Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared – Parenting
Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared
Patricia Gatto
As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.
Will my child succeed this year Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations Have I done everything I can to make this possible
If you havent prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end in failure, but your child could fall victim to the violence, and suffer long-lasting repercussions.
Make no mistake; bullying is a form of violence. Experts estimate that almost 75% of todays youth will be involved in some aspect of bullying before they enter high school. And chances are, your child will be among the statistics.
Humiliation, fear, anxiety and depression are the constant companions of a child that is bullied. It can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy or timid child.
Victims feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.
Lack of safety is one of the top concerns of young people, and bullying is a real and constant threat. A childs emotional development is just as important, if not more so, than academic development. In fact, a safe, healthy emotional environment is essential to academic growth and success.
How do you prepare your child for the school bully
Become involved and make certain your school has active anti-bullying policies in place. Disciplinary guidelines, procedures for investigating and reporting incidences of bullying, adequate supervision, and an immediate plan of action to address reports of bullying are key elements to a successful program.
Teach your child to walk tall and proud and to maintain eye contact. Portraying a positive, self-confident stature will help your child cope in many areas.
Be certain to compliment your child and gently encourage changes that will bolster self-esteem. Use positive words that validate his or her rights as a person.
Use role-playing techniques to illustrate proper responses to negative situations. This will build strength, courage and provide your child with valuable emotional resources to pull from in times of trouble.
Help your child to identify role models, from sports heroes to everyday man. Discuss the obstacles and accomplishments they endured, focusing on the resilient human spirit.
Read stories together that inspire. Discuss how strength of character and perseverance can achieve a positive outcome without resorting to violence or force.
Encourage your child to keep a diary or journal, write poetry or songs. Writing provides a safe outlet for your child and creativity and self-expression are helpful tools used to work through negative issues.
If your child has difficulties making or maintaining friends, intervene - friendships are a protection against bullying. Identify children that might have things in common with your child and arrange a visit.
Encourage your child to join activities both in and out of school that will result in friendships while building strength and confidence.
But most important, dont diminish your childs concern over a classmates taunting and teasing, it could very well lead to damaging repercussions. Instead, prepare your child for the bully by empowering him with confidence and self-esteem through your words, actions and embrace.
About The Author
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTONS DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boys magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and childrens rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com
pgatto@ptd.net
Preparing Your Child for the Three Rs – Parenting
Preparing Your Child for the Three Rs
Susan du Plessis
There is little doubt that reading, riting and rithmetic are crucial elements in the education of any child. A childs ability to later cope in the adult world, to have a career, to take charge of his financial affairs and to live independently depends to a large extent on his mastery of these skills.
Unfortunately many children are deprived of the privilege of an abundant adult life. The $14 million National Literacy Survey of 1993 found that even though most adults in this survey had finished high school, 96% of them could not read, write and figure well enough to go to college. Even more to the point, 25% "were plainly unable to read," period.
Surely this is unacceptable. Imagine doing a survey on the building industry and finding that the walls of 96% of all homes are severely cracked, and that in 25% of the houses the walls are so weak that they collapse. Wouldnt we immediately start an investigation into the building practices of the builders Wouldnt we check whether they were careful to provide proper foundations for these homes We all know that before building a house, one needs to lay a foundation. Unless there is a strong and solid foundation, cracks will soon appear in the walls, and if there are no foundations, the
A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-Home Mom – Parenting
A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-Home Mom
Patricia Gatto
In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But in reality, its difficult to balance the needs of your family with the needs of your clients.
Phones, fax machines and e-mails have no common courtesy, nor does your client really care about your personal situation. You are simply a means to an end consisting of a telephone number, an e-mail address and a 1099 at the end of the year. For the most part, you are not afforded special considerations and must respond to their needs or your business will suffer.
Long before I began my career as a writer, I was already a work-at-home mom. I provided outsourcing solution to a variety of clients, which included bookkeeping, personnel records, reports and creating employee handbooks and mission statements. Initially my clients were leery; it was a time when home businesses were just emerging. I went to great lengths to establish and maintain my associations. Part of my success was the perceived illusion was that I was available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Continuously, I had to prove my home life did not interfere with their business needs or deadlines.
One day, as I absentmindedly brushed my son off and repeated the phrase, "just a minute" for the fifth time, I suddenly realized why he had no concept of time. That "minute" I was speaking of was hours away, at best. The business I built so that I could be at home with him was also the business that was taking me away from him. I turned back to my computer to complete the report I was working on and my son returned to his video game in frustration. It was then I realized my solution was only a paragraph away.
I was experienced in writing mission statements for my clients. These leadership tools are used in the corporate world to define goals, values and purpose. A successful business takes commitment, resources, responsibility, problem solving, honesty and hard work. Doesnt that also define raising a child Parenting consists of all those factors and so much more.
As in any business, the business of raising a child will bring accomplishments, successes and rewards, but it will also have its share of conflicts, disappointments and setbacks. However, when it comes to the business of family the stakes are much greater than a new client, a contract, a promotion or a raise; they involve the wellbeing of your child.
The emotional difficulties of childhood serve to build strength, courage and character. But to a child, these conflicts may feel catastrophic if they have no one to turn to. You can help prepare your child to cope if you take time out each day to remind him how much you love him, express your commitment to his wellbeing and provide positive affirmations that help foster confidence.
Just as you keep focus on your business goals and rise to meet your companys mission statement, keep focus on your personal goals as a parent. Run your family business with the integrity and respect of a healthy, thriving corporation. Define your ideals, set plans to action, keep communications open and reward success. Encourage individuality, praise creativity and share the wealth. Be positive and proactive. The business of family is one to be celebrated and cherished. It may not be listed as a FORTURNE 500, but it is the most important business of all.
A PARENTS MISSON STATEMENT
The purpose of this Mission Statement is to express my love, support and commitment to you. As your parent, I promise to help you achieve your dreams and goals by providing you with a safe and nurturing environment. I respect your opinion and I encourage your creativity. I will be there to praise your accomplishments and comfort you in your disappointments. I promise to accept you as you are, support your decisions and honor you as a special and unique individual. You have the right to a safe and happy childhood and as your parent, I am committed to providing this to you.
TIPS FOR WORKING AT HOME
The luxuries you dreamed of as a work-at-home mom can quickly lead to burdens unless you are organized and scheduled. This schedule consists of a balance between business and family and activities should work in harmony with your childs needs, not against them.
Define your work area and organize it so valuable time can be spent on the task at hand.
Determine quiet times, such as early morning or after your child goes to bed. Use this period to complete tasks that need the most concentration.
Set a start and finish time for your workday.
Allow a full day off from work each week and stick to this schedule as much as possible.
Start each morning by talking with your child about the days events. Include your child in these plans. By informing him of your activities, he will be comforted in the knowledge that there will be time for him.
Remember that you are entitled to breaks, lunch, vacation time and even sick time. You are the boss.
When it comes time for your break, stop working, compliment your child for his cooperation, and spend the next block of time enjoying the moment.
Record an "out to lunch" message and set your phones daily. Even if you are sitting at your desk, do not answer the phones. Your clients will become accustom to your schedule.
If you need to run an errand, but are concerned about missing an important call, dont wait around stressing, forward calls to your cell phone.
Consider hiring a babysitter a few hours per week to read or play with your child or do a special craft.
Most of all, remember your priorities as a parent and your commitment to your personal mission statement. When your child needs to talk, be grateful he or she is turning to you. Keep the lines of communication open, there will come a time when they need you for more than a glass of milk and a snack. And when that time comes, they might not be able to wait, "just a minute".
About The Author
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis are the authors of MILTONS DILEMMA, the tale of a lonely boys magical journey to friendship and self-acceptance. As advocates for literacy and childrens rights, the authors speak at schools and community events to foster awareness and provide children with a safe and healthy learning environment. For more information, please visit Joyful Productions at http://www.joyfulproductions.com
pgatto@ptd.net