tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292206942024-03-13T14:17:29.336-04:00 Parenting Expert Brenda NixonSave your sanity with these practical parenting tips.Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-78702407573202783592015-03-01T07:51:00.000-05:002015-03-01T07:51:00.175-05:00Helping Children Find Easter<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
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As we approach <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">E</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">a</span><span style="color: #e06666;">s</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">t</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">e</span><span style="color: magenta;">r</span></span></b>, I asked author pal, <b>Linda W. Rooks, </b>who just released her newest title,<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><i><a href="http://bunnysideofeaster.com/">The Bunny Side of Easter</a>,</i></span><b> </b>to pen a guest post. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>Linda </b>uses</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> her life-long love of children’s books to tell a winsome, "hare-raising" adventure explaining the true meaning of Easter - on a child's level. Here's what she says</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i> T</i>he beauty of the Easter story is unsurpassed for us
Christians but, as <b>parents - or grandparents - </b>we struggle with how to explain the deep truth of Easter to children.
We want them to know that Easter is about Jesus, and to help them understand its spiritual significance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>But how do we skillfully do that?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Christmas—our other Christian holiday—is easy. It’s the time Jesus was born.
Children get that. A birth. But Easter? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>How
do we explain a death . . . on a cross . . . and subsequent resurrection so children appreciate their gift of salvation? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While they look forward
to the Easter bunny, egg hunts, and candy, parents scratch their heads on how to focus attention on Jesus instead of the capers
of the Easter bunny and the goodies he brings. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">It's critical to explain it at an age-level appropriate for their limited comprehension. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Don't brush aside the Easter
bunny, </b>rather use him to point little
ones to Jesus! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Impossible? A conflict of interest? Sacrilegious? </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Children love stories. </b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">They connect with the characters, fear for them in dangerous circumstances, and cheer for them when rescued. The uninterrupted time with mom or dad, during storytelling, makes memories and lifelong impressions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read aloud <b style="font-style: italic;">The
Bunny Side of Easter. </b>This adventure of a rabbit willing to heroically sacrifice his life for an endangered angel is subtly about prayer, God’s omnipresence, His great love for us<b> </b>and,<b> what
Jesus did for us at Easter</b>. The book's an allegory. It'll help you </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">point children to the
biggest hero of all – Jesus, who gave His life so we could be saved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In today's challenging and confusing society, this book motivates children to be heroes of faith, rising above earthly circumstances, choosing the right path in tough times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><em><b>The Bunny Side of Easter</b></em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> — becoming a hero and recognizing the greatest One of all. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Thank you Linda for your passion and purpose! And to readers, what's your</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16.3636360168457px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> unique way to help your children find Easter? <b>L</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>eave your ideas and comments below. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">*****</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here's a tad more on Linda: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U6S19yJUYq645qNB6ESIpN34ykJuD-Cs4RBndEmsYbWAF22wJF95U3Z2rbQlcOIBWuVhAGAyW4oR0_jZcrXtBDYIwX4wIqeZZW4th2k0TBnHNIoYV9ChCw9tkZAnUNK4EeoB1w/s1600/Head+shot+-+FFWC+1-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2U6S19yJUYq645qNB6ESIpN34ykJuD-Cs4RBndEmsYbWAF22wJF95U3Z2rbQlcOIBWuVhAGAyW4oR0_jZcrXtBDYIwX4wIqeZZW4th2k0TBnHNIoYV9ChCw9tkZAnUNK4EeoB1w/s1600/Head+shot+-+FFWC+1-cropped.jpg" height="200" width="161" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her first adult book, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://brokenheartonhold.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Broken Heart on Hold</a> (2006)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, continues to help women in broken marriages.
Linda’s writing has appeared in national publications, including <i>Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover’s Soul,
Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman </i>and<i> HomeLife</i>. She has appeared as a guest on TV and radio
talk shows across North America.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(C)Copyright, 2015, Brenda Nixon.</span></span></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-25261154143068212782015-01-19T20:03:00.001-05:002015-01-20T19:31:56.000-05:00Winter Months - Well Kids<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
I was pleased when freelance writer, Helen Pox, and I chatted about keeping kids healthy during the long, cold winter months. Indoors, they breathe recycled germs and often fail to receive the necessary amount of the sunshine vitamin D, which maintains immunity.</div>
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<br />
Helen is a fitness instructor and a nutritionist. With her qualifications, I was happy when she agreed to pen a post on keeping us and our kids healthy. If you enjoy her words of wisdom, and practical tips, leave her a comment below. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> In the cold winter months it is easy to let our diet and fitness regime slack a little. Dark, snowy evenings don't exactly encourage an after dinner jog, and as soon as the cold temperatures creep in we find ourselves craving comforting carbohydrates as a way to keep bulk up and keep warm. The combination of the two can see us putting on weight (one study suggests the average </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">American will put on a whopping 5 lbs </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">during the Christmas holidays alone!) and letting our general health fall into decline means getting back to normal in the Spring can feel like a real slog. It's important to maintain some sort of health and fitness regime over the winter months. and to enlist the whole family. </span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.writingcontent.co.uk/brendanixononparenting.blogspot.com" style="color: #346da2; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Kids especially need a nutritious diet and regular exercise</a><span style="font-size: 12px;"> to aid their development and avoid falling into the ever-increasing child obesity statistics. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"> Here are four ways to encourage the family to stay healthy this winter.</span></blockquote>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Eat well</span></strong></div>
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The kids might be telling you that that they're craving creamy pasta dishes, sticky chocolate cake, sugary drinks and french fries but too much fat and sugar will take it's toll on their waist line and play havoc with their blood sugar levels. During winter our bodies work harder and they need <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/325342-slow-energy-release-foods/" style="color: #346da2; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">slow energy releasing foods</a> -- including whole grains and starchy vegetables to stop us them from running on empty. </blockquote>
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Make the most of winter produce such as <b>squashes</b>, <b>pumpkins</b>, <b>root vegetables</b> and <b>onions </b>by making a winter casserole, apt to fill them up and packed with healthy vegetables too. Or consider adding Asian spice to your meals to give that warming feel without the high fat content. Of course during Christmas and Thanksgiving the whole family is likely to over-indulge but consider using healthier alternatives such as low fat or gluten free ingredients in your cooking to help with weight control. Nobody wants to go into the new year with a big bulge.</blockquote>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Exercise</span></strong></div>
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Winter and exercise may not seem to naturally go hand in hand but in fact there are a range of winter sports that the kids could really enjoy. Skiing, snowboarding and ice skating could be great new skills to learn and even hauling a sledge through fresh snow can get blood racing, endorphins pumping and calories burning. The key is not to sink into a 'staying-home' routine. Don't let the cold put you off, <b>wrap up and get outdoors</b>.</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> Look into activities your local sports center offers during winter.</span><br />
<ul><ul style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">dance, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">boxing, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">gymnastics or </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">rock climbing?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> This could be a new hobby for them to take into the new year. And if you really are struggling to get out and about then consider buying a fitness console for a gift. With a variety of competitive fitness games and training programs, the whole family can stay fit without even leaving the house.</span></blockquote>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Build the immune system</span></strong></div>
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During these winter months, cold, flu, and winter bugs are rife in schools. Give your kids the best chance of avoiding these by maintaining a strong immune system. </blockquote>
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Good diet and regular exercise can assist with this but for an extra boost try <a href="http://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/All-Star-Foods/Fruits/Article-Viewer/Article/204/health-benefits-of-citrus-fruit.aspx" style="color: #346da2; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">encouraging them to eat citrus fruits</a>, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen their natural defenses. Winter could be a good time to introduce supplements such as<a href="http://www.kwikmed.org/benefits-fish-oils-children/" style="color: #346da2; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> omega-3 fish oil tablets</a> to help reduce inflammations and fight toxin attack and Vitamin A which helps aid growth and repair.</blockquote>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Stay hydrated</span></strong></div>
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<b>Dehydration isn't exclusive to hot weather. </b></blockquote>
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In winter we can still lose fluid from sweat, vapors, and because we tend to produce more urine in cold temperatures. Ensure your kids are getting enough to drink otherwise they could end up fatigued, grumpy and lacking in concentration. Dehydration <a href="http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/hydration-affect-metabolism-2886.html" style="color: #346da2; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">also slows down the body's process of breaking down and metabolizing fat</a>, which means it could go against your weight control strategy. Encourage them to drink plenty of water (which can also be taken via broths and fruits) but <b>avoid fizzy drinks</b> packed with caffeine and sugar which will once again send those blood sugar levels sky high only to crash and burn within an hour or so.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(C)Copyright, 2015. Helen Cox.</span></div>
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Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-64583703737802598382014-06-24T14:18:00.000-04:002015-01-20T19:32:16.741-05:00Parents' Words Make a Difference<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She has one child who is blind. And another with autism. Pat Linkhorn explained
to me that people must see her children <i>apart</i> from their circumstance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“<span style="font-size: large;">My kids
aren’t special needs kids -- </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">they’re kids with special needs.</span>”</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“When
people say ‘special needs kids’ it implies the whole package is wrong. They’re
normal kids who simply have a unique condition,” said Pat.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">She candidly writes of her child with blindness in this
</span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">Letter to God</i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #404760;"> </span>“I
thought you'd made a terrible mistake when my child was born and I said some
pretty rotten things to and about you. It seemed so unfair. I couldn't believe
that you'd given me this child as part of "the plan." I was sure
you'd made a horrendous mistake and I'm sure you got tired of me begging for a
miracle in one breath then turning around and saying mean things about you in
the next. I'm truly sorry.<br />
This child has changed my
life. She's made me be all that I'm capable of and more than I ever imagined. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> And I know
now that all the times I accused you of deserting me, you were, in fact,
carrying me just as the <i>Footprints</i>
poem says. Miracles might be in short supply today, but just for the record,
thanks for letting me see.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Through
Pat’s teaching, I learned my word choice is critical. The old childhood chant,
“Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is false.
Words can deeply wound a child and her parents. For the little effort it takes,
I want to choose words that show I recognize and respect similar parents and
their children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPZKHogxP2Q/U6MuxGhPZxI/AAAAAAAAAvk/yf-YZ56N_c4/s1600/andresr24985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPZKHogxP2Q/U6MuxGhPZxI/AAAAAAAAAvk/yf-YZ56N_c4/s1600/andresr24985.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Special Needs
Alphabet<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are those professionals or other parents saying? To give
you a jumpstart on their lingo, here’s a
list of common acronyms associated with individual
challenges -<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ADD</b> -
Attention Deficit Disorder <br /><b>
ADHD</b> - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>AS</b> - <a href="http://suicideandmentalhealthassociationinternational.org/aspinfo.html"><span style="color: windowtext;">Aspergers Syndrome</span></a><br />
<b>ASL</b> - American Sign Language <br /><b>
BD</b> - Behavior Disorders <br /><b>
BIP</b> - Behavioral Intervention Plan <br /><b>
CAPD</b> - Central Auditory Processing Disorder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>CP</b> – Cerebral Palsy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>EMH</b> -
Educable Mentally Handicapped <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>FAE</b> –
Fetal Alcohol Exposure or FAS - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome<br /><b>
GT</b> - Gifted/Talented <br /><b>
HI</b> - Hearing Impaired <br /><b>
IEP</b> - Individualized Education Program (sometimes called Individualized
Education Plan) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LD</b> -
Learning Disabilities <br /><b>
LEP</b> - Limited-English-Proficient <br />
<b>MCAD</b> - Medium Chain acyl CoA Dehydrogenase (disease in which the body is
unable to break down fats to make energy)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ODD</b> –
Oppositional Defiant Disorder <br /><b>
PDD</b> - Pervasive Developmental Disorder <br /><b>
RAD</b> – <a href="http://brendanixononparenting.blogspot.com/2014/04/when-love-is-not-enough.html">Reactive Attachment Disorder</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>TBI</b> -
Traumatic Brain Injury</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 150%;"><b>TCI</b> –
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>
TMH</b> - Trainable Mentally Handicapped <br /><b>
VI</b> - Visually Impaired</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have more acronyms to add? Leave your comments below.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 32px;">©Copyright, Brenda Nixon</span><span style="line-height: 32px;">.</span></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-27764579812595930882014-04-07T19:48:00.000-04:002015-01-20T19:32:48.513-05:00When Love is Not Enough<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Here's
a scenario: <b><i>a family with two adopted teens attends a church. The teens have
emotional and psychological problems that demand regular therapy. Perhaps
residential treatment. The adoptive parents - aloof or unwilling to admit their
teens' deep-seated psychosis - deny them consistent professional treatment. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Does
that constitute neglect?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">If a
child was born needing a breathing apparatus to live, is it neglect for
parents to remain aloof or unwilling to learn how to apply a breathing tube?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; padding: 0in;">These teens of which I describe are<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">anti-social, angry,
manipulative, disrespectful, chronic liars, non-compliant, and steal without conscience and
remorse for their inappropriate actions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">To the extreme.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">One adopted teen is sexually active as a heterosexual, the other adopted one is an active lesbian . . .often seen engaging in sexual behavior with her lover inside the church building. Fondling each other in the pew! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">These teens have had multiple school suspensions to the point the parents are "homeschooling." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">The adoptive mother has a narcissistic enjoyment of sympathy as she claims, "I don't know what more I can do?" She fails to supervise them in the building - drops them off at times to go do her other business - and is argumentative when fielding sincere suggestions to help the teens and hold them accountable for inappropriate behavior.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Her teens aren't just
adolescent trouble-makers. In my professional - uninvited - opinion, they have attachment
issues. Probably Reactive Attachment Disorder. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><i><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><i><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is most common in foster
and adopted children. </span></i>Here's some info on <a href="http://songoftruth.hubpages.com/hub/RAD-and-Teenagers-and-Adults"><span style="color: blue;">RAD</span></a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">"The young person with RAD has a great gaping hole, an
intense - unmet - craving for love and approval, but doesn't believe it
can be genuine when it is given. Relationships are more like contracts: I give
you this if you give me that. For example, a girl will have sex in order to
have the status of having a boyfriend, A boy will be friendly in order to have
privileges of sharing another's games. He may steal from his friends or parents
in order to get what he wants. She will lie in order to keep receiving the
benefits of a relationship. I know these characteristics are common in many
teenagers, but with <a href="http://songoftruth.hubpages.com/hub/RAD-and-Empathy"><span style="color: #551a8b; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">RAD</span></a> youth
they go to an </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">extreme</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">. The incidences of crime, drug use and
teenage pregnancy are almost universal.</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">"Many run away, or get arrested. Suicide and
self mutilation are very common.</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">"If <b>they feel they can get away with it and still have
something they want, they will still do whatever they want</b>. By this time their
skills of manipulation are well refined, and they don't tolerate frustration
well.</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">"Caring for a teenager or adult with RAD is very
draining, because of the</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> constant manipulation</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> and lying."</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 15.5pt;"><b>Dr. Patricia Jones </b>of Wolf Creek Academy, a therapeutic board school, says, "Rebellion, disrespect, lying and stealing, lack of remorse for their actions, an inability to properly engage with the family, as well as anti-social behaviors seen outside the home, may become the 'norm' for the teen."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 15.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Aside from regular therapy, one of the best parental responses to teens with RAD is CONSISTENT ROUTINE and CONSEQUENCES. Love alone is not enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">The teens in my scenario live in a chaotic, crowded home with working parents who don't hold them accountable. Who aren't consistent. The church minister does not hold the
parents accountable. His diatribe is "be longsuffering." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">It's all neglect. Of the seriousness of the issue and acting at the onset. Of giving parents the proper counsel. Of showing the balance of law and love to truly help the teens which protects other church members. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">And so the cycle of lying, manipulation, church vandalism,
false allegations against the laity, belligerent behaviors, no consequences, and thus good members leaving continues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">If you're a teacher - or clergy - with RAD teens in your
environment, <a href="http://www.attachment.org/teachers/letter-for-teachers/"><span style="color: blue;">Here is a helpful description of RAD, what not to do (i.e.,
sympathize with the child), and how best to help</span></a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">If you're a parent of a child with RAD, here are <a href="http://positiveparentingskills.com/rad-teens/">Positive Parenting Skills</a>. Because love is
not enough.</span></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-83280990323987839032014-01-27T18:59:00.000-05:002015-01-20T19:33:11.810-05:00Growing up with Booger Man<span style="line-height: 200%;">Ice cream was a sumptuous luxury when
I was young. Most evenings before bedtime, Mom allowed my older sister Lee Lee
and I to dig out a bowlful of this tasty treat. Then, we’d scramble up to the
kitchen table, pull out a chair, and sit with dangling legs to consume our
cool, creamy delight. Over ice cream we chatted, giggled, and swapped stories
that would bond us for a lifetime.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lee
Lee’s obsession for ice cream was infamous. Mom lured my big sister into doing
her chores, homework, or getting ready for bed with the promise of ice cream. When
she had ice cream, she wolfed it down like a starved animal. I, on the other
hand, slowly and daintily savored each chilly spoonful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
evening, the two of us were at the kitchen table eating our ice cream when I
noticed – Lee Lee once again had downed hers. Now she was ogling mine. I
glanced over at my big sister’s<br />
<a name='more'></a> empty bowl then back at my mine. I looked up at
her spying eyes then back to my melting mass. Tension mounted with each
spoonful lifted to my lips. I tried to quietly swallow. In the charged silence,
I sensed Lee Lee’s envious stare at my ice cream like a starved lion waiting to pounce.[<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/BjvpF">Tweet that</a>]
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4956535150478484&w=142&h=184&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7" height="200" style="height: 184px;" width="154" /> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
also sensed a third person – <b>Booger
Man</b>. And he was spying my ice
cream! I knew because he was my sister’s imaginary companion who came out at
convenient times – for her. In our home, his presence calmed her during
thunderstorms, aided her when she wanted something, and was the target of Mom’s punishment
when Lee Lee made a mess. But, Booger Man had an ally in Lee Lee, because <b>she</b> always
campaigned for <b>his</b> rights. </div>
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
night – during the silent stalking – Lee Lee finally whispered, “You want to
give Booger Man some ice cream?”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No,”
I honestly answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Booger
Man wants some.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s
my ice cream!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But
you don’t want to disappoint Booger Man, do you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I
don’t care,” I said and continued eating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
After a few more unbearable moments,
Lee Lee pointed to a corner of the kitchen and exclaimed, “Look!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“What?”
I asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Over
there!” pointing to a corner of the room.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I glanced away, seeing nothing,
and then returned to my treat. It was gone! “Where’s my ice cream?” I demanded.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Booger
Man ate it.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Did you grow up with an imaginary <b>playmate or nemesis like me</b>? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br />Feel free to share your stories below in the comments.</span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-55719239085368814062014-01-15T11:08:00.000-05:002015-01-20T19:33:23.735-05:00Better Communication with Teens<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297339418259_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/suns-prod-images/1297339418259_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&size=650x" height="133" id="yui_3_5_1_5_1381029122101_1084" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Dad, are you mad at me?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “I’m
not mad honey.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Yes
you are!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “No
I’m not.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> "You look mad!" </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">Parents and teens argue. But consider this;
sometimes it’s because adolescents don’t “read” facial cues correctly. Often
<b>teens translate a parent’s worried or panic expression as anger</b>. Then they respond to that perceived emotion. Thus the vicious cycle of
misunderstanding and miscommunication.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sound familiar? Do
squabbles with your teen begin like this or get sidetracked with these accusations? </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deborah
Yurgelun-Todd, director of neuropsychology and cognitive neuroimaging, McLean Hospital,
Belmont, Massachusetts,
suggests that the teen brain actually works differently than an adult’s when
processing emotional information from external stimuli. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In her landmark study
mapping the differences between the brains of adults and teens, Dr. Todd put
volunteers through a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine and monitored how
their brains responded to a series of pictures. The volunteers were asked to discern
an emotion based on the facial expression in each picture. All adult volunteers
correctly identified the emotions. However, many of the teenagers misread and
misidentified the emotions based on facial expression. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Dr. Todd examined
the brain scans, she discovered her teen volunteers even utilized a different
part of their brain when looking at the faces. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Teens see things differently</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In terms of
communication, adults can look at fearful faces and correctly identify them as
such. But teens don’t see them the same way. This means your daughter probably
reads your intended expressions differently than you, and she’s responding based
on her <i>perception</i>. Carol Maxym, Ph.D., author of <i>Teens in Turmoil </i>writes, “One of the most common problems that
parents and teens experience is a gulf in understanding.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>When you sense the tension rising</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><a href="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4919293498556594&w=234&h=178&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4919293498556594&w=234&h=178&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7" height="152" style="height: 178px;" width="200" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Talk in a quieter voice.</b> Adolescents
can easily misinterpret facial expression and rising volume as “being mad.”
A lowered voice may help in accurately identifying your true emotion. With
my daughters, I found that my hushed voice brought relief to an escalating
situation.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Teach teens</b>. If you’re annoyed,
say so and if you’re feeling panic identify that too. Naming your emotions
may help your teens learn about you and to identify his/her feelings too.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Be there for them</b>. Teens must know
you’re always available to listen, support, and give advice but, this
doesn’t mean you’ll try to run their life.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Have a sense of humor</b><span style="color: black;">.</span> Teens are like toddlers in big bodies. [Don't tell 'em I said that] You
don’t need to excuse their behavior but don’t expect them to act like
adults . . . they are not.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes
applying brain research to parenting can help us better communicate with our
kids. Perhaps next time you confront your teen, part of the dialogue might go
like this:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Dad,
why are you mad?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “This
isn’t anger, this is fear.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “What
are you afraid of?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Your
safety. Because I love you, I worry about you. Love has many expressions.”</span></span></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-6418753971026486362013-12-28T10:50:00.000-05:002015-01-20T19:33:36.414-05:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/party-balloons-6562529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/party-balloons-6562529.jpg" height="200" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1377817088174_1049" width="141" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="clear: left; color: red; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Happy, Happy New Year</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's almost here! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Thanks</b> for reading my blog all year. You’re welcome to share it via<a href="http://www.twitter.com/brendanixon"> Twitter</a>, Facebook,</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> or forward to someone who may benefit too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />I hope you'll encourage soon-t</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">o-be or new parents in 2014 with a gift copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Birth to Five Book</span>, available from me - ask for it </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">signed - by mailing $12 (incl
S&H) to: P.O. Box 1302 | Mount Vernon, OH 43050 <span style="font-style: italic;">(U.S. Only). </span><span style="color: red;">Hurry,</span> my price offer ends on January 15, 2014.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When
I was a new mom, one of my parenting goals was to practice discipline
with an instructive attitude. I didn't adopt the attitude that my kids
were in a<b> me-against-you war</b>. Rather I tried to maintain the attitude
that they needed my help to know right from wrong, how to gain
satisfaction in appropriate ways, and how to succeed in life through
appropriate talk and behavior.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, what's your New Year discipline resolution? (<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/a52DI">tweet</a>)</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Not screaming?</span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">More patience?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Set boundaries . . . and keep 'em?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Model self-controlled behaviors?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Get your tot toilet trained?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Make 'em listen?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Show that you love 'em?</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Move your teen outta the house?</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Any </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">of the above fit your discipline goal for the new year or do you have your own?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have
you thought about your <b>goal</b> in discipline? It's not just "making that kid mind" but a balance of rules and relationship, of teaching behavior that'll last long after they move away from you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd love to hear your goal for being a better parent through better discipline.(<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/4ce15">Tweet that</a>) Leave
your comment below and tell me what you'll strive for in the coming
year.</span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-87133565800891509842013-12-01T10:19:00.000-05:002015-01-20T19:35:12.445-05:00Successful Discipline<br />
<div>
Years ago I spoke on discipline to parents who attended a Baby Bonanza & Kid Expo in Columbus, Ohio. One of the things I tried to impress on audiences was, "discipline isn't a 'me against you' approach but, one of instruction."</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
You are the teacher; your child is the learner. When you confront inappropriate behaviors with this definition, then you're on the right road to successful discipline!</div>
<div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Kids Royalty Free Stock Photos - Image: 12716888" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/kids-12716888.jpg" height="195" id="myimage" title="Kids Royalty Free Stock Photos - Image: 12716888" width="200" /></div>
To help you remember this definition, below is a list of successful discipline tips:</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Stay consistent</b> - disasters arise when kids are given mixed messages</li>
<li><b>Be proactive</b> - plan ahead how to constructively confront and correct a child's behavior</li>
<li><b>Balance rules with relationship</b> - children need both</li>
<li><b>Adjust</b> your method to age and development - what works on a 2 year old may not work on a 10 year old</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Separate </b>the doer from the deed - love the child, not the behavior</div>
<div>
<br />
Feel welcome to print out this list and stick it on your frig or filing cabinet as a reminder.</div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-10291925611110454152013-11-11T22:24:00.000-05:002015-01-20T19:35:29.850-05:00Thankfulness is Taught and Caught<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><img alt="http://www.redfoxmagazine.com/wp-content/gallery/Thanksgiving/free-thanksgiving-wallpapers-for-desktop-backgrounds-15.jpg" class="shrinkToFit decoded" src="http://www.redfoxmagazine.com/wp-content/gallery/Thanksgiving/free-thanksgiving-wallpapers-for-desktop-backgrounds-15.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kids are born <i>self</i>-seekers. Their survival depends on
it. But society encourages acquisition and, while it may be more
blessed to give than receive, getting IS fun. <br /><br />Gratefulness is not innate. Children must be taught
the attitude and art of gratitude.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parents, you are the first and most influential teachers to your
children.(<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/7mf01">Tweet that</a>) How do you
teach this valuable attitude? One that'll affect their friendships,
family, and future? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">First, slow the greed avalanche these ways:</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> * Limit TV viewing…especially during the holidays when advertisers target children as a way to get into parents’ pockets.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> * Decrease trips to toy stores. Make shopping an “adult” activity.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> * Set limits on the number of birthday and holiday “wish list” items.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> * Remind kids their list is suggestion only. It’s not a “mommy – or daddy – do” list.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> * Focus on the intangible wealth. Good friends, laughter, safety, and freedom are indeed welcomed gifts.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Second, live the lifestyle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><a href="http://toginet.com/showimages/theparentsplate/DSCF0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignright" src="http://toginet.com/showimages/theparentsplate/DSCF0633.jpg" height="200" title="Brenda Nixon" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As parents we're always teaching . . . sometimes we use words.
Saying “thank you” to others or whispering grace before meals shows
gratitude. However,<b> the most successful teaching tool is to model it to
them. </b>Since kids are copycats, they’ll ACT like YOU.[<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/dQOA_">Tweet that</a>]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />As Americans,
we have much to be thankful for--it’s a privilege to worship
openly and in the way we believe to be right, and to vote for the president we
believe is right for our country. Go <i>do</i> these things. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Also,
smile to show appreciation to the restaurant server who hands your
youngster a glass of milk. Give generous hugs to your child’s teacher to
appreciate her hard work at school.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write letters of thanks for gifts or kindness received. Woody Allen
wrote, “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my
nose.” Make your behavior teach.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><a href="http://www.mamiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Kid-Books-on-Kindness-Gratitude-Photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="For Thanksgiving: 5 Great Kids’ Books on Kindness & Gratitude" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-28804 " src="http://www.mamiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Kid-Books-on-Kindness-Gratitude-Photo2.jpg" height="180" title="For Thanksgiving: 5 Great Kids’ Books-Photo2" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read <a href="http://www.bookworm.com/p/thanksgiving-is-for-giving-thanks-220300?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_bw&utm_term=HP-4795&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1611728900&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla">children’s books about being grateful</a>. Follow up by helping your
child pen a short appreciation note to his/her teacher, classmate, or
extended family member. Parents, use your influence to rally your child’s sense of appreciation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a mom I hope my, 20-something, kids have learned and are practicing gratitude by the way I lived! William Bennett wrote in <i>The Moral Compass</i>, “Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that thankfulness is indeed a virtue.” [<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/ORiwK">Tweet that</a>]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-10701019330388515242013-10-31T06:50:00.000-04:002015-01-20T19:35:58.406-05:00Let Him Need Me<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I asked my sister author/speaker, a mom and grandmom, </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #00FF;"><a href="http://www.kathycollardmiller.blogspot.com/"><b>Kathy Collard Miller</b></a> to guest blog. Kathy's passion is to inspire women to trust <i>God</i>
more. Her words - and her transparency - help me as a mom and I hope they'll help you in your parenting!</span> </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/21?folder=Inbox&msgNum=00003tG0:001IHXKa00001sw0&count=1380451507&attachId=4&prevId=-2&action=photoviewer&randid=815555023" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iuBGr8UXFq_MOOrpHV_4VzJsCpEckJivxRC8CaMEXuUzVG1rQddB7rAisjBK1RwU7idubET5XVKBFGt5KoOznQki2avfeFhD-oFpHacXamjGuLksMoWth72xd-1IOc98cTXS_A/s270/KathyMiller_headshot.jpg" height="200" id="Image1_img" width="155" /></a><i>Years ago, when my son,
Mark, was 14, I faced the challenge of releasing him to fly alone for the first
time from California to Florida to attend a Christian golf camp. As I explained
how he should find his connecting flight in Dallas, Mark brushed me off by
saying, “I know, Mom, I’ll be okay.” I didn’t think he knew at all how to
“read” the arrival/departure monitor. <b>Dallas was a huge airport</b>, often
requiring a long walk to a distant gate—sometimes even transferring to another
terminal. “<b>He’ll never find the correct gate,</b>” I moaned to myself.</i>[<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/jOI5f">Tweet that</a>]<i><br /></i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Hours later, about the time
Mark would arrive in Dallas, I felt tension seep into</span></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><i><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> my neck muscles. I knew
the phone would ring any moment with Mark telling me he'd missed his
connecting flight. How was I going to help him? I felt tense about him being
alone and tense that I felt so helpless!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I tried to keep busy doing
housework, I suddenly sensed God whisper in my heart, <b>“You're worried because
you want him to fail.” </b></span></i></div>
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</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I couldn’t believe that was true. </span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First of all, I wasn't worried, I was just concerned [haven't we all said that?]. And secondly, what kind
of mother would want that? But God persisted, “You are worried
because you want to be needed. Let him need Me instead.”</span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was shocked, but soon realized it
was true. I wanted to be a part of his life—even in this situation.</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">[<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/qc68p">Tweet that</a>]</span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Needing me
to help him would make me feel important and included.</span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That evening, the phone rang and it
was Mark—in Florida. He had arrived safely. “Did you have trouble finding your
connecting flight?” I <b>nervously </b>asked.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <br />“</span>No, Mom,” he replied
matter-of-factly. “It was directly across from the gate where I arrived.”</span></i></div>
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</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I fell silent. God had provided for
him and I had unexpectedly learned the blessing of releasing my son to God’s
loving care and calling worry worry!</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrPavsJ-ok-YXYM877R2CJ8rFHf-owW0nzvZyulLx0kZamRvk7CnKg7DehfyRCXP3pHtWWe2bkDfi-gqVS0zkF9ZG1IIvv5s8A_JTXUodhWX09vDk2bxX3rV9GCd_P3D9-rtQZg/s1600/cover+jpg+KathyCollardMiller_PartlyCloudy" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kathy's Newest Re-Released Book!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrPavsJ-ok-YXYM877R2CJ8rFHf-owW0nzvZyulLx0kZamRvk7CnKg7DehfyRCXP3pHtWWe2bkDfi-gqVS0zkF9ZG1IIvv5s8A_JTXUodhWX09vDk2bxX3rV9GCd_P3D9-rtQZg/s200/cover+jpg+KathyCollardMiller_PartlyCloudy" height="200" id="Image2_img" style="visibility: visible;" width="133" /></a>I<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #00FF;">s it possible to worry less about our kids? Yes, through trusting
God more! He is a parent, too.[<a href="http://clicktotweet.com/cJFjB">Tweet that</a>] Regardless of the storms of trials, temptations, worry, uncertainty,
confusion, or regrets that you're facing, you can trust God more. Kathy's new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Partly-Cloudy-Scattered-Worries-Collard/dp/193849976X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380319647&sr=8-2&keywords=partly+cloudy+with+scattered+worries"><b><i>Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries</i></b></a> offers a conversational style, personal
testimonies, practical illustrations, and solid biblical teaching for breaking
anxiety and its devastating effects. In
addition, a profile of a woman in the Bible, who struggled with or experienced
victory over worry, is featured in each chapter to inspire readers to see
God's hand at work.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #00FF;">Get her book today at Amazon.com! Also, jump on Kathy's fantastic <a href="http://www.kathycollardmiller.blogspot.com/">blog</a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #00FF;"> for more quick help.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #00FF;">If you have questions for Kathy or comments to her thoughts, please leave them below. She'll check back to see reader comments. </span></span></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-87841840073412247102013-10-01T07:36:00.000-04:002015-01-20T19:36:14.556-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Speaking of Speaking</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">WooHoo! As I write this today, I'm excited to gather notes and prepare to speak tonight about understanding your child's temperament.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm speaking to moms at a Mothers Of Preschoolers (<a href="http://www.mops.org/">MOPS</a>) gathering. I've </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">spoken frequently to MOPS groups and find them eager to learn, respectful, and full of parenting questions. The meeting format includes a guest speaker who has about 35-55 minutes. While the name of the group suggests moms with 3-5 year-olds, MOPS moms often have elementary age children too, and some have a pre-teen at home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last month I taught a Child Growth and Development class to licensed childcare providers for the state of Ohio. We covered the gamut from newborns to school-age kids.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In September I also had a booking to speak at a public library. This program planner wanted me to share about the customs and beliefs of the <a href="http://www.brendanixononamish.blogspot.com/">Amish</a>. I took a suitcase of Amish clothes my son-in-law's mother (he grew up/left the Amish) gave him after he married our daughter. Our home is also a haven to some Amish runaways who need help adjusting to life on the "outside."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I started out in 1996 (okay, I'm old) as a professional speaker on child development and parenting issues, I never would've imagined that I'd morph into a speaker about the Amish culture. But there is a connection because I'm called "mom" by some ex-Amish. And parenting a child from another culture is quite the challenge!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If your group, church, school, family organization, or conference needs a speaker who builds stronger families through parent empowerment, email me speaker2parents @ juno.com. We'll discuss your time, date, event needs, and fave hot topic.</span></span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-84979897858528843542013-09-25T16:30:00.000-04:002013-10-06T18:09:19.078-04:00Parenting with CancerCan you imagine? Heather, mom to Lily, emailed me with an amazing announcement. She used her tragic diagnosis to help others and, is an over comer. I thought other parents would want to read about (or act on) Heather's victory:<br />
<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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<b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/_img/hvsj-bio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/_img/hvsj-bio.jpg" width="181" /></a>I was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and
given 15 months
to live just 3 ½ months after giving birth to my only child,
Lily. Although my
prognosis was grim, I knew I had to do everything I could to
beat this rare and
deadly cancer for Lily. During my battle, my parents took care
of Lily while I
underwent chemotherapy and radiation, as I could not provide her
with the
stability she needed. When I finally returned home, I spent as
much time as I
possibly could with her. Whether it was going for walks outside
or just sitting
together, I made it a point to show her how much I love her.
Eight years have
gone by and I still cherish every moment spent with my daughter.
Because of my
battle with mesothelioma, Lily understand the value of life and
how blessed my
husband and I are to have her in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i></i></div>
<i><b>
</b></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>This year for <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/">Mesothelioma Awareness Day</a>
(<span style="color: red;">September 26</span>), I’ve
created a campaign to help raise awareness. To participate, I’m
simply asking
people to give their voice to the victims of mesothelioma by
donating your
social status. </b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></i>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Parents, I know many of you blog. How about helping Heather and others? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If you have a "parenting with cancer" story, please share it below in my comments.</span><i><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></b></i></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-28380265494811393762013-09-16T07:18:00.000-04:002015-01-20T18:44:36.611-05:00Permanent Impressions Begin Today<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Youngsters remind me of wet cement.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their receptive minds are imprinted daily with the
interests and values of their parents.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As the parent of an impressionable child, you can impress him/her with a lifelong <span style="color: red;">affection for books</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here are two daily strategies: </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Read <i>Everything</i> Aloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Yup, even your mail, magazine articles, recipes, the bills, street signs, and
greeting cards. All make for teaching moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As your child hears you read he becomes aware that print has a
purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since he wants to imitate you,
his favorite person, he wants<a name='more'></a> to be able to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By your example, at 4 he'll have begun to
understand that printed words are meaningful. By age 5, he'll begin to know
that not the printed words go from left to
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most kids will even be identifying capital and small letters and simple words. Reading is a significant
part of language development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time
you read aloud, you might introduce new words and that enlarges your child's
vocabulary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have to be the
best reader to impress your child with its importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s your interest in reading that
counts.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></li>
</ul>
<ul><a href="http://www.abcteach.com/free/b/book02_cute_rgb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.abcteach.com/free/b/book02_cute_rgb1.jpg" height="191" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1377818959493_775" width="200" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Make Fun of Reading Together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Some parents make the mistake of handing
their 3 or 4-year-old a book saying, “Go read this.”<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Hey, i</span>nstead, snuggle up together to look at
magazines and books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take turns flipping
the pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to your youngster
describes the pictures (exercises his language skills).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you read, point to letters, words, and pictures.
Be willing to stop and give or receive comments. The goal is to delight in the
<i>process</i> – not to race to the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
you make reading fun, your child - at any age - learns books are fun and provide information and
pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we all like to repeat
enjoyable activities.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What's your fave book? Tell your child about it and why you love it. Leave a comment below of your tip for reading aloud and making a permanent reading impression.</span>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-20944205536964015802013-09-06T09:21:00.000-04:002015-01-20T19:36:26.824-05:00Discussing Differences<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">You learn something every day if you pay attention. <span style="font-size: x-small;">~</span></span></i><span style="font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ray LeBlond</span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Babies - like adults - are different from each other. You can see some differences right
away. Doctors and educators agree that during the early months of life, parents
and caregivers can learn about a baby by watching; </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">How lightly or deeply
she sleeps</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">How often she
seems hungry</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">If she’s
focused while nursing or easily distracted</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her interest in
toys and objects, and<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">How often or
hard she cries.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">By carefully observing, YOU become a "student" of your child. Wild thought, eh?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Some
babies are awake and alert most of the time; they may demand frequent attention;
others sleep a lot. Some are awake and quiet while others are awake and make
noise. Some babies sleep and eat on a timetable while others are irregular, and
you can’t predict when she seems hungry. Some babies cry hard while others
whimper. Some are a challenge to soothe; others are easily comforted. Your baby
is not right <i>or</i> wrong; just different.</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Learning
about your baby’s unique “<a href="http://brendanixononparenting.blogspot.com/2012/02/temperament-and-your-child-temperament.html#more">temperament</a>” – or way of <b>responding</b> – will give you information
and confidence. Knowing that your baby seems to have a “regular” inner <b>routine</b>,
tells you to be ready to feed her at the same time each day and avoid errands
or chores if you know she’ll need to eat. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Likewise,
if your baby seems uncomfortable or fussy being held by other people, <b>do not</b>
pass her around like a ball. If she doesn’t like a certain stuffed animal – she
may not like the feel or texture – <b>don’t force</b> her to play or sleep with it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Learning about your baby and being her advocate will build a better bond
between you and her. She’ll learn to trust you as she’s growing up.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Your
baby is one-of-a-kind.</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Watch</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Learn</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Respond</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adapt to her inner needs.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Then
you’ll have <b>good parenting skills</b>, plus a better <b>relationship with</b> your growing child. What have YOU noticed when silently watching your child<span style="font-size: small;"><b>? Leave your comments below . . .</b></span></span></span></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-49891348087412106192013-08-28T10:17:00.000-04:002013-08-28T10:17:00.040-04:00Leading Cause of Childhood Death<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">"I don't wanna!" protests the wiggly toddler. Screaming he kicks and resists climbing in his car seat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">"Boosters are for babies!" the preschooler cries. She stomps her feet and refuses to get buckled in.</span></span><br />
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.plioz.com/wp-content/images/sunshine-kids-car-seat-nitro-offers-maximum-safety-and-comfort-to-your-kids-when-travelling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1377551470841_1385" src="http://www.plioz.com/wp-content/images/sunshine-kids-car-seat-nitro-offers-maximum-safety-and-comfort-to-your-kids-when-travelling2.jpg" style="margin-top: 18px;" width="200" /></a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">"I'm big enough to go without a seatbelt!" announces the proud nine-year-old. Rolling her eyes she gives a self-confident smirk.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Ever face these - or similar - scenes when getting in your car? Many parents know the protective value of car seats yet their protesting kids sometimes make it an emotional wreck. I cringe when I see parents cave in and allow their child to sit unrestrained on a seat or - worse - holds their child in their lap! Aaarg!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Do you know motor vehicle related deaths are the leading cause of
death among children?</b> Child car safety equipment is essential for every family with children through age 12 years.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Always insure you have the correct or age appropriate car seat for your child's age. Then make sure you use it - even if you have a cantankerous kid. Research shows that 70% of children are improperly buckled-in and at risk for injury during a car accident. </span><br style="font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">So how do smart parents decrease the protests? When my daughters were small, we</span></span><br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0zzEgaDTzuY4l8v-kDAoatH6entC3JH6zIhhdmUnUsfD17XOl9wGaTY_PU_gy9JD5muBpiUPxh2-nLQBMR_KX6Ng7vrW5hy8Il4ASgtZ4tIPDfRKl3aFxxE0ueP2IDDrO9u_sA/s1600/IMG_0220-735438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1377551470841_1042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0zzEgaDTzuY4l8v-kDAoatH6entC3JH6zIhhdmUnUsfD17XOl9wGaTY_PU_gy9JD5muBpiUPxh2-nLQBMR_KX6Ng7vrW5hy8Il4ASgtZ4tIPDfRKl3aFxxE0ueP2IDDrO9u_sA/s200/IMG_0220-735438.JPG" width="150" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">kept special "car toys" tucked under the seats, in the glove box, and in the trunk. I pulled these out just for car rides. Playing the something "new" kept my girls in their car seat, entertained, and distracted from any perceived discomfort. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">You'll know when your child is ready to graduate off the booster to a regular seat belt when,</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">his knees <i>bend over </i>the seat edge while his back is flat <i>against the seatback.</i></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I’d love to hear your comments and tips for other readers to keep kids in their car seat. For more car seat safety info, check out this <a href="http://www.carinsurance.org/the-case-for-car-seats">article by Felix Smith</a> - it could save your sanity . . . and your child's life!</span></span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-72540230359199141412013-08-20T10:20:00.000-04:002013-08-20T10:20:00.475-04:00<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Your Child's School Success begins At Home! </span></span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue2kemzPaGg/TTnd4Gh1GCI/AAAAAAAAAH8/f4tanOH0nOk/s1600/time+out+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue2kemzPaGg/TTnd4Gh1GCI/AAAAAAAAAH8/f4tanOH0nOk/s200/time+out+chair.jpg" width="197" /></a></span></strong></div>
<strong><br /></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Regardless of how good the schools and teachers are,<i> they</i> do not have the impact on learning, as
does <i>your home</i> environment</strong>.<br />
<br />
Parents, you make the difference!
Your everyday activities, discussions about school, and positive
attitude about learning set the stage for your child’s success. You impress your child with permanent motivation about school and learning!
“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future
life,” declared Plato.<br />
<br />
All parents agree that education benefits their child. Skillful
parents also recognize that education creates a better community in
which children live. Victor Hugo observed, “He who opens a school door,
closes a prison.”<br />
<br />
<strong>Use your powerful influence to help your child look forward to and enjoy school.</strong><br /> <a href="http://powertochange.com/sex-love/spark/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: grey;"><br /></span></a><br />
Regardless of your economic, racial, educational or cultural
environment you have the power to give your child a key to academic
success. To see if you’re on the right track, take this back-to-school
quiz.<br />
<strong><br />
<span style="color: red;">Motivated for school quiz</span><br />
</strong><br />
Give yourself five points for usually doing these, two points for occasionally, and zero points for these you never do.<br />
<br />
_____1. I share happy memories or good stories of my school experiences.<br />
_____2. I make positive statements about school and opportunity to learn.<br />
_____3. I attend Open House and parent/teacher meetings with an open
mind and team spirit between the teacher and myself. When parents and
teachers team up, good things happen.<br />
_____4. I encourage my child to listen to and respect teachers.
Prizewinning TV news anchor Diane Sawyer reveals, “I think the one
lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying
attention.”<br />
_____5. We have school supplies purchased and identified with my child’s name.<br />
_____6. “School” bedtimes and morning routines are faithfully observed.<br />
<br />
How'd you score?<br />
<br />
Above 25 means you’re doing your best to help your child be an eager
learner. Give yourself a pat on the back! A score of 18-25 is average.
Below 18 suggests there are more ways to help your child see the value
of school and learning. And it’s never too late to make a difference!
Here are more easy, yet profound,<strong> <span style="color: red;">tips to make your home a place that nurtures young minds.</span></strong><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Shop together for school supplies</strong> and, whenever
possible, accept your child’s opinion on necessary materials. Research
shows that when kids participate in a decision they are more
invested in the outcome. When you and your child spend time together
picking out necessities, the message your child receives is:
preparation is a priority.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Establish “school” bedtimes.</strong> Want a less distracted, happier, and healthier kid? Put your kid to bed. In a sense,
sleep is a habit. Build a healthy habit of <b>going to bed at the same time
every evening.</b> According to Richard Ferber, M.D., author of the book <em>Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problem</em>,
elementary age kids need 9-10 hours of nighttime sleep for
optimal performance. Younger tots need more hours. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Make breakfast matter.</strong> Back in the 1980s, a Harvard /Kellogg School
Breakfast program study reported that kids who ate a morning meal
earned <b>higher math grades</b> than those who skipped breakfast. Teachers and
parents in this study reported that frequency of <b>hyperactivity and
tardiness</b> also <b>dropped</b> among breakfast eaters.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Attend the school’s Open House and Parent/Teacher meetings.</strong>
It’s during these times that you can view your child’s work and, most important, have a say in your child’s learning goals.
<i>Psst, teachers draw an opinion about parents based on their
at-school participation.</i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Give your child encouragement </strong>like:
“You're making progress.” “I’m glad you listen to your teacher.” “You
really stuck with your homework.” Words sink deep into a child’s heart
and what parents say is prophetic.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Plan constructive use of after-school time.</strong>
Children need downtime to relax after school; however, research
indicates that children who watch TV more than 10 hours per week are at
greater risk of school failure. It's a tough balance but, don't over-schedule with too many sports, etc. and don't give too much downtime.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Get your child’s hearing checked</strong>. Hearing loss is
common in kids and often goes undiagnosed. If your child cannot hear
completely, it's difficult for him to get classroom instructions or
learn pronunciations.</li>
</ul>
In this brief season of nurturing your child’s desire and ability to
learn, I encourage you to remember Benjamin Franklin’s counsel, “An investment in knowledge
always pays the best interest."<br />
<br />
What's your tip? Leave your school success tip below to help other parents!Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-11154659440175500862013-08-08T12:06:00.000-04:002013-08-08T12:18:48.487-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ-nz3jdP6I/UgO_YIOP1HI/AAAAAAAAAgE/0FtD1OEQgqo/s1600/eyes+for+blog.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQ-nz3jdP6I/UgO_YIOP1HI/AAAAAAAAAgE/0FtD1OEQgqo/s1600/eyes+for+blog.gif" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">You can be a mom around the world</span></span><br />
<br />
My pal and fellow author/speaker <b><a href="http://www.jillsavage.org/">Jill Savage</a></b>, <i>Hearts at Home</i> founder, is in Tanzania, Africa this month. Her mission? With three other <i>Hearts at Home</i> leaders, she'll serve with Compassion, International to visit several Compassion Centers and a Mother-Baby Survival Center, and speak twice on her journey. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
She'll have a priceless opportunity to meet the young lady her <i>Hearts at Home</i>
staff have sponsored for the past 7 years, and distribute <b>four suitcases
full</b> of donated goods for the Mother-Baby Survival Center.<br />
<br />
Wow! What a rare privilege to mother the motherless. You can keep up with Jill and her colleagues throughout the trip by visiting her <b><a href="http://www.jillsavage.org/">blog</a></b> now through August 17, 2013.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IfnBs_1yLk/TS3Ese0j4WI/AAAAAAAAAGc/BBZ7OKvVNvU/s1600/HowBabysdelivered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IfnBs_1yLk/TS3Ese0j4WI/AAAAAAAAAGc/BBZ7OKvVNvU/s200/HowBabysdelivered.jpg" width="136" /></a>She and her team will also use
Instagram: @jillybean64 and @heartsathome.<br />
<br />
They hope to introduce moms there to how women "mom" on our side of the world,
and to show us what poverty <i>really</i> looks like and means! YOU can make a
difference in the life of a child in poverty right here <b>
child sponsorship</b>. <br />
<br />
YOU influence moms in your circles; either through play groups, co-ops, blogs, work, and houses of worship. How about going along with Jill Savage via her blog and influence your circles to do the same!<br />
<br />
<b>"We'd love to see 100 kids sponsored over the
next week through this trip!" writes Jill.</b><br />
<br />
Already a Compassion sponsor? Want to blog
about your experience and link to her trip posts this week? Jill welcomes collaboration!<br />
<br />
If you read my <b><a href="http://www.brendanixononamish.blogspot.com/">Beyond Buggies and Bonnets blog</a></b>, you know I "mom" guys and gals who leave the <b>Amish</b>. My rich experiences loving and helping them is beyond a price. Now YOU can enjoy being "mom" to others by joining Jill in her child sponsorship mission.<br />
<br />
Happy parenting!Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-88662087642340170202013-06-01T04:47:00.000-04:002013-06-01T04:47:00.237-04:00Father Facts: dads make a difference<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">You'll</span> probably be your daughter’s first love and your son’s role model. Your
daily interaction with your kids improves - research says - their <b>physical health</b>,
<b>IQ</b>, <b>independence</b>, school <b>success</b>, and future <b>relationships</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Evidence suggests that infants
are able to make use of a father’s unique contribution to their growth and
development. </span>Men tend to encourage more exploration, risk taking, and
assertiveness in children. T<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">he Mom
versus Dad parenting differences also appear to be of great interest <i>and</i>
benefit to children by creating a balance in their life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
I encourage dads to step
forward and make lasting impressions on their children by:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<a name='more'></a>* Supporting, protecting, and assisting the
mother/child relationship. Research suggests that the bond with your child is
not likely to be threatened by a strong maternal attachment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
* Eating family meals <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">at least</span> three times</span> a
week. Children have a yearning to be with their daddy so your presence is needed
more than your presents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
* Being consistent in discipline; the same
reaction for misbehavior, same rules, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
* Giving frequent hugs. Physical affection is
critical because as children mature, dads<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> tend to </span>touch them less.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">* Offering</span> verbal encouragement. Remember dads, your words are often prophetic. Is your child a good helper, kind, fun to be with, curious, or lazy, mean, boring, and nosey? Your words make the decide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
* Boosting your knowledge and confidence by listenting to the podcasts at <a href="http://www.toginet.com/shows/theparentsplate">The Parent's Plate</a> radio show.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="color: #073763;">Happy Father's Day</span>.</b></div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-36443634573079133352013-05-01T15:00:00.000-04:002013-05-01T15:00:00.040-04:00Continue Learning Over the Summer<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thinking about summer vacation? Ever think of a family field trip as educational? </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vacations, kids, and learning are critical interplays. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqHx8CkfYsQ/TnspztS6djI/AAAAAAAAAL8/FdieSTD-BcA/s1600/cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqHx8CkfYsQ/TnspztS6djI/AAAAAAAAAL8/FdieSTD-BcA/s320/cat.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Continue your child's learning over the summer, in a relaxing way, by visiting historical sites, reading maps, playing <i>I Spy</i> or other <a href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/thinking_games_for_kids.htm">thinking games</a>, listening to stories on tape, and reading together (if you don't get car sick) along the way. Or good grief - talking! Get to know each other better,</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> improve your relationship, and teach needed social skills.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Put away - or silence - the GPS and talk about geography, practice your child's m</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ath problems, or help him calculate distance to keep the trip interesting and educational.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/102-Wiggly-Bible-Rhymes-Rhythms/dp/1426708491" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ta0ADkHQ330/TAwur78Sd-I/AAAAAAAAAEc/2Mn4WEZdGkQ/s200/Product4934_Photo1.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/102-Wiggly-Bible-Rhymes-Rhythms/dp/1426708491">For children 2-5 years</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you do stop to visit a site, practice budget by </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">setting spending limits
for your child or your whole family.</span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most public libraries allow vacationing parents to check out books and CDs for extended periods. Allow your child to select a book about your destination to read along the way. You don't have to nurture the bookish </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Brick </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">behavior on TV's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1442464/">The Middle</a> but, do encourage knowledge through books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scrapbook-Christmas-Firsts-Simplify-Holidays/dp/0891125647"><i>A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts</i></a> co-author, Karen Robbins, wrote a similar post, "<a href="http://networkedblogs.com/K5EZd">Educational Vacations</a>," that you'll find helpful.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">School teachers tell me that they spend the first half of the academic year playing catch-up or testing to see what the students retained from the previous year. You can give your child a distinct advantage by continuing learning over the summer.</span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-72653367720382652022013-04-17T15:01:00.000-04:002013-04-17T15:01:00.306-04:00Compassion for Boston Bombing VictimsAt this writing, we still don't know all the details . . . maybe never will. The TV constantly broadcasts about cries for help, blood, total chaos, flying limbs, terror, injuries, victims, and other unsettling news. So what's a parent to do?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">First</span>, depending upon your child's age and ability to absorb unsettling news, turn off the TV. Often we, as adults, want to stay informed but there is such a thing as too much input! If your home is a steady stream of negative TV news, you may overwhelm your child and create a stressful home environment. The truth is; it'll all come out in upcoming weeks; you can afford to turn off the TV news for a few days.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Second</span>, if your child asks questions such as, "Are we in war?" it's your signal to be the teacher. Saying things as, "We're always in a war of good vs evil," will open opportunity to teach about life and your values. In our home <a href="http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Golden_Rule">The Golden Rule</a> of doing to others as we'd want them to do to us, assisted my daughters in developing social and spiritual skills. Today both are in helping professions; one's a RN and the other is an English teacher. Follow up your comment with something like, "You can be the good person by . . ." and list ways to pray, feeling sorry over the suffering or others, or actions that may relieve the hurt or people. Even in the Boston bombing, there are stories of helping and goodness shown by fellow runners and individual crowd members.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Third</span>, talk about practical ways to help now. Probably you can't do anything directly to help those injured and traumatized in Boston but, you can show kind help those close to you! Perhaps you and your child can visit a nursing home this weekend and talk to the lonely. You and your child can visit aging relatives, or the hospital's Pediatric Unit to talk to sick children (with staff or parent permission, of course). Homeless shelters or churches, that serve free meals, always need volunteer help. You and your child can make the good outweigh the evil in today's world.<br />
<br />
Compassion is the art of understanding other people's suffering and doing selfless acts to help relieve the suffering. Ask your child, "How would you feel if . . . " to get him/her thinking. Then talk about what he or she would want in the way of assistance. Although the Boston bombing is an ugly, sad situation you can turn it into an educational opportunity in your home.<br />
<br />
To keep your child involved over the long-haul, you can sponsor a disadvantaged child through <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International.</a>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-17759495237267722802013-04-09T08:08:00.000-04:002015-01-20T18:49:41.897-05:00Got a College Kid?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My pal Beverly who writes and blogs about <a href="http://1-2-3getorganized.com/">organization</a> motivated me today. She has a terrific blog post about helping a college student in your life by making up a Finals Survival Kit. I thought I'd tag onto Beverly's post with some ideas we've done when our daughters were in college. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Regardless of their age or gender, young adults love hearing from Mom and Dad. They may be <b>independent</b> (that's your job; to work yourself out of a job) but they still need the relationship<span style="font-size: small;"> with you! </span>Sending your college student a "survival" kit, bag, or basket shows you value education and want to support their success. In the past we made up Survival Ki<span style="font-size: small;">ts including</span>:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Gift Cards to their fave off-campus haunts or coffee shops</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Encouraging notes or family pictures</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Supplies like mini-stapler<span style="font-size: small;"> or gift certificate to the campus bookstore</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Something silly like a comic or <span style="font-size: small;">goofy little toy</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*Healthy snacks like nuts, beef jerky, <span style="font-size: small;">protein bars</span>, a jar of olives</span></span></blockquote>
<a name='more'></a><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />*Sugar-free hot chocolate, <a href="http://www.emergenc.com/">EmergenC</a><span style="font-size: small;">,</span> <span style="font-size: small;">fruit</span> juices</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some years I'd include my daughters' roommates<span style="font-size: small;"> as it built a camaraderie between the girls. Don't worry about the size or content; it's really just a touch from home that matters.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Got a<span style="font-size: small;"> terrific tip for a finals survival kit? Feel free to leave it below so other readers can share in supporting their kids' college success. Hurry, <span style="font-size: small;">as an adjunct <span style="font-size: small;">university professor, I can tell you finals are already being scheduled<span style="font-size: small;"> and will be here before we know it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">No time to collect a bag or basket? <span style="font-size: small;">Y</span>ou can <b><span style="font-size: small;">o</span>rder</b> your student a <a href="http://ww31.1800baskets.com/collection.do?dataset=11097&cm_mmc=18Bpaidsearch-_-Awareness-_-Google-_-AwarenessBasketPhrase&bannerBeacon=true&conversionTag=true">Gift Basket</a> now. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-87304718995189505102013-03-26T03:53:00.000-04:002013-04-11T06:51:18.727-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Parents <i>Are</i> Teachers</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">Thought I'd share one of my stories <span style="font-size: small;">published<b> </b>i</span>n a <i>Chicken Soup for the Soul</i> book.</span><br />
<address>
<span style="color: #003300;"> </span></address>
<span style="color: #003300;">It was a crisp autumn night in a
crowded school auditorium, and I was scheduled to speak to an audience
of preschool parents on the topic of discipline. Prior to the start of
the evening’s event, the program planner and I were talking privately.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">“We have a large group here tonight,” she observed with a sparkle in her eye.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">“It’s gratifying to see so many parents wanting to learn about effective discipline,” I replied.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">“I hope we get to hear everything
you have to say,” she whispered. ”Sometimes they start asking too many
questions and the get the speaker off track.”</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="color: #003300;">“Let’s ask everyone to hold their questions until the end of the program,” I suggested.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">“OK that’s a plan,” she agreed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">Soon she stood at the podium to
introduce me. Politely she announced, "We have so much material </span><br />
<span style="color: #003300;">to
cover tonight, I want to make sure Brenda has a chance to share it. So
please hold all of your questions until the end of her presentation.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">She stepped aside and signaled
for me to take the floor. I stood at the podium and opened my mouth to
begin. Instantly, one father waved his hand to indicate a question. Ignoring his gesture, I shared my first point. After some awkward
moments of me speaking over his relentless motioning, his wife yanked
down his hand. I ended my talk on children and discipline that evening
then opened the floor with, “Does anyone have questions?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">Immediately, the same dad raised his hand. Looking at him in acknowledgment I asked, “What is your challenge?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #003300;">He answered, “My son never listens to the rules!” </span><br />
<span style="color: #003300;"><br />(<i>think about it</i>)</span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-84675761272871512892013-03-15T16:01:00.000-04:002013-04-11T06:52:04.345-04:00<div class="h4" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">St. Patrick</span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="h4">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Saint
Patrick, who lived during the <span style="font-size: small;">5th</span> century, is the patron saint of Ireland.<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvwLc4Sysgo/URdl58HkDcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/gQGuwA4EIgo/s1600/Shamrock_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvwLc4Sysgo/URdl58HkDcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/gQGuwA4EIgo/s200/Shamrock_01.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He was</span> born in Roman Britain, kidnapped at the age of 16,
<span style="font-size: small;">and taken<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span>to Ireland as a slave. Although he later escaped, he returned to Ireland and brought Christianity to the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of the well known legends about him is that he explained the <a href="http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/sbrandt/trinity.htm">Holy Trinity</a> (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are teaching moments for your child. Play a guessing game and give a <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">shamrock</span></b> or other <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">green</span></b> prize for the correct answer:</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><div>
<br />
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What's the traditional St. Patrick's Day food? <span style="font-size: small;">Ans:</span> </span>Corned beef and <a href="http://www.almanac.com/plant/cabbage">cabbage</a>.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In
2009, <span style="font-size: small;">about</span> 26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of <a href="http://www.almanac.com/plant/cabbage">cabbage</a> were produced in the United States. </span></li>
</div>
<div class="copy">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Where does Irish soda bread gets its name & character? <span style="font-size: small;"></span>Ans: From the baking soda.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What's the popular color for chrysanthemums on St. Patrick's Day? Ans: Green</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></li>
</div>
Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-53083385720750965702013-03-01T15:46:00.000-05:002013-04-11T06:55:57.977-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">3 Big Mistakes Parents Make</span></b></span></div>
<br />
Now if you read my blog much you know I'm positive and look for things parents do right. But sometimes I gotta say, there are some pretty powerful mistakes parents make. I don't think they intend to sabotage their parent/child relationship but any one of these three will...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1.</span></b> Being the companion parent. This means you are your child's playmate, court jester, entertainer <i></i><br />
<i>all</i> the time. What happens? Your child expects you to keep him/her busy and happy. The problem is<span style="font-size: small;"><b>,</b></span> you need time away from your child to address other responsibilities, while your child learns self-entertainment. By <i>always</i> being the go-to person for your child, he/she becomes handicapped in using his/her own pretend skills or imagination. And you come to resent your child's over-dependence. Not good for the relationship.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2.</span></b> Saying, "OK?" after giving your child an instruction. I know you think you're being polite or perhaps softening the statement but, your child <i>hears a choice</i>. And when given a choice, most children answer, "No." Sometimes an argument ensues; not good for the relationship. Be aware if you hear yourself about to say, "OK?" and stop. If you aren't offering a choice, don't make it sound like one. Just say it. Period. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span></b> Living vicariously through your child. <span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, </span>I've witnessed the parent who butts-in, coerces, manipulates, brags, pushes, or over indulges in being "there" for the child. Picture the "stage mom." I saw this a few weeks ago when a mom and daughter were discussing the latter's wedding. After Mom suggesting colors, dresses, flowers, shoes, and on and on, the daughter finally reminded, "Mom, this is <i>my</i> wedding. I have my own ideas." Mom living <i>through</i> her bride daughter is not good for the relationship. Better be like a consultant. Know what a consultant is? You're there when needed, and not when you're not! <br />
<br />
Well, those are my big three. Do you know of or see other mistakes parents make? Leave your comment or story below. Your observation may help others build a healthier, happier parent/child relationship; I believe that's what all parents want.Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29220694.post-7066126839593965302013-02-18T15:13:00.000-05:002013-04-11T06:56:41.539-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Relief from Cabin <i>Fever</i></b><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b>I know, <b><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="background-color: white;">S</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: small;">p</span></span></b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #741b47;"></span><span style="color: #f1c232;">r<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">i</span></span><span style="background-color: #e06666;"></span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">n</span><span style="color: #93c47d;">g</span></b> is around the corner! But until it gets here, we still have frigid tem<span style="font-size: small;">ps, wind chills, and some parts of the country are <span style="font-size: small;">buried under snow. <span style="font-size: small;">So when your kids are stuck indoors and bored, here are a few ideas to relieve their cabin fever;</span></span></span> </span></span><b> </b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Assemble an obstacle course</b><br />
Kids and empty boxes go together. Place some large empty boxes around
the floor for your child to crawl in, on and through. Add more obstacles
like a chair, step stool, soft pillows, large laundry baskets, etc.
This is a terrific activity for using stored energy, motor skills and
imagination.<a name='more'></a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Design a music band</b><br />
Kids make noise, so channel it! Make instruments for a marching band.
Drums can be made from empty oatmeal boxes, coffee cans or a pot and
wooden spoon. Cymbals can be created from lids of different sized pots
or pans. Cover one side of a block with coarse sandpaper and rub two
papered blocks together for sand blocks. Rhythm sticks can be made from
two empty paper towel rolls or old newspaper rolled up and secured with
masking tape. Now get out the kazoo. Research says that making music is one way to stimulate your tot’s brain development for future math skills.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Build blocks</b><br />
Bag blocks can be made by filling large grocery bags with crumpled
newspaper. Stuff each bag full, fold over the open end of the bag, and
tape it shut. Make several bag blocks – the more the better! These are
fun for jumping or sitting on, tossing and rolling. Older children can
help younger siblings make the bag blocks. You’ve just recycled and your
tot has made inexpensive toys.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Pretend ocean play</b><br />
Fill your bathtub with blue water (a few drops of blue food coloring),
throw in floating toys and watch your child’s imagination take off. No,
the food coloring does not turn your little munchkin into a blue genie,
nor does it stain the tub. Since kids love water, maybe you can persuade
your little one to take off his clothes and jump in. This is a sneaky
way to get ‘em clean. When my girls were toddlers and I wanted them to
take a bath, there would often be an argument. To avoid the debate, I
diverted their attention with, “Do you want your water pink or blue?”</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Enjoy snow play</b><br />Get outdoors and build a snowman, woman, child or fort.
Take your camera and capture the memories. Then go indoors for a warm
cup of cocoa and a foot rub or a book! Since the season of parenting is
so short, make a photo album or scrapbook your snow memories.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Bottom Line: </b>If your child is playing quietly - or least contentedly - don’t interrupt.
I practice the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy in
parenting. And be prepared to offer a couple of activities when the fever strikes.</span>Brenda Nixon, Author and Speakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052093071339488784noreply@blogger.com0