order.
Rot in hell scumbag.


Denver Man Accused of Smothering 5 Month Old
27-year-old Keith Weatherspoon of Denver, Colorado has been charged with first degree murder in the death of his 5-month-old daughter. He allegedly smothered the baby with a pillow because she wouldn’t stop crying.
That’s what babies do Jackass, they cry. If you can’t figure out why without resorting to violence you have no business being in society let alone being a parent.

HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN????

Belated B-Day!

I'd like to wish my sister T a belated birthday. I remembered to wish her on Facebook and forgot on Parenting for a Purpose. I know she had a wonderful birthday weekend and I hope the rest of her year is just as wonderful :)

Homework

During grade school, kids start getting homework for the first time to reinforce and extend classroom learning and help them practice important study skills.
By doing homework, kids learn how to:
read and follow directions independently
manage and budget time (for long-term assignments like book reports)
complete work neatly and to the best of their ability
It also helps them develop a sense of responsibility, pride in a job well done, and a work ethic that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.
Parents can give kids lots of homework help, primarily by making homework a priority and helping them develop good study habits.

Congratulations!!!!!!

Congratulations to my cousin Nicole on the birth of her beautiful daughter, Maddie Noel!!!! She entered this crazy world last Friday, February 20th :) Both mom and baby are doing wonderful! My sweet Aunt LouAnne would have been elated, but she is watching her grandaughter from above, and Maddie has a very special angel protecting her. God Bless Nicole and her princess Maddie.

Indoor Fun :)

Have a dirty-sock fight. Got cranky kids? Take the socks right off your feet and challenge them to a throwing battle (P-U!), and watch the whines turn to giggles and squeals. Make up teams to help out your littlest ones.
Play Simon Says, redux. Put a twist on the game with Spider-Man Says -- or whoever's popular in the house that week -- and everyone can take turns being their favorite superhero. Mix it up every time: "Spider-Man says, 'Pretend to spray a web on the wall!'"
Go on a free field trip to the pet store. It's too cold for the zoo; spend an hour checking out the cute puppies and kittens. If your kid's really into wild things, look for a store with exotic creatures.
Try a valentine craft. Trace and cut out a big heart shape from a brown paper bag. Little kids can crush or crinkle small squares of red and pink tissue paper into balls; older kids (or you) can help them glue the tissue balls on to cover the cutout or arrange them in the shape of the letters "D-A-D."
Jazz up "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes". Keep a pack of stickers in your purse; when your toddler's getting antsy in a restaurant, stick them all over her body. Sing the song, then ask her to find them, and name the body part each sticker is on together.
Revisit Red Light, Green Light -- indoors. Forgot how to play it? One person is the "stoplight"; the rest of you form a line several yards away. The stoplight turns his back to you and yells "green light!" You all run toward him until he yells "red light!" and turns around. Anyone he catches moving is out. The game's over when someone tags the stoplight or everyone is out.

Thanks parenting.com!

Ponder this...

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.
***Love is friendship set on fire. The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have.***

Something I learned in my Child Psychology class

While children do need time to play alone and with other children without adult intervention, research shows that playtime with parents is also important.

Children crave time with parents. It makes them feel special. Parents are encouraged to find time to spend playing with their kids on a regular basis. This should include one to one with each child and group time with all of the adults and kids in the home. If you are a single parent or have an only child, occasionally invite family or friends over to play.

Playing with kids builds a bond that will last forever. It lets the child know he or she is loved and appreciated. It opens the door for sharing problems and concerns when the need arises. It helps the parent get to know and under the uniqueness of each child. This also improves parent-child communication and reduces behavior problems. It is also great stress reducer for overworked parents

I smell a birthday boy...

Happy Birthday Bob :) Many wishes to my wonderful brother on his birthday!!!!

In Memory of My Aunt Lou Anne :)

If We Could Bring You Back Again

If we could bring you back again, for one more hour or day, we’d express all our unspoken love; we’d have countless things to say. If we could bring you back again, we’d say we treasured you, and that your presence in our lives meant more than we ever knew. If we could bring you back again, to tell you what we should, you’d know how much we miss you now, and if we could, we would.
By Joanna Fuchs

*Lou Anne, who was only 46, was tragically killed in a snowmobile accident.

How can I be a good parent?

Advice from FamilyDoctor.org

There's not just one right way to raise children. And there's no such thing as a perfect parent or a perfect child. But here are some guidelines to help your children grow up healthy and happy:
Show your love. Every day, tell your children: "I love you. You're special to me." Give lots of hugs and kisses.
Listen when your children talk. Listening to your children tells them that you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.
Make your children feel safe. Comfort them when they're scared. Show them you've taken steps to protect them.
Provide order in their lives. Keep a regular schedule of meals, naps and bedtimes. If you have to change the schedule, tell them about the changes ahead of time.
Praise your children. When your children learn something new or behave well, tell them you're proud of them.
Criticize the behavior, not the child. When your child makes a mistake, don't say, "You were bad." Instead, explain what the child did wrong. For example, say: "Running into the street without looking isn't safe." Then tell the child what to do instead: "First, look both ways for cars."
Be consistent. Your rules don't have to be the same ones other parents have, but they do need to be clear and consistent. (Consistent means the rules are the same all the time.) If two parents are raising a child, both need to use the same rules. Also, make sure baby-sitters and relatives know (and follow) your family rules.
Spend time with your children. Do things together, such as reading, walking, playing and cleaning house. What children want most is your attention. Bad behavior is usually an attempt to get your attention.

January 14th, Dee Dee's 29th Birthday

Yesterday was my sister Dee Dee's 29th birthday, we celebrated with a "girls night" at Cooper's and it was wonderful!!! Sis, hope you had a great time with all us girls, make the best of 29 its a fantabulous year!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Encouraging Good Behavior

The first step to better discipline is to learn to encourage good behavior in your child. It is much easier to reinforce good behavior than to have to try and change bad behaviors. Here are some tips for encouraging better behavior:

Reinforce good behavior by offering praise when he does well and learn to pay positive attention to your child. Children seek approval for the things that they do, especially from their parents. Let your child know if he is following the rules or has done something, or made an effort to do something that you wanted. Give him a hug, kiss or smile if he has been sitting quietly, completes a chore without problems, or is playing cooperatively. Also give verbal signs of approval, such as ‘Great Job,' or ‘I like it when you…' Be sure to comment on specific behaviors or actions.
Give him choices. This allows your child some feeling of independence. For example, offer a choice between setting the table or taking out the trash.
Make good behavior fun. Your child is more likely to comply if he is enjoying himself. For example, say ‘let's see who can pick up the most toys.' Establish a reward system to promote good behavior.

New Year 2009!

Well I'm sure everyone has committed to a New Year resolution...besides my normal "weight loss" woes...my new resolution is to be better at building my children's self esteem :)

Healthy self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of the world. Kids who feel good about themselves seem to have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. They tend to smile more readily and enjoy life. These kids are realistic and generally optimistic.
In contrast, kids with low self-esteem can find challenges to be sources of major anxiety and frustration. Those who think poorly of themselves have a hard time finding solutions to problems. If given to self-critical thoughts such as "I'm no good" or "I can't do anything right," they may become passive, withdrawn, or depressed. Faced with a new challenge, their immediate response is "I can't."
Here's how you can play important role in promoting healthy self-esteem in your child.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/self_esteem.html