By Aviva Patz
You've survived the up-every-two-hours newborn period, and you're finally slumbering peacefully through the night. Out of nowhere, your... Read more
Summer Fun with Science
Kids love summer vacation, but parents often find it difficult to keep them engaged in productive activities. And most kids experience a summer learning slump during ... Read more
By Helice "Sparky" Bridges
Founder and CEO
Difference Makers International
"The deepest desire in the human spirit is the craving to be acknowledged."
-William James, Father of American Psychology
DID YOU KNOW?
• Children who bully are more likely to come from home situations in which there is little warmth and little positive adult attention.
• Two out of three teens are verbally or physically assaulted every year.
• A victim of bullying is twice as likely to take his or her life compared to someone who is not a victim.
-Source: Mental Health Systems, Inc. - San Diego, California
So often we hear people say, "kids are so mean today." The media is flooded with stories about bullying and cyber bullying. Front page newspapers tell the tragic stories of young people committing suicide because they were constantly bullied. In an effort to put an end to this social issue facing today's youth, Difference Makers International has begun a grassroots campaign that is helping all kids feel safe- socially, emotionally and physically.
"There are no bullies--only people who need to be loved." Helice "Sparky" Bridges
Can we make this change? You bet! In my opinion, there are no bullies-only people who need to be loved. Our work teaches young people how to eradicate bullying, avert adolescent suicide and make dreams come true through the power of acknowledgment. We are collaborating with the Mental Health Systems, Inc. Bully Prevention Training so that every teacher and student will know how to end bullying.
Our school, family and community Power of Acknowledgment Training Programs will soon be delivered to over 30,150 elementary, middle school students and high schools in San Diego with a community outreach to approximately 100,000,-creating conversations that shift the focus from what's WRONG to what is RIGHT.
Our "Who I Am Makes A Difference"® Blue Ribbon message has impacted over 30 million people worldwide and has been translated into 11 languages. The Blue Ribbon Story appears in Chicken Soup for the Soul recounting the story of a 14 year-old boy who did not commit suicide because his father honored him with a Blue Ribbon and finally told him he loved him. This story was made into a photo movie receiving over three million hits on YouTube.
Recently our school assemblies and student leadership trainings were delivered at Parsons Middle School in Redding, California and Northeast Intermediate School in Midland, Michigan with gymnasiums packed with nearly 1,000 students, teachers, parents and community leaders.
To show students how they could eradicate bullying in a minute or less, I gave them an opportunity to step to the front of the auditorium, speak into the microphone and do one of the following: 1) Publically apologize for bullying or harming anyone, 2) share their dreams and ask for support or 3) or tell someone how they make a difference and honor them with a "Who I Am Makes A Difference"® Blue Ribbon.
In an instant, students leaped out of their seats and ran down from the bleachers. One by one they stepped to the mike, said their name, and without asking were enthusiastically applauded.
"I want to honor my math teacher," one boy announced. "I always mess up in class but you just keep encouraging me." Then the boy placed a Blue Ribbon over his teacher's heart, cheered him on for his dreams and gave him a hug.
"I'd like people to stop putting me down for my weight," a girl timidly requested. The audience exploded with applause as a way of publicly saying that they were sorry.
"I want to be a football player," announced the small 5' proud 7th grader. "Outstanding," I shouted inviting everyone to cheer Mike on for his dream. They did!
"I want to apologize for bullying my little brother," said the 9th grader. "He's a really great guy and I love him." His younger brother raced down to the open arms of his big brother. They hugged and cried openly. The auditorium went silent. Later on the principal told me that the big brother was the biggest bully in the school.
"I am a bully," said the 15 year-old girl. "I want to apologize for being so mean. I don't really want to be mean, I just get so angry all the time. What I really want is to make friends and treat people nicely, but I don't know how." Everyone in the gymnasium leaped to their feet and gave her a thunderous standing ovation.
Following these assemblies, students continued to apologize, share their dreams and acknowledge their teachers and siblings. Many immediately called their parents to say there were sorry. Teachers were shocked with the kindness taking place in their classrooms and hallways. We would like to see this occur across campuses worldwide.
Together we can eradicate bullying. "IGNITE WHAT'S RIGHT"™ has exploded into a nation wide campaign. Students, parents, teachers, neighbors and clergy are inviting us to teach programs. Contact us to find out how your school (K-12), college, organization business and/or neighborhood can help all kids feel safe-socially, emotionally and physically. Contact us at: DifferenceMakersInternational.org, info@blueribbons.org or 760-753-0963.
High school student athletes now have the chance to score some extra cash for college. The National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, in partnership with USA Today, is announcing the call for entries for the 14th annual Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (Sammy) Award program. The Sammy Awards recognize 25 outstanding high school senior student athletes who represent excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership and include lowfat milk in their daily routines.
The Sammy scholarship rewards exceptional student athletes by helping to offset some of the costs associated with college tuition. The scholarship helps educate teens on the value of making smart choices - like drinking lowfat milk, eating right and staying active. Twenty-five talented teens will receive a $7,500 college scholarship, attend an awards ceremony with celebrity guests at Disney World, be pictured in a special Milk Mustache ad in USA Today, and have a chance to help their favorite charity in the process. To date, the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign has awarded 325 talented high school seniors with nearly $2.5 million in scholarships.
"It's an honor for the national got milk? campaign to continue to reward such extraordinary student-athletes who not only excel in their respective sports and communities, but also serve as advocates for drinking milk," said Vivien Godfrey, chief executive officer of the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" campaign. "Lowfat chocolate milk has the right combination of carbohydrates and protein, making it a great choice to help refuel and recover after a tough workout."
High school seniors who excel in the classroom, on the sports field and in their communities are encouraged to submit an application. This year's winners will be selected by a celebrity panel of Milk Mustache athletes, including Apolo Ohno, Chauncey Billups, Dara Torres, Andy Roddick and Lindsey Vonn.
"I am so excited to be championing the 2011 Sammy Awards and to connect with these exceptional student athletes," said speed skating superstar Apolo Ohno "I recently joined the Milk Mustache campaign, and as a judge for Sammy, this is a great opportunity to pass on my tips for staying ahead of the game. My coaches and trainers agree - grabbing lowfat chocolate milk after a strenuous workout helps me get nutrients back into my body quickly to help me refuel for the next race."
High school seniors who are interested in applying for the 2011 Sammy Awards program should visit www.bodybymilk.com. All applicants are required to describe in 250 words or less how they refuel with milk while excelling in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.
Entries must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET Friday, March 4, 2011. For complete contest rules, applications, tips and exclusive Milk Mustache celebrity videos, log onto .
The Girl Scouts of America recently conducted a survey of more than 1000 girls nationwide, between the ages of 14-17, to examine their behavior on and perceptions of social networking. The study found that:
"...increased exposure to social media puts teenage girls in a confusing situation where a girl's image is not always what it seems, as nearly 74 percent of girls agree that most girls use social networking sites to make themselves "cooler than they really are." The survey finds that girls downplay several positive characteristics of themselves online, most prominently their intelligence, kindness and efforts to be a positive influence. These feelings among others related to emotional safety online and the impact of social media on girls' relationship. "
Finding the right day-care center requires a balance of many practical issues: location, cost, hours of operation. And you of course also want a nurturing staff. "But bottom line, your child's health and safety is what matters the most," says Patricia Skinner, executive director of the Capital District Child Care Council, a resource and referral agency serving six counties in the Albany, N.Y., region. "After all, it doesn't matter how stellar the caregiver's interactions are if there's broken glass on the playground," she says. Jump to full text of this article.
Whether you are expecting your first child or your second, as you are gearing up for the arrival of this little bundle of joy, one area that seems to get overlooked is how this new baby will change your life once he or she arrives on the scene, and especially how a little one will affect your relationship with your partner. The reality is that for any couple, whether they have been together for a short time or have weathered many changes over a number of years, this transition will alter every aspect of your relationship. The first few months are especially the most difficult, as each person grapples with the new responsibility and what that responsibility means on a day, to, day basis, and how it defines their relationship with each other.
There are concepts such as: What sacrifices will be made by each party for the benefit of the child? What duties will be covered by each person? And how will the responsibilities of work and family come into play? These are rarely discussed up front and end up becoming sore subjects within a relationship. This is because they are being worked through while each person is sleep deprived, emotionally spent, and overwhelmed with their new responsibilities.
This transition, however, can also create an opportunity for an even stronger relationship if the foundation for working together is laid down ahead of time. Which is why I created the book 101 Questions for Expectant Parents; Preserving Your Relationship through the Transition; as a talking tool to talk through the changes that will occur as couples welcome baby into their family. Communication is so critical for a harmonious relationship to exist and a solid partnership to work and time needs to be taken to communicate about changes on a regular basis.
While the first six weeks are a tough transition your relationship as a couple and as parents to your child will hopefully last a lifetime, and that requires constant nurturing of both. Below are ways to preserve your relationship through the early years with your baby.
1. Find time to talk when not emotional to discuss conflicts.
There are always going to be times when disagreements occur, but the key to working through those moments is to make time to talk when each person is not defensive, and real communication can occur. Sometimes that may not happen for several days, allowing each person to cool off and be able to listen to the other person's point of view. But agree to make that time and clear the air.
2. Be open to listening to the needs and feelings of your partner. Sometimes couples need private time to reconnect, learn how each other is feeling, and open up about what they perceive is missing. Life can be so busy and chaotic that weeks can go by with Mom really needing a hug and Dad truly wanting intimate time, and neither are able to get those needs met.
3. Talk about your physical and emotional needs to maintain closeness and intimacy.
While talking about what each other might need in the short term, also talk about what initiatives you want to put in place now that spontaneity is not as easy to achieve. Can you arrange date nights in the bedroom, where you can make plans to meet up right after putting the baby down. Or what about trying to rendezvous in the middle of the day when the baby is taking a nap. Now is the time to be creative, rather than allowing the moment to unfold. Be proactive because it won't happen otherwise.
4. Plan a regular date night.
This is another way to reconnect to who you are as a couple and not just as your baby's parents. Find a great babysitter (whether it be a grandparent or family friend) to watch your baby so the two of you can go off and do something fun. Or plan a night as simple as having a picnic in your own house with private time. Dedicate this time to yourselves. It will keep your relationship fresh.
5. How do you appreciate and cherish each other on a regular basis?
With a new baby occupying your full attention, it's easy to take one another for granted. So try to make an effort to do little things to show how much you care. A few examples are leaving a note for your husband before he goes off to work, having Dad rub Mom's back or shoulders when the baby is sleeping, cooking a special meal, offering to take the baby and give each other a break, or arranging a babysitter so the two of you to go out together, alone.
6. Learning how to collaborate?
This is where parenting as a team comes in. Start to learn how to come together and agree on the parenting methods you will use. Find ways to help each other with the responsibilities, and utilize one another's strengths and weaknesses. Communication is vital because each person needs to talk about where they require assistance, what they like or don't like about what their partner is doing, and what compromises will be made.
Remember that when parents are happy, baby is happy.
Tracey Serebin, is a Family Communication expert with an office in Franklin Lakes, NJ, working with kids, parents and families. She is author of 101 Questions for Expectant Parents; Preserving Your Relationship through the Transition book and host of Family Matters Radio Show on WebTalkRadio.net. Visit her at www.TraceySerebin.com
Education budgets are being cut nationwide, forcing schools across the country to eliminate valuable programs such as field trips. According to a recent report by the American Association of School Administrators, 11 percent of schools nationwide reported eliminating field trips in 2008-2009. This number grew to 24 percent in 2009-2010 and topped a staggering 51 percent for the 2010-2011 school year.
Many experts agree that field trips can be an integral part of a child's education, giving students real-life experience to supplement abstract classroom lessons-and parents and caregivers play an important role in creating great field trip experiences.
"Parents are vital to the success of their children's education," says Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, National Parent-Teacher Association President. "Partnering with their child's teacher to chaperone, helping raise funds or creating trip opportunities through their personal connections in order to provide memorable learning experiences outside the classroom are just a few ways parents can have a tremendous impact."
Despite schools' limited resources, parents can suggest low-budget, high-impact field trip options that can engage students and add memorable experiences to their curriculum. Here are a few ideas:
* Colleges or Universities: Many local colleges and universities offer a rich array of field trip opportunities through performances, classroom visits and general college tours-often at a minimal cost. Not only do students get a unique learning experience, they're also exposed to what college has to offer. These visits can be especially beneficial for students who might not have previously considered attending college.
* Local Historical Societies and Sites: State and local historical societies allow students to experience history through hands-on, interactive activities. Whether it's seeing how their ancestors lived or discovering local connections to national events, these field trips take history out of the textbook and make it real. You can find information on your local historical society at http://www.aaslh.org.
* Museums: Bring art, science, pop culture or history to life with a trip to a local museum. Guided tours and special student programs help kids engage with the past and imagine the future. Find one near you at www.museumsusa.org.
* Local Businesses: Many local business owners are glad to give students a peek at what goes on behind the scenes. Local businesses can provide a unique learning experience for students with tours and hands-on experiences at a low cost. Whether it's watching how a product is made or seeing how a play gets produced, students will enjoy getting a behind the scenes look into local businesses.
Another way parents can get involved is by sharing information about the Target Field Trip Grants Program with their child's teacher or principal. The retailer launched the program in 2007 as part of its commitment to education. It is designed to promote learning opportunities outside of the classroom for students and educators across the country.
Applying for a Grant
This year, each Target store will award three Field Trip Grants valued at up to $700 to local education professionals throughout the U.S., enabling one out of every 25 schools in America to send a classroom on a field trip. The applications for this year's program will be available August 1 through September 30, 2010, and can be accessed online at Target.com/fieldtrips.
From Wanda Urbanska, Simple Living expert and author of The Heart of Simple Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life
• Commit to a successful school year. Sit down with each child and discuss the upcoming school year. Identify each child's favorite activities or memories from past school years and what they count as their greatest accomplishments, as well as their least favorite things about school and the things that cause the greatest difficulty. Write down goals for the upcoming school year.
• Establish a routine. Pay attention to the choreography of daily life - getting kids in the habit of wake-up and before-bed routines can go a long way to providing structure and stability. Whether it's packing backpacks, laying out clothes or a shower schedule, committing to a carefully constructed routine can help parents and kids avoid frantic and frustrating mornings on the way to school.
• Pack lunches in reusable containers. Teach kids healthy eating habits and how to reduce household waste by sending them to school with lunch packed in reusable lunch boxes and food containers.
• Create a "homework zone." Set aside an area that is connected to the main living space, yet sheltered from distractions. Give each child their own space with folders to store important documents, such as homework calendars or test schedules, as well as any materials they will need to complete assignments.
• Slow down and enjoy the moment. Practice the art of listening by taking time to really be present in the moment. Ask questions and pay attention to what your kids have to say about going back to school, including their hopes and fears. Share stories about your own memories from when you were their age.
• Get involved. School is a community, like anything else. Take full advantage of the opportunity to connect with your kids teachers, friends and families of their friends by joining a parent organization, fundraising or activity committee. Attend activities like open-houses, concerts and sporting events together with your child.
• Make it a celebration. The start of a news school year is a ritual and a rite of passage for both you and your children. Acknowledge the beginning of the new school year with something special such as a send-off breakfast, taking a picture or wearing a special outfit.
