Mama, Check the fit

Years ago I attended a seminar on how to get your child into the right school.  Since we reside in the competitive New York City private school region, the seminar was well attended. Parents discussed SAT scores, student-teacher ratios, reputations, alumni notables and such.  Yes, we were there to make sure we positioned our toddlers in the right preschools and grade schools.

Our expert speakers focus was the following:  

• The child and school must be a good fit.  From preschool through college, this is the most important thing.  Do not place more importance on the school's "ranking" than your child's liking.  What good is it to have a child hate school and fail miserably at the "best grade school" in the city.
  

My friends and I have had our children in some of the premier schools within our reach and region.  But where have our children been successful, happy and enthusiastic -- not necessarily at the "best" school, but the RIGHT school. 

Remember this mom and dad, we want our children to be happy learners, curious and challenged.  Think of their learning style, proficiencies, and temperament.

Happy Back-to-School 

We are not animals

Thank you Pastor Novie Warner of Living Room International Children's Ministry

I had the pleasure of listening to a woman who loves and care for children speak to a small group of parents.  She admonished us to watch over, care for and teach our children.  She pointed out a significant difference between humans and some creatures in the animal kingdom.

Some creatures lay eggs and leave. Others give birth, spend a short time with their offspring and move on.  But human offspring need parents.  Think about that.  We were made to be taken care of, guided, managed and molded.  Not for a few weeks or months, but for decades.

 The talk was tight but right.  Don't be weary or selfish.  Do the work of parenting.

Now that's Reuse...teaching the 3 R's

I have been teaching my five year old the 3 R's - Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.  He is a very serious little boy and is becoming the "Green Police" in our household.  

Recently he finished drinking his beverage and headed for the kitchen to put his cup in the sink.  I heard him open the freezer drawer so I asked him, "what are you going in the freeze for?"  My Green thinking little boy said, "I am putting my ice cubes back, I'll use it later."  You gotta love him.

I encourage you to start your children on a road to green living or conservation.  Many of us who grew up with parents who were children during the Depression will recall some of the strategies.

Here is a cool site for kids, check it out:    http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=kids.kids_index

It's time to get fit....find your free programs

Moms and Dad

Be sure to check your local municipalities for free fitness programs for your kids.  Many cities have free programs located at local parks.  For example, New York City is offering golf, tennis, track & field, basketball, gardening and much more.

Get your kids moving.  It will be fun, healthy and they will sleep better -- which means so will we.

Free Educational Resources

The federal government is one of the organizations that continue to compile information, images, audio and video recording for general public use.  

Visit Free Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (http://www.free.ed.gov/).  You will find lesson plans, curriculums and supporting data to teach your child.  

Want to teach your child about the blues, botany or business, not a problem.  You will be linked to national archives that have thousands of images, presentations, activities and recordings.

Happy learning! 

Give Credit Where Credit is due...Happy Father's Day

Many keystrokes and much ink has been used to implore men to be good fathers.  Statistics notwithstanding, the vast majority of fathers are loving, caring, providing and sharing.  For all the fathers that are on their job and doing it fabulously, I say BRAVO!

Now get back to work.....lol

It's so simple

I typically use this blog to give you tools and information to educate and enrich your child.  This week my son flipped the script.  He schooled me.  

He and I talk about eating fruits and veggies daily.  He knows that what he eats will affect is body. We talk about his muscles getting stronger, his brain's thinking power and him growing into a tall man of great stature.  He is completely onboard being healthy, strong and smart.

He received a party bag recently and when he was about to eat a Now or Later candy he asked me if it was good for him.  I, of course, told him that candy in general is not good for him and that's why he is only allowed a small amount occasionally.  He then said something simple and profound, "I don't want it."

If only we all simply stopped eating things we know are not good for us.