Antoinette's Page

Vol. 3, No. 7, Monday, June 4^th 2012

TITLE: “CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAYS: I have some  ideas – activities, spots,  camps, parks, etc.*”

 INTRODUCTION

Summer is around the corner and in a couple of weeks, classes will be over and it will be summer break. It brings back memories of when my daughters were in school.  Today, I will talk about kids’ summer holiday. My book of the week is “The Family Manager’s Guide To Summer Survival: Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities, Games, and More!” [Paperback] by Kathy Peel (Author).  (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on parenting: family, child rearing and education.)

PREVIEW (Monday, June 11^th, 2012): I am also thinking about another rite of summer – Moving Day. In our province, July 1^st is the start of the lease year for dwellings; as a result, the lead-up to that date is the time for moving. This year, I have been affected by three moves; I can tell you it’s big work. Come on over – I’ll give you a heads up first hand. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on home and garden.)

MY LIFE & TIMES*

Childhood: When I was a young girl, my summers were spent at home.  My parents worked most of the time and on nice weekends, we did day outings with uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.  It was fun and wonderful reconnecting with family.

Motherhood: Working in an educational institution, allowed me to take the summers off.  I planned it so that I would be home for my daughters.  I took them for swimming lessons, water parks, outings with friends, the zoo, family vacation, etc.  I invited their friends often to spend the day.  I looked forward to spending time with my children during the summer months.  Summer months with my children were very precious for me.  I worked full-time and with my busy schedule, quality time with my daughters was limited.  During the summer months, my daughters and I spent time together.  It was the time to bond.  Some say that the summer school vacation period is too long.  A shorter vacation period during the summer and more vacation during the school year would be ideal. 

Grandparenthood: My daughter, being a school teacher, will also be able to be home for the summer.  Her children – my grandchildren need this time with their mother. 

THE AUTHOR: Kathy Peel

Kathy Peel is the president and founder of Family Manager, Inc.  She lives in Dallas, Texas. She is an author, having written 18 books, which sold over two million copies.  For more than 12 years, she has been contributing editor at Family Circle.  She has numerous appearances to credit on such shows as:  Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show.

SERIES/COLLECTION

Books/Articles:

Several are:

• 2009 – The Busy Couple’s Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy (Paperback)
• 2008 – The Stomach VIrus and Other Forms of Family Bonding (Paperback) → Paperback
• 2008 – The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy Organized Home Fast Solutions to Hundreds of Everyday Dilemmas (Paperback)
• 2007 – Desperate Households How to Restore Order and Harmony to Your Life and Home (Paperback)
• 2006 – The Family Manager’s Guide to Summer Survival Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities Games and More (Paperback)
• 2004 – The Family Manager Saves the Day Rescue Your Family From Everyday Stress for a Peaceful Positive Home (Paperback)
• 2004 – The Family Manager Takes Charge (Paperback)
• 2003 – The Family Manager Takes Charge Getting on the Fast Track to a Happy Organized Home (Paperback)
• 2003 – Family for Life How to Have Happy Healthy Relationships with Your Adult Children (Paperback)
• 2002 – Die Hochglanzfrau (Paperback)
• 1998 – The Family Manager’s Everyday Survival Guide (Paperback)
• 1997 – Descubra Su Destino [Spanish Edition] (Paperback)
• 1997 – Family Manager’s Guide for Working Moms (Paperback)
• 1997 – Discover Your Destiny Finding the Courage to Follow Your Dreams (Paperback)
• 1996 – The Family Manager (Paperback)
• 1995 – Where Is Moses When We Need Him Teaching Your Kids the Ten Values That Matter Most (Hardcover) → Paperback
• 1995 – Where Is Moses When We Need Him Teaching Your Kids the Ten Values That Matter Most (Paperback) → Hardcover
• 1994 – The Little Book of Christmas Joys 432 Things to Do for Yourself and Others That Just Might Make This the Best Christmas Ever (Paperback) → Paperback
• 1994 – How to Simplify Your Life Tips to Save Time Money and Stress [Quick-Me-Ups] (Paperback)
• 1994 – How to Make Someone’s Day 365 Ways to Show You Care [Quick Me Ups] (Paperback)
• 1993 – Stomach VIrus (Audio Cassette)
• 1993 – The Stomach VIrus and Other Forms of Family Bonding (Paperback) → Paperback
• 1992 – Do Plastic Surgeons Take VIsa (Paperback) → Paperback, Audio Cassette
• 1992 – Do Plastic Surgeons Take VIsa and Other Confessions of a Desperate Woman (Audio Cassette) → Paperback
• 1992 – Parenting Questions Women Ask [Today’s Christian Woman Series] (Hardcover)
• 1991 – A Mother’s Manual for Holiday Survival (Paperback) → Paperback, Hardcover
• 1990 – A Mother’s Manual for Schoolday Survival (Paperback)
• 1990 – A Mother’s Manual for Summer Survival (Paperback)

THE BOOK: “The Family Manager’s Guide To Summer Survival: Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities, Games, and More!” [Paperback] by Kathy Peel (Author)

Summer is a challenge for parents. In her book, Kathy Peel demonstrates how to make the summer months memorable with activities, learning experiences, trips, etc.  Furthermore, she’ll show you the 10-best ways to keep your kids from being bored.  She has creative activities that teach children skills and values. I think the more ideas the better. Take a look – your kids will benefit!

CONCLUSION

Summer is a time for fun and games. More, summer is an opportunity for a parent to spend quality timer with their kids.

Personal Comments

I say:

• Summer holidays from school could be enriching and exciting for kids. 
• For Moms and Dads everywhere, it’s important to make the most of the summer months with your children.  Indeed, if done right. it ‘s the time for parents, especially working Moms to bond with their kids.
• Summer camps are great for children as long as it’s for a short period of time. 

The Point

Give some thought to your kids, this coming summer. Make it special not only for them, but also for yourself. Sun & fun is not simply child’s play! It takes a parent’s careful consideration and direction. 

ATOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

I ask: “What do you have planned for the summer?” I say that a parent may:

1. Keep your children in touch with their school friends, if possible, invite them over for slumber parties;
2. Make plans for play and projects in home for rain days: a) magazine collages; b)cookie/cake baking; 
3. Visit your city library; there is much to do and many opportunities to learn; 
4. Go to your nearby park and playground often – physical activity is very important for your child; but, keep close watch ALWAYS!
5. Arrange events with other parents at the park: a) Carnival; b) Board game tournaments; 
6. Plan ahead – remember the early bird gets the worm;
7. Consider a family vacation;
8. Look for recreational programs or camps; with this in mind, 

• Look into the local community center for activities
• Enroll your child for swimming lessons, sports, etc.
• Register your child for a two-week camp –  I think two weeks are just right!

9. Plan day trips, fun outings, to this end, go to the: (a) Water park; (b) Zoo

10. Make it your aim to make this summer, memorable for your children and also yourself.

I’m really looking forward  to the end of June. Soon, children will shout: ” Hooray, it’s summer holidays:  no more homework – let’s play!” I wish that you and your children have lots and lots of fun!

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
P.S. Big News: There are big changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com –   saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit  www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
===============================================================

ANNEX I: NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY AN ANECDOTE OR A QUOTE:

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE #1: Meandering
“One wintry day when Frank Lloyd Wright was nine years old, the future architect went for a walk with a reserved, no-nonsense uncle. As they reached the end of a snow-covered field, his uncle stopped him. “Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the fence to the cattle to the woods and back again,” he said. “And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that.”

Years later Wright remarked that this experience had had a profound influence on his philosophy of life. “I determined right then,” he explained with a twinkle in his eye, “not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had!” (Source: Anecdotage) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=9272)

 S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE #2: Alfred Hitchcock: Mischief
“Alfred Hitchcock was a mischievous child. One day when Alfred was “no more than six years of age,” his father sent him on an errand to deliver a sealed letter to the local police station. Having read it, the officer lead young Alfred to a cell and proceeded to lock him up.

Two hours later [some sources say five to ten minutes later], the boy was released. “This,” the officer explained, “is what happens to bad little boys!”\ (Source: Anecdotage) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=9022)

 S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTE #3: Dean Kamen: Family Vacation
“By the age of 16, Dean Kamen (famed for his invention of the Segway Human Transporter) had made a small fortune selling his first invention – a control unit for light and sound shows – to such clients as New York’s Hayden Planetarium. “I used some of the money to send my parents on a two-week vacation,” he later recalled, “and I used the rest of it to buy myself some really great machine tools for the workshop I had set up in my parents’ basement.”

Unfortunately, some of the new equipment would not fit in a basement. Kamen, however, had a solution. He simply hired a contractor to dig a massive hole in the back yard, knock through the foundation wall, and expand the cellar. His parents soon returned from Hawaii – and found their home on stilts (erected to prevent it from falling into the aforementioned hole). Kamen later recalled their reaction: “They were not amused.” (Source: Anecdotage) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=1262)

S & R* QUOTE #1: Tara Brach

“When we put down ideas of what life should be like, we are free to wholeheartedly say yes to our life as it is.”  (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/)

S & R* QUOTE #2: Franklin P. Jones

“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index2.html)

S & R* QUOTE #3: Robert Frost

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”  (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index2.html)

ANNEX II
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
“For today, my word/phrase(s) are:  “summer vacation”; “children”; “summer camp”

Summer vacation

“Summer vacation (also called summer holidays or summer break) is a vacation in the summertime between school years in which students and instructors are off school typically between 6 and 14 weeks, depending on the country and district.(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_vacation)

A child (plural form is children) is someone who is not an adult yet, or a person who has not reached puberty. A person younger than 15 years old is usually called a child.^[source?]” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child)

Summer School

“Summer camp is a supervised program for children or teenagers conducted (usually) during the summer months in some countries. Children and adolescents who attend summer camp are known as campers.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_camp)

SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS:

“Some countries only get six weeks or two months summer vacation because students supposedly forget large amounts of information learned in the past year (See: Summer learning loss).^[1][2] Other education reformers believed that children were overstimulated in a system which required 48 weeks of schooling. They believe that over-schooling could lead to nervous disorders, depression, and insanity.^[3] They believe that children need the 2–3 months off to relax and also to take a break from other childhood stresses associated with school such as peer pressure, cliques, bullying, and the pressure of heavy loads of schoolwork and homework.

Some critics of summer vacation point out that American students spend approximately 180 days (36 weeks) per year in school, but Asian students are “in school for 240 to 250 days”. However, in certain Asian countries, like Singapore, students in both primary and secondary education get a week of holidays in March, a month in June, another week in September and a month and a half in November to December, meaning that Singaporean students spend around 200 days a year in school, not 240 to 250. This is consistent with the conclusions of researchers^[4] who suggest that advanced abilities are in proportion to the time spent learning. Summer holidays in Japan last from late July until early September.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_vacation)

“In most camps, the adult supervisors are called counselors, but another name may be “cabin leader”. In many camps, counselors are assigned to smaller groups of campers, called “bunks”, “huts”, “cabins”, or “units”, who participate in activities as a group. Counselors often share living accommodations with their bunk or other counselors. Most counselors are in their late teens or early twenties, as high school or college students on their summer break are frequently recruited.

At some camps, all campers stay overnight, and at some camps, so called day camps, the campers go home each night. Some other camps allow both day and overnight campers. In the USA, residential camps that have overnight facilities are sometimes called “sleepaway camps”. Summer camp is often the first time that children spend an extended period of time away from home.

The practice of running residential holidays for children away from their own home seems to have originated in Appenzell in the Alps in 1876, when Pastor Bion set up holiday camps in which children made tree-houses, sang songs, did drama, made kites and had adventure games.

Post-war France used Pastor Bion’s model to take children who had grown up during the war years, away from cities, and their scheme ‘colonies de vacances’ became state controlled, part of their state education system for all children.

The American camps seem to have developed from a very different cultural root.” (Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_camp)

SCHEDULE III
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Summer schooling: The ABC’s of sun safety

“Canadians may love the sun, but do we really know how to protect ourselves from it? A recent Banana Boat sunscreen brand survey reveals that we might not have all the facts when it comes to sun safety.

To assist Canadians with sun care basics, dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll has joined forces with Banana Boat to develop the following ABCs of sun safety:

Apply all year round: The sun may not feel as warm during the spring, fall and winter months, but you can suffer both short and long term effects from the sun all year long. Regardless of the temperature outside or the time of day, be sure to apply sunscreen to all uncovered areas of your skin.

Broad spectrum is best: Ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays may both come from the sun, but they affect your skin in different ways. It’s important to look for a sunscreen with broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection and follow these four easy steps for proper application:

1. Apply early: Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.

2. Apply enough: You should be using one ounce or 30mL of sunscreen roughly the size of a golf ball.

3. Apply everywhere: Don’t forget ears, lips, shoulders and nose. These areas are most susceptible to sun exposure.

4. Re-apply frequently: Be sure to re-apply one ounce of sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Cloudy day? Don’t put the sunscreen away. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds, mist and fog, so even if you can’t see the sun, it can still see you. Be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing on even the cloudiest of days to keep your skin safe.

For more information on proper sun protection, visit www.SunSafety101.ca.“ www.newscanada.com

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: A summer sun solution for kids with sensitive skin

“Specialists in the field of sun protection advise that the delicate skin of babies and young children can be more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. Unprotected exposure is a concern to all parents, especially when their little ones discover that the true adventures of summer are all outdoors.

The Canadian Cancer Society warns that the risk of skin cancer is greater than it was 20 years ago and continues to increase. Ultraviolet rays can break through clouds, fog and haze and among other cancer risk factors, blistering sunburns as a child, must be avoided for skin health later in life.

Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun, says Beth-Ann Ivany, Senior Brand Manager at Aveeno, a leading brand name in the field of nature-based skin care. Children need protection from UVA and UVB rays whenever they are outside.

Since that is likely to be any time, all the time, it is highly recommended that parents add a thorough application and reapplication of sunscreen every day to their children’s morning routine. Indeed, getting them to sit still for it each day might still be a challenge and many parents also struggle with concerns about the quality of the product they are putting on their child’s skin.

Using hypo-allergenic, naturally-derived mineral ingredients is a starting point but with sunscreen advancements today, the options are ever-increasing, Ivany explains. Aveeno is well known for the development of the Active Naturals technology for effective skincare. These formulations combine Active Naturals, such as skin-soothing moisturizing oat and other naturally-sourced ingredients, to produce formulas that can enhance the beauty and healthy look of skin. Knowing that sunscreen is a must, it is ideal to choose one with multiple benefits that moisturizes, soothes and nourishes too.

For kids, and for anyone with skin sensitivities, a hypo-allergenic mineral based sunscreen is a welcomed solution.

The Active Naturals in the new Sensitive Skin mineral sunscreen product line are derived from the moisture replenishing and soothing properties of oatmeal. Ivany explained. It is also ‘broad spectrum’ to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. For exuberant kids, it’s waterproof maintaining its SPF protection after 80 minutes of water or sweaty activity. This means that children, teens and adults alike will get broad spectrum protection from the rays of the sun and they will also be able to moisturize and soften sensitive skin at the same time.

Dermatologists remind us however, that a reliable sunscreen is just the first step. Always combine it with activity in the shade, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothes, and keep hydrated.” www.newscanada.com

*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Vol. 2, No. 41, Monday, March 5th, 2012

TITLE: “BEDTIME FOR KIDS: I have comments & tips about routine, sleeping habits, stories and more!*”  

INTRODUCTION 

Again, we’re on the topic of raising our children.  Today I will talk about bedtime and stories for children. My subject is the importance of a good night’s sleep for kids. My book of the week is: “Classic Treasury Of Best-Loved Bedtime Stories” [Hardcover] by Penny Dann (Author) (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on family, child rearing and education.) 

PREVIEW (Sunday, March 11^th, 2018): Quick, I am turning green…Oh, not to worry,  St- Patrick’s Day is coming on March 17th. What do you expect…that I’m in the pink? For the Irish in all of  us, let’s celebrate! When you come for a look-see, bring with a four- leaf clover. See you then. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on holidays and special dates. (Sorry, for the rescheduling.) 

BONUS PREVIEW (Sunday, March 18^h, 2012): Back to kids, I am now thinking about school dress codes, the good, the bad and the ugly! Some say: “The tie and grey flannel pant/skirt, white shirt/blouse, cardigan, outfit looks trim and proper, building school spirit. Others say: “It’s stuffy and pretentious building uniformity. It’s better to have fashion and putting the best foot forward even in grade school of course in high school. It’s about learning. Afraid about prefect-monitors not the fashion police …. Join the debate.  (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on family, child rearing and education.) 

MY LIFE & TIMES* 

Childhood: My parents put my brothers and me to bed at a certain hour and that was that … no bedtime stories.  

Motherhood: My daughters were not easy to put to bed.  By the time dinner was done and their baths were given, it was time to wind down. Of course, I read each of them a bedtime story. They had their favorites and I had to read them often.  At times, when the stories were too long, I would try to skip over some parts, but they were quick to object and point out the parts that I had missed.  

Grand-motherhood: My daughter, now a mother herself, is very strict about bedtime. It is very important for her to get her kids into bed at the right hour. My grandkids also fight sleep till they can no longer keep their eyes open.  

THE AUTHOR:  Penny Dann 

Penny Dann attended Brighton College of Art. She received a degree in Visual Communication.  During the years, 1994 through 2000, she travelled in Australia and America.  This free spirit has an intuitive insight into young children. She lives in Brighton, England, but she has become a great communicator for kids everywhere.  Doodles led to acclaimed illustrations, poetry and humor included.  She has worked in line & wash, watercolor & pencil, gouache, and acrylic. She has soft-toy books and pop-up books to her credit. This lady has a lovely style. 

SERIES/COLLECTION 

Books/Articles: 

Several are: 

• Mystery Pups: Diamond Dogs! 
• Mystery Pups: Missing! 
• The Secret Fairy Christmas

THE BOOK:“Classic Treasury Of Best-Loved Bedtime Stories” [Hardcover] by Penny Dann (Author) 

Bedtime is better with storytime. Dann chose eight traditional stories: “The Princess and the Pea”, “King Midas”, “Stone Soup”, “The Lion and the Mouse”; “The Glass Mountain,” “The Three Sillies,” “The Enchanted Watch,” and “The Little Red Hen.”  These classic fairy tales will enchant toddlers and better. The new illustrations make them even more memorable. It could become your child`s favorite!.    

CONCLUSION

A good bedtime is the best way to prepare your child for tomorrow and help him/her make it a great day!  

Personal Comments

If you guessed that I had some opinions – you would be right. I say:

• Putting children to bed is definitely not an easy task.
• Bedtime is not only about turning off the lights; it`s important to establish a bedtime routine and then stick to it.  
• It’s vital that it be done right – it starts with making the entire house sleep friendly by * Dimming the lights; * Keeping the house quiet – there should be no music on and the volume  on your television should be at low.

It’s also about the need for getting the child ready for bed; to this end, * Change him/her into PJs; * Get him/her into winding down mode – a calming interval is the key to a good night rest for every one; *  Turn off all electronics – bedtime can’t be chaotic; * Put him/her into bed;

• It’s now the time to read your child a bedtime story, etc.; bedtime stories have benefits: * If told in a soothing voice, a story can have a calming effect on a child; *  Stories have an incredible educational value on children; * It’s quality time between parent & child – indeed, story time is bonding time;  * Children look forward to their bedtime stories – they love them.
• Once the story is over, don’t stay in the room until they fall asleep – instead, leave the room;
• A good night’s sleep is important in the life of a child;
• Lack of sleep can make a child cranky, increasing the probability of poor behavior the next day, plus reduced ability to concentrate and learn; etc.;
• Most children fight sleep until their eyes close shut; and
• Good sleeping habits makes for a Happy Child!

The Point 

 Bedtime can be challenging for a good parent. In your child’s best interest, make bedtime a priority. If you do it right, your child will benefit greatly. 

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET* 

Every parent should: 

1. Speak of bedtime as if you’re looking forward to it;
2. Be consistent with bedtime rules, inconsistency will confuse a child;
3. Wind down the child ½ hour before bedtime;
4. Keep the lights dim;
5. Keep the noise down;
6. Put the child into bed;
7. Recognize that story time as part of bedtime is quality time between parent and child; this could be bonding time!
8. Read a bedtime story- make sure that it’s age appropriate;
9. Leave the room after the story … don’t wait till the child is asleep;
10. Make bedtime happy time.

I say: “Lights out …now settle down, it`s time for Mr. Sandman …don’t let the bed bugs bite.” 

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
P.S. Big News: There are big changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com –   saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit  www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
=============================================================== 

ANNEX I: NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY AN ANECDOTE OR A QUOTE:

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: Baby Talk
Samuel Johnson once took pity on a poor woman trudging through the rain with a small baby. He graciously offered her a lift in his coach, on one condition: that she refrain from indulging in baby talk, to which he possessed a distinct aversion.   

The woman agreed, thanked him and sat quietly in a corner with the sleeping baby for some time, until the motion of the coach disturbed it. “The little dearie,” she cooed, “is he going to open his eyesy-pysies then?” Hearing this, Johnson interrupted her. “Stop the coach,” he ordered, bodily turfed the woman and her little dearie onto the road, and left them in the rain. 

(Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=5752 

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Young Kobe Bryant
At the age of seven Kobe Bryant’s father gave him his first genuine leather basketball. Kobe loved it so much that he literally took it everywhere; he even slept with it.  

(Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=3376) 

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3:Young Gardener
“When I was a child staying with my grandfather Lord Lamington,” the actress Stella Vitelleschi once recalled, “I was watering the flowers in the garden when I happened to notice his bald head gleaming in the sun as he was sleeping in the garden. A brilliant idea struck me. I climbed quietly on to a chair behind him, with the watering can in my hand. I lifted it up and watered his head.   

“The effect astonished me. He leapt to his feet and shouted furiously for my nurse whilst mopping the water off with his handkerchief. Nanny came running across the lawn. ‘Take this child in,’ he thundered. I was swept up, carried off under her arm like a doll, back to the house. I kicked and screamed. ‘I wanted to make his hari grow like the flowers,’ I cried.” 

(Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=12937) 

S & R* QUOTE #1:  Victoria Wagner  

A young child is, indeed, a true scientist, just one big question mark. What? Why? How? I never cease to marvel at the recurring miracle of growth, to be fascinated by the mystery and wonder of this brave enthusiasm. 

(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/children/index2.html) 

 S & R* QUOTE #2:  Anne Sullivan 

It’s a great mistake, I think, to put children off with falsehoods and nonsense, when their growing powers of observation and discrimination excite in them a desire to know about things. 

(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/quote/anne-sullivan-2.html) 

S & R* QUOTE #3:  Alice Miller  

Learning is a result of listening, which in turn leads to even better listening and attentiveness to the other person. In other words, to learn from the child, we must have empathy, and empathy grows as we learn. 

(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/children/) 

ANNEX II
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
“For today, my word/phrase(s) are:  “sleep”; “bedtime story”; “” 

Sleep 

Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or absent consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles.^[1]  

(Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep) 

Bedtime Story 

A bedtime story is a traditional form of storytelling, where a story is told to a child at bedtime to prepare them for sleep. 

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) –  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedtime_story) 

SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS: 

Hours by age 

Children need more sleep per day in order to develop and function properly: up to 18 hours for newborn babies, with a declining rate as a child ages.^[17] A newborn baby spends almost 9 hours a day in REM sleep. By the age of five or so, only slightly over two hours is spent in REM. Studies say that school age children need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep.^[32] 

The Ferber Method is a technique invented by Dr. Richard Ferber to solve infant sleep problems. It involves “baby-training” children to self-soothe by allowing the child to cry for a predetermined amount of time before receiving external comfort. 

Dr. Richard Ferber discusses and outlines a wide range of practices to teach an infant to sleep. The term ferberization is now popularly used to refer to the following techniques: 

• Take steps to prepare the baby to sleep. This includes night-time rituals and day-time activities.
• At bedtime, leave the child in bed and leave the room.
• Return at progressively increasing intervals to comfort the baby (without picking him or her up). For example, on the first night, some scenarios call for returning first after three minutes, then after five minutes, and thereafter each ten minutes, until the baby is asleep.
• Each subsequent night, return at intervals longer than the night before. For example, the second night may call for returning first after five minutes, then after ten minutes, and thereafter each twelve minutes, until the baby is asleep.

The technique is targeted at infants as young as 4 months of age. A few babies are capable of sleeping through the night at 3 months, with training, and most are capable of sleeping through the night at 6 months. Before 6 months of age, the baby may still need to feed during the night and it is probable that the baby will require a night feeding before three months. 

Ferber made some modifications in the 2006 edition of his book Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems. He is now more open to co-sleeping and feels different approaches work for different families/children.^[4] 

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) –  

 SCHEDULE III
  

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Top 10 tips for a rejuvenating night’s sleep 

Did you know that maintaining a good night’s sleep can help keep your heart healthy, keep stress levels down, make you more alert, and even help you lose weight? 

Sleep experts offer these 10 tips to ensure a good night’s slumber: 

1. Do establish an evening routine. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time. 

2. Do something relaxing before bed. Read, write, listen to calming music or meditate. 

3. Don’t exercise three hours before bed. This will raise your heart rate. Slow stretching is the only exception. 

4. Do ensure your sleep space is dark, quiet and cool. Eyeshades are great bedtime accessories. 

5. Do invest in a good mattress and comfortable pillows. Being comfortable in bed will help you get the best rest possible. A quick and inexpensive solution is the ObusForme four-foot long full-length pillow (www.obusforme.ca), which provides versatile, multiple-purpose support for a good night’s sleep. 

6. Don’t eat or drink too much prior to bed. This includes alcohol. 

7. Don’t smoke. Nicotine has energizing effects that will keep you up at night and make it difficult to get up in the morning. 

8. Do keep bed for shut-eye only. Consider your bedroom a place of retreat. Don’t bring work to bed and clear unnecessary clutter. 

9. Don’t drink coffee at bedtime. Often used to keep people awake, caffeine is a natural stimulant and has been linked to mid-slumber nightmares. 

10. Don’t skimp on sleep. A recent study found individuals who get 7.5 hours of slumber every night live the longest. 

www.newscanada.com  

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: Proper pillow selection for a good night’s sleep 

A good night’s sleep can be one of the most important elements for maintaining good health and optimal functioning. 

There is no one best pillow for everyone. Alberta’s chiropractors offer these tips for selecting the pillow that’s right for you: 

Choose a size of pillow suitable for your body size or frame. The pillow should cover the entire back of your neck to avoid putting pressure on your spine. 

Try out the pillow. Most pillows are packaged in a plastic wrapper so you can lay it on a display bed in the store and put your head on it. This is the best way to find out if you are on the right track. 

A hypoallergenic pillow is a must if you suffer from allergies, but it is also a good choice for anyone. 

Buckwheat filled pillows have become increasingly popular. Buckwheat is hypoallergenic, it will mold to the contours of your head and neck providing good support, but it will also change shape when you move. 

If you or your family experience pain and discomfort at night or have difficulty falling asleep, visit your chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to treat spinal problems that can interfere with a restful night’s sleep. They can also offer nutritional and lifestyle advice that can help improve sleep quality. More information, including where to find a chiropractor near you, can be found at www.albertachiro.com. 

www.newscanada.com 

*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved

No. 2, Vol. 40, February 27th, 2012

TITLE: “DISCIPLINE CHILDREN: I have articles, books, facts, How – to and an opinion on spanking!*”  

INTRODUCTION: I am again turning my attention to our kids. This week, I am writing about the discipline of children.  “To spank or not to spank?, that is the controversial question.  My book of the week is “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” by Thomas W. Phelan. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on parenting.)

PREVIEW (Sunday, March 4th, 2012): I am also thinking about bedtime. A good night’s sleep is important in the life of a child. It’s not only about getting ready for bed and turning off the lights; it’s also about the need for winding down (no electronics), quality time between parent & child- indeed, reading your child a story (story time) is bonding time). I say: “Lights out … now settle down, it`s time for Mr. Sandman …  don’t let the bed bugs bite.” (Editor’s Note: This will be another post in a continuing series on parenting.) 

BONUS PREVIEW (Sunday, March 11th, 2012): As well, I am thinking about school dress codes, the good, the bad and the ugly! Some say: “The tie and grey flannel pant/skirt, white shirt/blouse, cardigan, outfit looks trim and proper and also builds school spirit. Others say: “It’s stuffy and pretentious building uniformity. Instead, they explain that it’s better to be fashionable even in grade school but of course in high school. They add that putting the best foot forward is not age related. I say that school is about learning. If afraid about prefect-monitors or the fashion police, drop by and join the debate.  (Editor’s Note: This will be another post in a continuing series on parenting.) 

MY LIFE & TIMES*

As a child, my mother scolded me. When it came to punishment, my parents didn’t think twice before one of us was spanked.  They were old school.  In those days, that was how children were disciplined at home.

I also remember the school principal, as a form of punishment, giving the strap on a student’s hand.  To reprimand, teachers would also use a ruler on the hand.  At a certain point, schools abolished this form of punishment and gave out detections instead. 

As a mother, when my daughters were toddlers, spanking was not my method of discipline.  I relied on my stern voice to alert them that they were misbehaving.  My daughters often joke about that now. 

Today, as a grandmother, I watch how my daughter, now a mother herself, deals with discipline.  As a teacher, she has an added point of view. Her technique is one of correction. First, she explains to the child what he/she has done wrong; and then she instructs him-her not to do it again. Today, my daughter uses time-out as the penalty for misbehaving.

Looking back, my stern voice may not have been the best form of punishment; time-out would have been a better form of punishment.

THE AUTHOR:Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.

Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist. He received his Doctorate from Loyola University, Chicago. His work record includes a stint at the Loyola Child Guidance Center (internship, 1970), DuPage County Mental Health Center (-1972), and then private practice. Dr. Phelan is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association. Interested in ADD, he serves on the boards of directors for both ADDA and CHADD. Married for 32 years, living in Glen Ellyn, Illinois; he and his wife have raised two children. Phelan is a lecturer and also an author – his articles appear in numerous regional and national publications.

SERIES/COLLECTION

Several are:

• “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” – October 1, 2010
• “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” – February 1, 2004
• “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” – March 1, 1996
• “Surviving Your Adolescents: How to Manage-and Let Go of-Your 13-18 Year Olds”
• “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12” – January 1, 1995
• “Self-Esteem Revolutions in Children: Understanding and Managing the Critical Transitions in Your Child’s Life”  

THE BOOK: “1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12”/ Thomas W Phelan

Moms and Dads, there is a doctor in the house. The problem is arguing, yelling,  spanking and of course the frustration. The emphasis is on talk and persuasion. He has the method of disciplining children ages 2- 12.  For him it’s a numbers game:  3-steps, to manage naughty behavior, promote good behavior, build parent-child bond;10 – strategies to strengthen a child’s ego; 6- types of testing and manipulation by the child … It`s as simple as 1-2-3! The doctor makes many good points. Parents have something to learn from him.  

CONCLUSION

 Most people agree that kids need discipline. But there is a difference of opinion of what and how it should be done.  

 Personal Comments

 I believe that:

• Good discipline should not punish, but rather teach a child.
• Proper behavior is learned by kids; and their parents need to make the effort and instruct.
• A close relationship between parent and child is important.
• Parents must have control; they also need to have self control- no hitting allowed.
• Spanking is not the right way to discipline children. It causes harm by:
  • Building aggression; 
  • Teaching that hitting is how a person deals with a problem;
  • Instilling fear rather than understanding;  and
  • Putting a distance between parent and child.  
• Nowadays, parents will not tolerate their children being hit by anyone even at school.
• Before imposing the punishment, it may be best to tell the child that you are considering making it something greater  and then reduce it to something much less.
• Time-out may be the best form of punishment – not more than five minutes; it will force a child to calm down and think on his/her actions and why he/she is being punished.

 The Point

It is essential that children be reprimanded when they have done wrong.  What is the best form of punishment?  That is a controversial question.  But I say that it must teach not hurt!

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

Parents should:

The Start

1. Be a role model – remember kids mimic their parents;
2. Be positive with kids – they react well with that; more precisely,

              2.1  Show your children affection;

              2.2  Praise them whenever possible;

3. Keep control – the kids must never be in control; and of course, don’t lose control.

4. Don’t use corporal punishment – some of you might have had more first-hand knowledge of spanking; but it does show aggression;

5. Have a set of realistic rules and enforce them;

Negative behavior

6. Point out the unacceptable acts, but don’t sweat the small stuff;  

7. Explain briefly the misdeed;

8. Specify the punishment; and connect it as the consequence of the misdeed.

9. Act on this punishment without delay; if you wait, the child will not recognize the connection between the misdeed and the punishment.

10. Move on – don`t harp back to the misdeed.

Discipline is not crime & punishment. Instead, this is about teaching the children; and I say:  “Teach them well!”

 And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
P.S. Big News: There are big changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com –   saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit  www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

===============================================================

ANNEX I: NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY AN ANECDOTE OR A QUOTE:

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: Spacey Fired Up
”Growing up in California, Kevin Spacey was a difficult child. Years later, he was asked why, at the age of 14, his parents had shipped him off to military academy following a domestic fracas. “I won’t tell you exactly what the incident was that made my parents send me to military school,” Spacey replied. “Let’s just say it involved my sister’s tree-house and some matches.”

(Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=6329) 

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Spanker
“During a guest appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” one evening, Bob Morley recounted a recent episode which had left him somewhat rattled.

“On Hollywood Boulevard today a woman said to me, ‘Hey, baby, I’ll spank you for $20,'” Morley recalled. “I called my Mom and told her, ‘You’d better get down here. You can make a lot of money!”

(Source: Anecdotage) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=1330) 

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3: Parental Solution
“Both of Stout’s parents were incessant readers. Indeed, even with nine children in the house, his mother’s reading was rarely interrupted. Her secret? Beside her chair, she kept a bowl of cold water and a washcloth – with which the face of the first child to disturb her would be thoroughly washed.”

(Source: Anecdotage) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=8845 

S & R* QUOTE #1:  Robert Fulghum

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/children

S & R* QUOTE #2:  Letty Cottin Pogrebin

“If family violence teaches children that might makes right at home, how will we hope to cure the futile impulse to solve worldly conflicts with force?”

 (Source: Wisdom Quotes) =  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/children/)

 S & R* QUOTE #3: Theodore Roosevelt

“No ordinary work done by a man is either as hard or as responsible as the work of a woman who is bringing up a family of small children; for upon her time and strength demands are made not only every hour of the day but often every hour of the night.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/children/) 

ANNEX II
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
“For today, my word/phrase(s) are:  “child discipline”; “spanking”; “time-out”

Child discipline

“Child discipline is the set of rules, rewards and punishments administered to teach self control, increase desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors in children. In its most general sense, discipline refers to systematic instruction given to a disciple. To discipline thus means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct.^[1] While the purpose of child discipline is to develop and entrench desirable social habits in children, the ultimate goal is to foster sound judgement and morals so the child develops and maintains self discipline throughout the rest of his/her life.”

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_discipline)

Spanking

“Spanking refers to the act of striking the buttocks of another person to cause temporary pain without producing physical injury.^[1] It generally involves one person striking the buttocks of another person with an open hand.”

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanking)

Time-Out

“A time-out involves temporarily separating a child from an environment where inappropriate behavior has occurred, and is intended to give an over-excited child time to calm down and thereby discouraging such behavior. It is an educational and parenting technique recommended by some pediatricians and developmental psychologists as an effective form of child discipline.”

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-out_(parenting))

SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS:

“Child discipline is a topic that draws from a wide range of interested fields, such as parents, the professional practice of behavior analysis, developmental psychology, social work, and various religious perspectives. Because the values, beliefs, education, customs and cultures of people vary so widely, along with the age and temperament of the child, methods of child discipline vary widely.

In western society, there has been debate in recent years over the use of corporal punishment for children in general, and increased attention has been given to the concept of “positive parenting” where good behaviour is encouraged and rewarded.^[2]

The primary guidelines followed by medieval parents in training their children were from the Bible. Scolding was considered ineffectual, and cursing a child was a terrible thing.^[5] In general, the use of corporal punishment was as a disciplinary action taken to shape behavior, not a pervasive dispensing of beatings for no reason. Corporal punishment was undoubtedly the norm. The medieval world was a dangerous place, and it could take harsh measures to prepare a child to live in it. Pain was the medieval way of illustrating that actions had consequences.^[6]

In many cultures, parents have historically had the right to spank their children when appropriate. Attitudes and legislation in some countries have changed in recent years, particularly in continental Europe. Domestic corporal punishment has now (2009) been outlawed in 24 countries around the world, most of them in Europe or Latin America, beginning with Sweden in 1979.

In North America, Britain and much of the rest of the English-speaking world, corporal punishment remains highly controversial. In the United States, corporal punishment of children by their parents remains lawful in all 50 states.

Some studies have suggested that spanking may lead to more misbehaviour in the long run, and some researchers have linked what they describe as “authoritarian” child-rearing practices with children who withdraw, lack spontaneity, and have lesser evidence of conscience.^{[11][12][13][14]}

Stress positions, such as murga punishment in South Asia or forced prolonged kneeling (sometimes on beans or salt to increase discomfort), are used as punishment for children.

Non-physical discipline consists of both punitive and non-punitive methods, but does not include any forms of corporal punishment such as smacking or spanking.

A common method of child discipline is sending the child away from the family or group after misbehavior. Children may be told to stand in the corner (“corner time”) or may be sent to their rooms for a period of time.

Grounding is a form of punishment, usually for older children, preteens and teenagers, that restricts their movement outside of the home, such as visiting friends or using the car.

Scolding involves reproving or criticizing a child’s negative behavior and/or actions.

Some research suggests that scolding is counter-productive because parental attention (including negative attention) tends to reinforce behavior.^[17]

While punishments may be of limited value in consistently influencing rule-related behavior, non-punitive discipline techniques have been found to have greater impact on children who have begun to master their native language.^[18] Non-punitive discipline (also known as empathic discipline and positive discipline) is an approach to child-rearing that does not use any form of punishment.

Positive discipline is a general term that refers to both non-violent discipline and non-punitive discipline.

Praise (encouraging words) and intangible rewards (hugs, time with the child, etc.) is an effective method of encouraging good behavior.

Natural consequences involve children learning from their own mistakes.

Children who are punished without further reasoning are more likely to repeat the offense and may simply make more of an effort not to get caught.^[citation

Parents may feel that positive parenting and non-punitive discipline is too permissive and will lead to unruly and disrespectful children. They also argue that there is no recourse for parents of misbehaving children to effectively control their misbehavior. Deliberate misbehavior, they say, must be firmly punished to prevent its recurrence[“

(Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_discipline)

SCHEDULE III
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Involve your kids in the kitchen

“The kitchen is an engaging place for kids as they learn by playing, touching, and tasting. Letting your kids experiment will encourage them to try new foods and teach them valuable kitchen skills. Breakfast for Learning, a national charity dedicated to child nutrition programs, offers the following tips for getting your little chefs involved.

Before you get started, teach your children the two simple rules of the kitchen:

1. Wash hands before and after touching food. Scrub with soapy water for the amount of time it takes to sing the ABCs.

2. Ask to taste. To stop the spread of food-borne illness from raw food like chicken and eggs, make sure kids ask to sample food before they taste.

A child’s hands are the ultimate kitchen tool; even young children can participate in meal preparation. For example, children can:

Tear foods like lettuce and pull grapes from vines;

Remove the peel off fruit;

Mix ingredients;

Measure dry ingredients;

Push buttons on blenders, toasters, and microwaves (with supervision);

Set the oven timer and tell you when it’s done.

Involving kids in the kitchen allows them to learn about food and nutrition, spend quality time with an adult, and have fun.”

www.newscanada.com

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: Healthy food ideas when kids get a snack attack

“For busy parents, finding easy, healthy snacks can be a challenge. Even the most organized parents can become overwhelmed and stressed trying to balance multiple nutritional needs with their toddler’s food preferences.

Ensuring the best transition from breast milk or formula, to a balanced diet of solid food meals and snacks, requires patience and planning. Take a look at these easy, healthy, on-the-go snack ideas:

Steamed veggies, such as carrots or broccoli, cut into pieces: Softening them by steaming makes this snack easier for toddlers to eat. Vegetables such as broccoli contain vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron.

A single-serving of dairy on its own, or paired with iron rich breakfast cereals like rolled oats: For optimum nutrition choose a transitional milk product, one adapted to toddlers as the step before regular milk, and one includes all the vitamins and nutrients toddlers need. These include omega-3 DHA to support the normal development of the brain eyes and nerves in children under 2 years of age; vitamin C which helps improve the absorption of iron; vitamins A, D, and B6 which work together to help build strong bones and teeth; and with 4 per cent fat content which is an important source of energy for brain and tissue development.

Low-sodium dry cereal, or cracker: This type of snack can be a great source of dietary fibre. Foods that contain less sodium are generally easier on toddler tummies.

Fruit, such as berries, grapes or melons cut into bite-sized pieces: These finger foods make for a sweet, refreshing snack, without any added sugar.

With toddlers growing at such a rapid pace and needing to refuel between meals, healthy snacks can help complement a balanced diet of solid foods. Planning nutritious, easy to carry snacks that tots can practice eating on their own will help keep them happy and full between meals, and remain healthy and active.

More information on these topics, along with some additional tools and resources can be found online at www.natrelbaboo.com.”www.newscanada.com

*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Vol. 2,  No. 34, Sunday, January 15th, 2012
TITLE:   “CHILD OBESITY: It’s on the rise and I have some facts, causes, statistics and also opinions – I want to fix this!*”
INTRODUCTION
 
This week, l will write about obesity in children. It’s a challenge of one family at a time. It’s also a problem, in many countries, of society at large. As a mother and grandmother and someone with lots of cooking experience, I have some opinions. This subject is serious and urgent – I will try to ruffle your feathers and dislodge you from your do-nothing perch. My book of the week is: “Defeating the Child Obesity Epidemic” [Paperback] by Dr. Carolyn Ashworth. (Author). (Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series on child rearing and education.)

PREVIEW:   Valentine’s Day is coming  …Valentine’s Day is coming. There are many people looking for love. Next week, l will write about dating sites. For many, they are part of the solution.  (Editor’s Note: This is part of a continuing series on dating and relationships.)

MY LIFE & TIMES*
 
Growing up, I witnessed my mother struggling with her weight.  She tried many diets.  It was a seesaw  …  she lost some weight, then she gained it back.  For her, weight has always been a difficult puzzle. At one point in her life, she gave up trying to lose weight and accepted the fact that she would never be a thin person.  

CONCLUSION

Personal Comments
 

Here are my ABCs of child obesity.

My generation had its problems. The current generation in infancy and childhood has another.  It is a fact that obesity among children is on the rise – it is a veritable epidemic. Going through life with obesity, a child suffers tremendously.  Their self-esteem is low; they have health issues.  Most of them feel they don’t fit in with the rest of the children.  

besity is a tragedy that does NOT have to happen. You can change the future. Are you up to the challenge? I hope so…not only for you, but also for your kids. Please…pay attention…get with the program…    
 
ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*

Vol. 2,  No. 13, August 14, 2011

TITLE: “GENDER & GOOD PARENTING: I say: Teach the children well!*”

INTRODUCTION

Today, I am thinking about  mothers, fathers, boys and girls. It is not as simple and straight forward as you might first think. My book of the week is “Against the Grain: Couples, Gender, and the Reframing of Parenting” [Hardcover] by Gillian Ranson (Author) Hence, my subject is gender and good parenting.

PREVIEW: Next week, with the school year about to start, my subject will be “Back to School.” Look for it! See you then.

MY LIFE & TIMES*

I am a mother of two daughters.  While I worked throughout my child- rearing years, I was very much a devoted mother. At the end of my workday, I always rushed home to see to my chilfdren, after school: their meals, homework, the home, their clothing, etc. I was more the conventional Mom type. A colleague at work told me a story of his daughter and husband: she was more in the work world while he was more the stay- at- home type, the primary caregiver of the kids.   

I recently read a story about a couple who desperately wanted a son.  In this country (I prefer not to name it) , it is important for a woman to bear a son.  She had 4 daughters – the solution … treat one of them as a son. The mother and father decided that their daughter aged 5 years old, would live for a time as a son instead.  The little girl was then raised as a boy. Apparently, this child truly believed that she was a boy. This whole thing did NOT sit right with me at all. I asked myself: “How could this not affect the well being of the child, today and tomorrow?” 

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: Battle of the Sexes

“Much of this talk about feminism is nonsense,” Beatrice Webb was told one day. “Any woman would rather be beautiful than clever.” “Quite true,” she replied, “but that is because so many men are stupid and so few are blind!”
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=2492

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Robert A. Gibb?
Although women were officially banned from competing in the Boston Mararhon until 1972, San Diego’s Roberta Gibb Bingay successfully completed the run in 1966. How? She wore a hooded sweatshirt to disguise her gender.
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=3574

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3: Jagger’s Dagger

While dining at a London restaurant on King’s Road one evening in an early “experimental” period, Mick Jagger was confronted by a contemptuous gentleman seated at a neighboring table. “Are you a man or a woman,” the man asked. Jagger stood up, insouciantly unzipped his pants, and promptly presented the evidence.
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) –  http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=12169

S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #4: Self-Starter
Few automotive inventions are more celebrated by women than by the opposite sex. The electric self-starter, however, was one such invention. Charles F. Kettering, who perfected the device in 1911, was adored by women – many of whom were suddenly able to drive without the male companion previously needed to crank the engine.
[Sources: Isaac Asimov’s Book of Facts]
(Source: www.anecdotage.com) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=8380

S & R* QUOTE #1: – Charlotte Perkins Gilman
There is no female mind. The brain is not an organ of sex. As well speak of a female liver.
(Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/quote/charlotte-perkins-gilman-8.html

S & R* QUOTE #2: Anna Garlin Spencer
At the outstart of discussions of women’s intellectual attainments, it is well to remember how few are the men of the first rank.
(Source:  Wisdom Quotes) –  http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/women/index3.html

THE AUTHOR: Gillian Ranson (Author)

Ranson is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary. She penned several learned papers. She is also the author of the subject book of the week. Gender and parenting is a theme of hers.
 
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Some examples of her writing are:

• “Against the Grain: Couples, Gender, and the Reframing of Parenting” [Hardcover
• Education, work and family decision making: finding the “right time” to have a baby.: An article from: The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology [HTML] [Digital]
• Playing by the Rules of the Game: Women’s Experiences and Perceptions of Sexual Harassment in Sport,Journal article by Vivian Krauchek, Gillian Ranson; The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, Vol. 36, 1999

THE BOOK: “Against the Grain: Couples, Gender, and the Reframing of Parenting” [Hardcover] by Gillian Ranson

Gender is a split basic to human kind? Right, but things are changing. An example is parenting roles. This is the topic of this book. Ranson sees child-rearing as the new frontier and the emergence of a different division of labour between couples. She considers several sub-topics such as: “(Pre-school period:) 3. The Crossovers : Breadwinner Mothers with Partners at Home 4. Shift-Workers and Dual-Dividers : Sharing Earning, Sharing Caring; (School-age children:)  5. Challenges on the Path to Change 6. Parents as Peers; and also 7. Parenting and the Undoing of Gender.  Ranson looks at famililies where there are “fathers who are primary caregivers and mothers who are primary earners.”  (pg. 4) The premise is where both mother and father are equally involved in active parenting -read caregiving, they tend to become more similar and less different than the convention and the usual roles of parents.  She comes to this conclusion by analyzing the interviews of 32 families throughout Canada,

CONCLUSION

Children should be our most important pre-occupation. Parenting is an essential job – I think that it is probably the most important. The more we put into our kids during their childhood; the better they shall grow up and the greater the satisfaction we shall feel later down the road. For me, good parenting means acting as a good role model and teaching respect for others. 

Personal Comments

As a young girl and adolescent,  I learnt from my mother, how to be a  lady always. As a mother of two daughters, I showed them by example, the proper values, qualities and conduct of a lady.  And I now have a grandson. Raising a boy is a little different, but fundamentally the same. I believe that my daughter and husband shall teach him the proper values, qualities and conduct of a gentleman.

My book of the week demonstrates that modern parents are not necessarily a Dad working in the work force and a Mom as the primary caregiver; but instead, parents can find their own way. Children therefore learn this lesson by seeing their parents interact.  

The Point

Yes, of course, there is an anatomical difference between boys and girls. And it has legal significance — sex is indicated on government records. But, every person, younger or older, regardless of gender, is equal.  I do not believe that it is right to teach or live by stereotypes; I think that stereotypes are generally from the past, not necessarily modern and much too confining. Instead, it is important to teach equality and entitlement to equivalent education, similar opportunity and also advancement, not becuse of gender, but rather, because of the quality and achievement of the person as an individual.

ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
Every parent should :

1. Teach their children not only by saying, but also by doing;
2. Be a good example, 
3. Teach the children well:
3.1 To be themselves;
3.2 To be proud of who they are; 
3.3 To respect others the same, regardless of gender;
4. Create a positive and loving environment in which your child is to be raised.

I aspire that parents throughout God’s green earth will teach girls and boys equality and mutual respect. Please tell someone else and let’s make it happen together! 

And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours? *
ALP
P.S. I wish to remind you that I have a TWITTER page – it is located at:  saveandread – please register as a follower.

CREDITS
-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com
The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.
*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

——————————————————
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “gender”; “man”; “woman”; etc.

Gender

“Gender is a range of characteristics distinguishing between male and female, particularly in the cases of men and women and the masculine and feminine attributes assigned to them. Depending on the context, the discriminating characteristics vary from sex to social role to gender identity. Sexologist John Money introduced the terminological distinction between biological sex and gender as a role in 1955. Before his work, it was uncommon to use the word “gender” to refer to anything but grammatical categories.[1][2] However, Money’s meaning of the word did not become widespread until the 1970s, when feminist theory embraced the distinction between biological sex and the social construct of gender. Today, the distinction is strictly followed in some contexts, like feminist literature,[3] and in documents written by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO),[4] but in most contexts, even in some areas of social sciences, the meaning of gender has expanded to include “sex” or even to replace the latter word.[1][2] Although this gradual change in the meaning of gender can be traced to the 1980s, a small acceleration of the process in the scientific literature was observed when the Food and Drug Administration started to use “gender” instead of “sex” in 1993.[5] “Gender” is now commonly used even to refer to the physiology of nonhuman animals, without any implication of social gender roles.[2]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender
Man
“The term man (pl. men) is used for an adult human male (the term boy is the usual term for a human male child or adolescent). However, man is sometimes used to refer to humanity as a whole. Sometimes it is also used to identify a male human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as “men’s rights”.
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man
Woman
“A woman is a female human. The term woman is usually reserved for an adult, with the term girl being the usual term for a female child or adolescent. However, the term woman is also sometimes used to identify a female human, regardless of age, as in phrases such as “Women’s rights”.”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman

Gender and poverty
“Gender inequality has a great impact especially on women and poverty. In poverty stricken countries it is more likely that men have more opportunities to have an income, have more
political and social rights than women. Women experience more poverty than men do due to gender discrimination.[citation needed]”

Gender and development
“(GAD) is a holistic approach to give aid to countries where gender inequality has a great effect of not improving the social and economic development. It is to empower women and decrease the level of inequality between men and women.[93]”
(Source: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia) –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender
SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS: Women’s History Month: March 2010
“National Women’s History Month’s roots go back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909, but it wasn’t until 1981 that Congress established National Women’s History Week to be commemorated the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women’s History Month, and the President has issued a proclamation.
155.8 million
The number of females in the United States as of Oct. 1, 2009. The number of males was
151.8 million
Source: Population estimates <http://www.census.gov/popest/national/asrh/2008-nat-res.html>
At 85 and older, there were more than twice as many women as men.
Source: Population estimates
<http://www.census.gov/popest/national/asrh/NC-EST2008-sa.html>
Motherhood
82.8 million
Estimated number of mothers of all ages in the United States.
Source: Unpublished data from Survey of Income and Program Participation
1.9
Average number of children that women 40 to 44 had given birth to as of 2006, down from
3.1 children in 1976, the year the Census Bureau began collecting such data. The percentage of women in this age group who had given birth was 80 percent in 2006, down from 90 percent in 1976.”
Source: Fertility of American Women: 2006 <http://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/p20-558.pdf>
(Source: US Census Bureau) – http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/pdf/cb10-ff03.pdf
SCHEDULE III

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1:Help to make girls unstoppable
“(NC)—For many young girls, being a teenager means opening up to new opportunities and taking on bigger responsibilities. But within this personal growth, stressors and beauty pressures can negatively affect a young woman’s confidence, social interactions and long–term self–esteem. The Real Truth About Beauty research conducted by Dove found that by the age of 14, more than half (55%) of Canadian girls already feel pressure to be beautiful, with the number growing to 96% by the time they turn 29.

As startling as the figures are, the research also shed light on solutions to help ease beauty pressures during the teen years, and the answer begins with positive role models. Confident female mentors for young girls to look up to make a significant impact on boosting self–esteem and help them reach their full personal potential in life.

“By intervening early on, we can help young girls address their sources of beauty anxiety that mount between their teen years and early adulthood,” says counsellor and self–esteem expert, Lisa Naylor. “Most women have the power to help young girls develop positive self–esteem and realize their full potential.”

There are many ways that you can help to make girls unstoppable:

• Lead by example. As a confident woman with life experience, you are a realistic depiction to young girls of what seizing opportunities and being happy in your own skin can achieve.

• Make some time. Bring a young girl that you want to inspire out for lunch. Make time to talk with her so you can understand how she’s feeling and let her know that she is important.

• Pass it on. Attend or host a self–esteem workshop with a girl in your life and her group of friends to boost their confidence and reinforce positive behaviour within the social circle. You can find everything you need to host your own workshop in easy to follow steps at www.dove.ca.
• Make it count. Pledge to support self–esteem in young girls by joining the Dove Movement for Self–Esteem at www.facebook.com/dove.”
www.newscanada.com

S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: He said, she said: Four ways to create a home both adore

“(NC)—Whether moving in together for the first time or redecorating a home you already share, know where men and women generally differ on interior design to find common ground for a well-balanced décor.

1 Colour
Masculine tastes tend to run from rose paint samples while feminine tastes are often drawn to such colours. Instead of more masculine hassle-free neutral whites and deep browns or traditionally feminine warmer tones, meet in the middle. Choose sage greens, cerulean blue, taupe and other hues that satisfy many women’s need for colour but are neutral enough for him to rest easy.
2. Essential accessories
When decorating, one partner may focus on the functional items in the room while the other may aim for all elements to be more fashionable. Strike a balance with furnishings that serve both interests. For the ideal blend of such form and function, try Hunter Douglas new Natural Elements blinds that mix ultra-modern two-inch metal slats with the warmth of real wood accents, as well as Duette Architella honeycomb shades that save energy and heating and cooling costs—two resources both parties will be pleased in conserving.
3. Furniture
While it is common for some to choose furniture based on its look, for many comfort is the real key. Rather than make a museum of fashionable furniture you hesitate to sit on, include inviting pieces. Try couches and chairs that are chic but pass the test of proper cushioning and that accommodate all sizes.

4. Patterm
Just as picking a neutral pattern for a couple’s fine china can be a harbinger against the ceaseless evolution of trends, choose prints that both parties will appreciate now and into the future. Leave the paisley, florals and toile for more feminine retreats in the home. For common areas, integrate gender-neutral stripes, plaids and even worldly designs such as Ikat or Moorish patterns.
By avoiding a few minefields of décor that might only appeal to one half of a couple, create a home you’re both proud to call your own.”

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca or toll-free at 1-800-265-8000.
www.newscanada.com”

*TM/© 2011 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

My Life and Times*

The Cat in the Hat was very popular. When my daughters were just toddlers, books were an important item in their every day. They were used very, very often. Each copy was very worn. At bedtime, I would read a story to them. Sometimes, if the story was too long and I was too tired, I might skip certain parts, but my daughters were too smart.  They knew the story by heart. They knew that I had missed something. They insisted that I go back and read the whole story. I remember these precious moments fondly. Fast forward to today.  For my granddaughter’s birthday, you guessed it… I bought her The Cat in the Hat book…the bilingual version of course.  I am sure that I am not alone …many of you out there have your own stories…each one warm and fuzzy? I would love to hear one from you.

The Author: Theodor Seuss Geisel

Seeing the title, got me thinking who wrote such a wonderful book? Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1904.  His mother would often comfort her children by singing rhymes she remembered from her youth.  This influenced him immensely in creating the rhymes for which he became so well known.

Dr. Seuss attended Dartmouth College and Oxford University.  He wrote 44 children’s books.  While at Oxford University he met Helen Palmer, whom he later married.  After returning to the United States, Dr. Seuss began to pursue a career as a cartoonist.  His wife became a children’s author and book editor.  He was offered a contract by Viking Press to illustrate a collection of children’s sayings called Boners.  The illustrations in the book were a great success and with this he got his first big break into children’s literature.  The Cat in the Hat was Dr. Seuss’ defining  book in his career. The hat on the cat was really big and the pages were very colourful!

His honors included two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award and the Pulitzer Prize.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small!”  Dr. Seuss would say.  “Children want the same things we want.  To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained, and delighted.”

“I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Book Collection” by Dr. Seuss

This collection is so amazing because a child can read nearly the entire book by themselves.  In the process, Dr. Seuss helped kids to read.  Dr. Seuss adds a sense of humor to his books making them more interesting and the illustrations so much fun.  Other authors have written books for this collection, but they have stayed true to the ‘Dr. Seuss’ style of writing. I highly recommend the Dr. Seuss’ collection. Besides enjoyment, the benefit to your child is learning. And that’s important!

The Book

The cat had an adventure with his young friends. Readers followed the simple vocabulary and short words. Reading, learning and having fun all at the same time. It is timeless – still a good read even now. Now that’s multi-tasking for today’s children, don’t you think?

Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.

And that’s my thought of the week, what’s yours? *

ALP

CREDITS

-Web Tech:  richmediasound.com

The above is a new media production of Valente under its “United Author*” program.

*TM/© 2010 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 1, No. 2, May 20th 2010

Mother Goose is a children’s book full of memorable nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Each nursery rhyme has a story, an individuality and a spirit of its own.

I remember my daughter received Mother Goose as a Christmas gift from her aunt. She was just a toddler then and it became her favorite book. As a matter of fact it became a ritual and I read many of these stories to her every night at bedtime.

Needless to say when my granddaughter was born, I bought Mother Goose for her. And so, the tradition continues … reading Mother Goose to another generation of children. Every child should have this book in their collection.