Genius Children – The Dignity of Educated Parents

September 5, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

early childhood educatin, parenting

 

Have you taught your kid how to make the bed? You don’t need to wait until kids grows up to start encouraging them to develop good habits. Early childhood is the moment when the educational process starts. You start by teaching your child to make their bed in the morning and collect the toys at night. That’s not to be done with a bossy attitude, though. If you make a smart approach, the child will learn that’s the right thing to do, and they are doing it for their own good. Everything can start out as a social activity – you both make the bed and have a good laugh. With time, the child will learn how to do things without your help.

“But, it’s only making the bed,” – I hear you say. “I can easily fix it for him/her!” Of course you could do that, but what does that attitude teach your child? It’s okay to leave a mess behind, because mom and dad will take care of it. That’s not the right way to teach responsibility. When you preserve your dignity throughout the educative processes, you’ll be on your way towards raising a genius child.

From then on, the education of your children will continue, and you’ll be the main medium.

The Parent as the First Teacher

You can’t expect for teachers to teach your kids everything they need to know. You’re the one who has responsibility to discover their talents, awaken their imagination, and help them take their interests further. Before you can get in the role of an educator, you have to work on your own skills and knowledge. Sounds like pure logic, doesn’t it?

These simple tips will help you accept the role of an educator as naturally as possible:

  1. Understand what it means to be a teacher

You shouldn’t understand education as instructing and directing. If that’s what your parents and teachers were doing back in your childhood, they were doing it wrong. Efficient education is more similar to leadership. When you’re trying to teach your children, you have to earn their trust. They should see you as an example of dignity, intellect, kindness, and fairness in a single character.

In a popular TED talk, conductor Charles Hazlewood explained how the trust between the conductor and the orchestra occurred. “There has to be, between me and my orchestra, an unshakeable bond of trust, born out of mutual respect, through which we can spin a musical narrative that we all believe in.”

Consider yourself as a conductor of your children’s educational processes. You will not punish them for the mistakes, but you will inspire them to get better and better by developing the bond of trust. Only when they see you as an example of the person they would want to become, they will trust you.

  1. Meaningful conversations instead of lectures

“How would you like to talk about the stars today?” That’s a nice conversation starter. Your child knows nothing about the stars, so they will love hearing some explanations. However, you mustn’t forget that they have their own ideas, so get interested to find out what they are. “What do you think they are? Why do they shine?” You’ll be surprised to hear the answers that can come out of that little head with a genius mind.

Don’t expect your kids to repeat everything they hear; they are too young and that approach would suffocate their imagination. Listen to their answers, and then give your own answers, which will be educative, but not instructional.

  1. Use online tools to boost your children’s potential

Technology has a mesmerizing power over children. That preference can go two ways:

  • Kids can either get glued down to the tablet screen playing games, or
  • They can use technology to get motivated to learn and find all answers they need.

Of course you want the second option for your kid. That’s why you need to use technology the right way, so you’ll be a great example for them to follow. Here are few tips that will help you unlock the educational potential that technology has:

  • Find interesting educational games for kids

Funbrain is a great website that gives you access to games suitable for different ages. You need to set some rules, though. You can’t allow a kid to spend an entire day playing games, no matter how educative they are. However, if you limit the time to one hour per day, your children will have fun while expanding their learning potential.

  • Use online writing tools to teach them how to write

If you’re not a great writer, you need to start from yourself. Essay writing services, such as Australian Writings, can help you on that mission. If you need assistance and instructions to understand the format of academic writing, you can set the guidelines for the paper and work together with an author to achieve great results. Then, you can transfer those skills to your children.

  1. Set some boundaries

A parent should always maintain a friendly attitude with their children. However, you have to set some boundaries. You’re the parent, and they are the kids. You can keep those boundaries by teaching proper behavior and thinking of some consequences when your children don’t respect the limits. For example, you can decrease the period of time they spend playing games on the tablet.

A genius child will keep testing your limits. You need to forgive them for such attitude because their personality is too strong. However, you should also stay consistent with the consequences, which shouldn’t be too harsh in a way that would suffocate your child’s creative spirit.

A Genius Needs Education, Too

Genius children are not always born that way. They can educated by their parents from the moment of their early childhood. A parent has the responsibility to reveal the great potential and provide proper education, which will take their kid’s natural talents in the right direction.

 

Image-Jessica FreemanJessica Freeman is passionate about teaching and journalism. She finds her calling in making others interested in topics of education, children upbringing, and academic developments. You can follow her on Facebook and Google+.

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5 Fashion Tips for Busy Moms

August 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Most moms spend a considerable amount of time taking care of the needs of her family, and in the process she ignores her own needs. She just doesn’t have the time or the energy to perk herself up on a daily basis.  Deep down all moms want to look and feel great.  So, today I’m sharing fashion tips for busy moms.  Luckily, it’s easy to look great in less time and without any drama with our tips!  Being fashionable is a great way to empower yourself.  When you look good, you feel good.  
fashion tips for moms,


#1 Keep it Simple

Have you ever wondered how celebrity moms manage to look so trendy?  They ae just as busy in their personal and professional lives as you, but they always manage to keep personal appearances.

The secret lies in their simplicity. They love keeping their daytime look simple without looking untidy. Keep your look simple, from makeup to accessories to clothes. Don’t overdo any of your pieces. Opt for stylish basics, they really do go a long way in the life of a busy mom.

 

#2  Add More Solids In Your Wardrobe

Most women don’t want to wear a dress to the office because she knows that she cannot wear it again for several weeks. We think that someone at work might notice the last time that it was worn.

Therefore, it is recommended that you invest in solids.  Solids are less remembered than prints. A good black jacket will be a blessing here.


#3 Put Some Thought Into Your Bag

The kind of a bag you carry speaks in volumes about you. Go for a bag that suits your personality and taste. Don’t forget to explore the world of clutches. Look for designer clutch bags, particularly the Crystal Clutch Bag.  This clutch is perfect for formal occasions or girls night out.


#4 Simple Shoes

Busy moms should opt for comfortable shoes only. They don’t have to be tennis shoes or rubber flip flops. Canvas skimmers are a good option to indulge in.  They come in varied colors and prints, from florals to plaids. They are also inexpensive and comfortable.

 

#5 Apply Natural Makeup 

Most busy moms don’t wear a lot of makeup, especially if they spend the majority of their time at home with the kids. If you do decide to wear makeup, use only natural-based products. Keeping a basic makeup kit will come in handy.  A tinted moisturizer with zinc induced SPF,  lip gloss, and mascara will do a great job in keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Don’t forget to apply a concealer around your nose and eyes before stepping out.  Applying these basics will take five minutes or less.

It is very easy for fashion to take a backseat in a busy mom’s life; however, don’t let fashion overwhelm you.  Look for ways to boost your look and confidence by employing or fashion tips for busy moms into your daily life.

You may also like Spa Day Ideas and Party Favors.

Author Bio: Sloane Beck is a fashion blogger by interest and a creative designer by profession. She lives and breathes fashion which reflects in her brand – Alysse Sterling, a line of stylish women clutches. “Live, laugh, and let your style be expressed” is her motto for life.

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Disobedient Children Are Hazardous

July 12, 2016 by 2 Comments

Do you have children who are disobedient? Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on guiding disobedient children.  Did you know that disobedient children can become hazardous?  It’s hard to admit that our children are the darling little angels that we dreamed about.  Children want things their way, but they have a limited way of expressing their emotions.  As a result, they act out by crying, screaming, hitting, or using other avenues.

They go as far as they can by testing our limits. They want results, they want you to give in and allow them to have their way. There’s good news, disobedient behavior should pretty much disappear by the time children reach their teens.   At least the screaming, hitting and crying should disappear. However, prepare for a new set of behaviors to appear. 

 

 

parenting tips, parenting, disobedient children

 

Disobedience becomes a habit with your child, so you need to take appropriate action quickly.  First, teaching your child to obey rules and to be respectful is a part of parenting.  Obeying rules is a part of living in a society.  Additionally, children must display respect at home and at school, while driving, playing on the beach and every other area of their life.  They must understand that disobedience can lead to:

  • Poor relationships
  • Becoming an underachiever
  • Poor grades
  • Problems with the law
  • Disrespect of others
  • Violence

If your child becomes disobedient and is displaying any of the problems above, you may want to assess what’s happening in your home and seek outside help if needed. Children will also act out if they’re feeling stressed, unloved, or witnessing problems at home. Children may also act out if:

  • A parent is absent or not involved
  • Alcohol or drugs are being abused
  • Rules or boundaries are not established
  • Family members yell and scream
  • Lack of money is causing problems
  • Violence is prevalent

 

Additionally, children will act out and become rebellious and disobedient if there are problems at home. Most importantly, ignoring your child’s disobedience and problems in your home will not make them go away.  Seeking counseling is a good way to help resolve problems before the child becomes out of control and encounters legal problems. As a result, they must understand the importance of obeying rules and the consequences they will encounter if they choose to disobey.

Years ago, my daughter and I attended counseling sessions. I accepted the fact that I didn’t have all the answers. It helped me tremendously to see things from a teenager’s perspective, and become a better parent during her teenage years.

Although I have parented successfully, I don’t consider myself to be a child expert by any means. I also know that schools, churches and many employers offer family counselors to assist families when they need help. Last, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek it if you need it.  Once their child becomes hazardous, many parents wish they had reached out.  Don’t be a parent who looks at things in hindsight, deal with the problems when the occur. You and your child will be thankful for your insight.

You may also like Teaching Your Child Responsibilities

 

 

 

 

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If You Want To Be Mentored You Must Show Up

July 7, 2014 by

People can be transparent if you’re willing to look hard enough.  Several months ago I was contacted by a young lady to be her mentor.  As a single mother who survived raising my daughter, I reach out and try to help other single mothers on how they can be successful too.  I can relate to being a teen mom, getting married, divorced, and left to raise my daughter and fend for myself.  I don’t post about my mentoring sessions on Mother 2 Mother, because of privacy reasons.  It’s personal for me and personal for the person being mentored, but I do post on my experiences because moving forward is hard work and not for the faint at heart. If I can pull someone else up or help move them forward, it does my heart good.   

Being raised in a dysfunctional/alcoholic home, teen mom and divorced category was enough for me. I knew I had to break the cycle, and so I did. Breaking out of these categories requires a willingness to listen, accept where we come from, and hard work to get out of it.     

Before I accept a position as a mentor for young ladies and not so young I have a test that I give. It lets me know if the person who is requesting to be mentored is serious about growing and moving forward, if they’re willing to do the necessary work to survive as a single mother, and allows me to see where their head is.  I ask 4 questions and I require a written response.  I like for it to be in writing so they can reference it during the course of their journey and it serves as a reminder of where they started when they arrive finally at their destination. Here’s the questions:  

  1. Tell me about your life and how you ended up where you.
  2. Tell me about your children and your relationship with your ex.   
  3. Where do you want to be in 5 years?
  4. Are you willing to work to educate and better yourself?  If so, list 5 goals.    
I never heard from the young lady again.  She must have thought I had a magic wand and all that was required was me waving it in front of her.  If only life was that easy. I saw right through her when I didn’t receive a response.  She wanted an easy way out, unfortunately there is no easy way out.  Ladies, this is why we need to make wise decisions in our life.  People who look for a easy way out don’t realize they are transparent.  I see you!  She really didn’t want a mentor, she just wanted me to give her a solution.  Excuses and why you can’t do this or that will not take you down the road of success.  Excuses are a way for you to stay where you are.  My response, more power to you. If you don’t think that you can do better why should I. If  you can’t answer basic questions, you’re not willing to do the work and you’re not going anywhere anyway.  

Reminds me of this single mom who choose to stay at home with her child, but was asking others for thousands of dollars to help pay her bills.  If you can’t pay your bills, maybe you’re not in a position to be a stay at home mom, hello. Thousands of single mothers go to work everyday, so they can pay bills and their children turn out just fine. Just as important, if you want someone to mentor you, show up and be prepared to do the work. What I’m saying doesn’t have anything to do with me thinking I’m better or not having empathy for another’s position or situation, but sometimes we just need to get real, take a good look at ourselves in the mirror, and realize that we’re where we are because of decisions that we make. If it’s not improving your life and moving your forward, why stay in the situation and continue doing the same things over and over. You must be willing to open your eyes, and take a good look at why you’re where you are. True, there are many who have fallen on hard times or have ended up in a bad situation, but you don’t have to stay there. It’s a choice.  

Over the course of the years I realized that I don’t have to see things your way and you don’t have to see things my way.  That’s the beauty of living in this great country, but this is my blog so I’m writing from the way I see things.  I know that we don’t all have the same situations nor are our experiences the same, but some things are universal.  When you get real, stop making excuses for yourself and what you don’t want to do, you’ll put yourself in a position to do what you need to do.  

Image courtesy of clipart101.net. 
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15 Celebrity Grandparents

June 14, 2014 by

celebrities, Hollywood

Being a grandmother is one of the greatest joys of my life.  It’s a role that’s quite different from when I was raising my daughter.  I don’t know how to describe it, only to say that it’s special.  I try hard not to cross lines that have been set by daughter and son-in-law as parents, but I set my own rules when they’re in my care.  

[Read more…]

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Ronald McDonald Gets A Makeover

April 28, 2014 by
pictures of ronald mcdonald

Do you remember Ronald McDonald and the cast of characters in McDonald Land?  I loved the Hamburglar and Officer Big Mac.  In recent years Ronald McDonald  and his friends have made few appearances on TV or any of the McDonald’s restaurants.  It seems his character is a thing of the past except for his appearances relating to the Ronald McDonald House.   With all the negative publicity about the fat grams in their food and mothers suing because their children want Happy Meals, and they just can’t tell them no.  It seems that McDonald’s has decided to place their focus on their coffee rather than their burgers.

 

 

It’s rather sad that a cast of characters have been abandoned.  I loved taking my daughter to play in McDonald Land Saturday afternoons when she was growing up.  She ate a happy meal every Saturday, and she’s healthy and happy.  I find it rather disturbing that obesity is being blamed on corporations such as McDonald’s when in fact the parents should take responsibility for their own inability to control their child’s diet.  I guess it’s easier to point the finger at somebody else rather than look in the mirror and say I’m the problem.  My parenting skills need some work.

 

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

It also saddens me that you can’t find McDonald’s characters incorporated into their playgrounds anymore.  Children should be allowed to use their imagine and be carefree.  I would love for my grandchildren to see Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, Grimace and the Fry Kids.  Instead McDonald’s is changing their marketing gimmicks to the more sophisticated consumer.  They carry iPads, text, and sip lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and espressos.   The new consumer is sophisticated.  Unfortunately, I guess all good things must come to an end.  I must accept the fact that we’ve entered a new millennium.

                                                                                     Photo courtesy of Daily Mail

Stop! Wait!  Meet the new Ronald McDonald.  McDonald’s recently gave him a makeover or at least a new outfit. Does he look creepy?  Should the designers left him in his original clothes? Tweeters are debating.  McDonald’s wanted to update Ronald and have him take on a new role on Twitter.  Most importantly, tThis Ronald will be moving into social media.   As a matter of fact, he will be tweeting for the corporation using the hash tag #RonaldMcDonald.   Additionally, McDonald’s plans to bring Ronald into the mainstream later this year.   

However, from my perspective I think Ronald looks handsome in his new outfit.  And I can’t wait for my grandchildren to see him at upcoming events.  Finally, I hope they will bring back the other adorable characters.

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When You Start to Mirror Your Mother

April 5, 2014 by

When I became a mother, I vowed to do things differently from my mother.  After all, who wants to be like their mother. Did you swear that you would never turn into your mother too?   Even as she was baking wonder bread,  maintaining a perfect house, sewing on a button or placing a band aid on a scrapped knee, I didn’t want to be my mother. I had no idea what motherhood entailed at that point in my life.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on parenting styles.

Over the course of the years, I have learned that parenting and keeping a marriage together are tough jobs. Once you step into the arena of parenting and marriage, it changes your life forever.  There’s no manual on parenting, parenting styles or how to have a successful marriage.  Life is simply trial and error.

 

 

parenting tips, mother and daughter relationships, grandparents

 

 

I grow up in a traditional household, my father worked and my mother took care of 7 children and the home. Yep, I said 7.  She cooked, cleaned, did the laundry, and made sure homework was done.  Additionally, she attended PTA meetings, got us to bed on time, and sent us to Sunday School every Sunday.  She washed clothes in a wringer washer, hung them on a clothes line, ironed, cleaned windows with vinegar and water, and cooked meals in stockpots.

I remember taking clothes off the line when they were stiff as boards because they were frozen. I also remember the best smelling sheets.   It was a good life for the most part.  Nevertheless, I still did not want to be my mother.  I just wanted to be me whoever that was.

True to form I kept my word.  I stayed home with my daughter for awhile, but Corporate America was calling my name.  My mother thought my choices were awful. Microwaved food, traveling around the country, and divorcing was not something a traditional woman did.  As time went on she accepted my choices, and I didn’t feel guilty about not becoming my mother.  We both realized that times change, and so do the way we do things.

Many woman were breaking the traditional ideology in the 70’s and 80’s.  When my daughter was in ballet, dads were bringing their daughters to class.  Men and women were sharing the responsibility of getting kids to their destination and managing the home.

Furthermore, men were cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry and women were mowing lawns.  Women were entering the workforce, bringing the bacon, frying it up and still taking care of their homes. Some were bringing in more money than their husbands. Many were holding it down without a husband.

I’ve enjoyed my years in the workforce, but I’m entering a new chapter in my life.  I have decided to leave the work force within the next year.  Fortunately, my career has been a journey.  I’ve learned many lessons along the way. Working outside the home has taught me leadership skills. It has also allowed me to become a better business woman. Most importantly it has taught me that I no longer want to be apart of the work force.

I hoping to remember some of the yummy recipes that she fixed when we were children. I’m looking forward to making jams, getting my grandchildren for the summer, and traveling across this great country.  I’m looking forward to scrap booking the thousands of pictures that I have stored and gardening.  Last, I’m looking forward to enjoying a cup of coffee on my deck as I’m listening to the birds tweet and bunnies play.  

Parenting styles evolve over the years.  Whatever your style is, make great memories.  You may also like Parenting Style.

 

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Calendar Gift Ideas

November 27, 2013 by


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2014 Calendar

I just made a calendar for one of my daughter’s Christmas gifts at Shutterfly.  I had so much fun going through pictures and finding ones that fit perfectly into each month of Xavier and Zarriah.  Although it’s not clear, this is the cover of the calendar.  The picture was taken at Zarriah’s Christening.  About 20 family members from my daughter and son-in-law’s side of the family attended.  The picture is a beautiful memory. 

This calendar will make a beautiful keepsake.  I’m thinking of making another for my office.  For January I selected a picture of Xavier playing in his first snow.  It was a great moment, January 2009.  My daughter and her family were visiting for a week-end and it snowed.  Xavier had just turned 1 the previous September.  I had a great time watching him play and trying to figure out what that white stuff was.   

                                                                 

                                                                       

How could I leave out Zarriah’s first birthday party, August 2012, and her looking at the clown.  OMG, it was hilarious.  The pictures brought back so many memories.  I’m hoping the calendar will do the same with daughter and son-in-law. 

I’ve been thinking of this calendar for years as a gift, but never made the effort to complete the calendar.  Finally in 2013 I do just that.  The Shutterfly site is easy to navigate.  To cut down on time, I would suggest that you go through your pictures and make a note of which ones you would like to use for what month.  If you’re like me, you have thousands of photos to choose from, so it can become time consuming. 

Shutterfly is currently offering free shipping.  Use Promotion Code SHIP30.  Also, new customers get 50 prints free.  The free shipping offer ends 12/23/13.  This is a great idea for your mom, a friend or yourself.  The calendar comes in 2 sizes:  8 x 11 and 12 x 12.  I choose the 8 x 11 for $21.99.  The 12 x 12 is $29.99.  They have numerous designs and layouts to choose from.  Check it out. 


                                                                    

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Boo – Happy Halloween!

November 1, 2013 by

My adorable Minnie Mouse and Ninja.  Happy Halloween from my family to yours. 
                                                                             

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Raising A Preemie

March 8, 2013 by

As you know, my Zarriah was born weighing 2lbs. 10 ozs.  She spent the first 3 month of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Virginia Beach, VA.  This is my preemie a year and half later.  She’s walking, talking, eating everything in site and has proven herself to be one of my greatest blessings.  I look back at the day she was born, Hurricane Irene was coming through.  I nicknamed her “Storm”.

Her doctors say she’s doing fine.  They see no problem with her eyesight.  Her motor skills are fine, she sleeps through the night, she’s walking, and throws the normal tantrums for a toddler.  She has a totally different personality from her brother.  He’s loving and likes to cuddle, Zarriah prefers her independence.  She likes to be held, but she doesn’t hang around long.  She prefers to discover and climb over or under whatever is in sight, and is always up for a fight.  Yep, she will fight.  She fought for her life, and she continues to fight.  Hopefully, she will grow out of this habit.   

She has a huge appetite!  I must say, she eats more than any child that I have ever seen.  There’s times when I think she’s going to be sick, but it never happens.  When she doesn’t want anymore, she will turn her head, spit it out or just stop eating if she’s feeding herself.  Her grandfather and I took her to Golden Corral for dinner.  She ate the biggest plate of mashed potatoes and gravy that I’ve ever seen.  The people sitting next to us looked and looked.  Finally, I spoke up and said she will eat until the bottom falls out.  We engaged in further conversation, and found out that they too had a preemie who was at that time 10.  She had caught up and grown into a beautiful young lady. 

It is such a blessing to be able to write this post.  I want to thank the nurses in the NICU at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach for their professional care.  They were all excellent, and will be forever in our hearts and prayers.  I remember the first time that I saw Zarriah.  I truly believed that I would pass out.  She was so tiny, in an incubator and wires everywhere.  I broke out in a sweat.  The nurses comforted me, and assured me that they were skilled and she would be fine.  Zarriah has been back to visit the NICU on several occasions.  We thought it was important for her to keep the connection with those who fought  as hard as she did to save her life. 

Are you raising a preemie or know someone who is?  Have they caught up or did they remain small?  Leave me a comment, I would love to connect with other raising preemies. 

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