Zen For Kids

Who cares what people think , They don't do it very often

2011-10-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Who cares what people think , They don't do it very often

Happy Valentine's Day !

2010-02-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Back to school

2009-08-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

Going back to school can be an adjustment for many children . In our house we call it Sunday syndrome . Been home for the long weekend or school holidays and don't want to go back to school . It is that feeling you get in your stomach when you start something new.

There are plenty of things you can do to make starting school easier on your child. I put together a few.

A week before school starts get them into the school routine .

Start implementing the school bedtime .
Have them fresh in up on school basics .
Have your school supplies put together and labeled.

If your child is young :

Put a picture of you and them in there book bag. Reassure them that you are always there and you love them .
Write them little notes in there lunch . You'd be surprised how it helps them get through the day .
Send the teacher a little note on the first day of school . Introduce yourself and tell a little about your child. Then you can reassure your child that the teacher knows special things about them . They become more comfortable with the teacher.

Take them to play at the school yard . A lot of times there are other children from the same school playing . Get them reacquainted .

Find out who is in there class .
Possibly set up a play date with a child entering the same school in the same class .

Celebration of Life !

2009-08-23T14:03:00.001-07:00

"How To Make EVERY Day Saturday... For Life!

2009-06-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sam Crowley thought he was following the "American Dream."

An ex-stuttering college dropout, Sam worked his way up to a corner office at a Fortune 100 company.

With a six-figure salary and all the perks, he was supposed to be content... but he was secretly MISERABLE.

Sam arrived home late every night, giving his best at work while his family got leftovers.

Like so many people in the corporate world, his American Dream had turned into a nightmare!

One night, Sam's daughter Madeline uttered 4 innocent words that stopped him in his tracks and changed the course of his family's life forever...

Arriving home late (again), Sam went upstairs to find his 3 year-old daughter already in bed.

She asked him, "Daddy, is tomorrow Saturday?"

Saturday was the only day Sam had time to spend with his family- the only day he could be a real father.

** Every Day Is Saturday Is Born **

That night, Sam decided that someday soon, every day would be Saturday.

He realized that his ultimate goal was to be a great father for his children.

Sam managed to quit his job and start his own business that allows hi the "Ultimate Saturday Lifestyle" as an international motivational speaker and business coach.

In short order, Sam was able to...

- Go from speaking for free to getting paid $25,000 per keynote address

- Quit his job and spend more time with his 3 young daughters

- Start a motivational podcast that is now downloaded by 30,000 loyal subscribers in over 100 countries around the world

- And much, much more all based on nothing but the power of his dream!

And it's not just Sam who is making a massive transition- just look at what his students have accomplished:

- Dustin Salisbury, a 24 year-old senior airman in the US Air Force, used Sam's message to conquer fear and adversity while deployed in Iraq

- Brian McElroy produced his first documentary film and helped raise over $100,000 for charity with Sam's guidance

- Dino Herbert was motivated by Sam to take action and truly live the life he wanted as a speaker, trainer, and author

** Six Days To Saturday **

While Sam was going through his own transition, and then started helping others reach their Saturday, he documented each step of the process.

He knew it would become an invaluable blueprint for anyone with a dream to make their own Saturday a reality.

The result is "Six Days To Saturday," the first-ever audio series dedicated to helping you go from Monday to Saturday!

In six digitally mastered audio CDs (and an accompanying workbook), Sam takes you through each step of the process:

Monday - Feel The Pain And Write Your Future

Tuesday - Preparing For Success

Wednesday - The Time For Action!

Thursday - Failure Is A Verb, Not A Noun

Friday - Commitment & Persistence

Saturday - You Are A Champion!

No matter what your Saturday may be, Sam's message is POWERFUL.

If you want to spend more time with family, make a bigger contribution to others, and bring your life to a whole new level, then Sam's message is for you.

You can learn more about "Six Days To Saturday" and request a free copy of Sam's powerful report "Seize Your Saturday Power!" athttps://friday.infusionsoft.com/go/signup/Dana

Go there now and make EVERY day Saturday!

Mother's Day Vs. Father's Day

2009-06-19T18:14:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day Vs. Father's Day

Which is a better holiday, Mother's Day or Father's

Day? Let's compare the behavior of the typical mom

and the typical dad on these two holidays.

Let's start with Mother's day . The kids are preparing cards and gifts. The typical husband is waiting till the last minute to decided on what to do . Do I buy flowers ? Is a card enough ? Do I even know what my wife really wants ? Saturday comes and his is running around "Trying " To figure out a last minute great gift. Sunday morning he manages to pull it off !

Father's day ... The typical wife has the kids thinking about Father's day the moment Mother's day ended. She has purchased cards from everybody in the house ( including the DOG ) . She had already picked up the perfect gift . Knowing exactly what he has had his eye on . She debates to have the kids make gifts or let them pick one out . Sunday morning Dad sleeps in and the Kids arrive with breakfast in bed .

Why did this tradition of these holidays begin anyway ?

Father's Day is believed to have been held on July 5, 1908 in a church located in Fairmont West Virginia , by Dr. Robert Webb of West Virginia at the Central United Methodist Church of Fairmont. Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd of Washington thought independently of the holiday one Sunday in 1909 while listening to a Mother's Day sermon at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church at Spokane, and she arranged a tribute for her father in June 19, 1910. She was the first to solicit the idea of having an official Father's Day observance to honor all fathers . It took many years for Father's Day to become a official holiday . It wasn't till a bill was introduced in 1913 , US President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea in 1924 . By 1930 a national committee was formed .

Mother's Day Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadow Park

2009-05-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Zip Line

2009-04-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Don't judge a book by it's cover !

2009-04-15T06:25:00.001-07:00

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009
Uploaded by moovieblog

My little World Travelers

2009-03-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

Parkour was in Acapulco , Mexico at the liberty conference that I attended . They are a group of amazing people that help you let go of your fears . They had my kids join in the activities . They stepped up and inspired people around them . I watched my child climb walls and never give up till they were successful.

I could have never imagined a year ago I would have taken my children to the Bahamas and then a few months later head off to Acapulco , Mexico. They are my little world travelers. I am in such gratitude that my children will be able to see the world .

Acapulco in 3 days

2009-03-06T13:01:00.001-08:00

Being a part of this community has changed me for the better. I am doing things know that I dreamed of but never understood how it can happen. I am expanding my mind in such ways that I am truly in a state of gratitude for. I am creating a life that I have designed for myself. It leaves me room to be extremely generous with my money and my time. Being able to do that give you a unbelievable feeling of gratitude.

In the past 7 months anything I had desired I gave myslef. I am loving my MacBook. My next venture is the iphone. Can't wait to get back from Acapulco and purchase my iphone.

2009-02-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

Ground Hog Day

2009-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

It is Ground Hog Day. And the results are in 6 more weeks of winter !
Maybe we might just get a snow storm we can sled in .

Marking my visit to LA with a Tattoo

2009-01-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

2009-01-08T12:44:00.001-08:00

Executive level income , 20 hr work week

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Doodles

2009-01-08T10:05:00.001-08:00

Doodle by Lee. The code for this doodle and other doodles you can use on your blog can be found at Doodles.

Law of Attraction

2009-01-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

How many of you have read or seen the "The Secret"?

After reading that book I knew my life would never be the same again. As a long time student of personal development I have been searching for a way to really discover who and what I am supposed to be. When I really had a better understanding for the Law of Attraction and how it works my life started changing before my eyes.

I stumbled upon this company that uses the concept of The Secret in there home study course. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It cost me a investment of $1495. I have to say that was the best investment in myself I had ever made. I am not sure what direction in life i would have taken If I didn't at least taken a chance on myself.

Boy I am truly grateful I know what I am capable of. I am now creating a life of financial freedom and spending time with multi 6 figure income earners. Looking back 6 months ago , I could have never foreseen that to be happening in my life.

Tomorrow on Oprah Michael Beckwith from "The Secret"

In a blink of a eye

2009-01-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.outrageousrichesnow.com

Tattooed Mommy

2008-11-25T16:03:00.001-08:00

I see everyday people judged on what they look like. I love tattoos . Just simply love them. I have been getting tattooed for about 15 years give or take a few. Every one I get seems to get bigger and bigger. Nobody really can see most of mine. They all tell a story. The only on that everybody see on the regular is the one on my back. That is my family tree. The butterflies are my husband and myself. The caterpillars are the kids. In this picture I am getting the whole tattooed reworked. I had it done in sections to begin with.

Soon enough I will have tattoos that people will be able to see . I have plans on getting my arms full sleeved. In case you don't know what that means , my whole arms will be covered with art work. My Brother from another mother does most of my art work. (I guess that is why I became so addicted).

I hope for my kids that they don't judge them because of me. My son wishes I wouldn't get anymore. He thinks it changes me. I had explained to him that I waited my whole childhood to be able to have the freedom to express myself. One day he will have the same freedoms to what he wishes with his body.

Aigner Chocolates

2008-11-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Today I was driving down Metropolitan ave in Queens, New York. We were headed to Trader Joe's . On the way there my husband noticed a old chocolate store. We love candy stores like that. So, On the way home we stopped in.

The smell as soon as you walk in the door. Ah , The sweet smell of chocolate. You can tell that the store had been there for years. I asked It was 78 years old. The owner came out and greeted us. He was so friendly it felt as if we knew him for years.

They had old school toys there . They had other candy besides chocolate. Like Swedish fish and Sour gummies. The store was getting ready for the holiday season. I guess Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday cheer. If your even in Queens , drop by it is worth the trip.

Aigner Chocolates

Love being able to go on school trips.

2008-11-15T09:17:00.001-08:00

We went to one of the oldest Buildings in College Point Queens . It is call the Poppenhusen . It was built in the late 1800's to serve as a town hall. The First free kindergarten was in that building in the 1900's. There is a lot of history in this building. It holds lots of energy. If you look at my pictures you can see orbs in several of them.

I love being a aunt !

2008-11-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

It is one of the most incredible things to be in the world. I love being a mother. Nothing tops that. But... But when your sibling has a child . It is amazing. I love my nephew. He is really bright. I know he is really young. I just can tell. He is something special.

New School - Amazing memories

2008-10-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Creating new memories...

Making new friends...

We started a new school this year. It was the best thing I ever did for my kids. This school is amazing. They really allow the kids to have a enjoyable school year.

They have a garden that they grow edible crops. They created a harvest festival around the garden. All the grades create a scarecrow to represent a topic they are learning. Then they bring the scarecrows into the garden. They then put pumpkins in the garden , enough for the whole school to go pumpkin picking.

That same week they have there Halloween party. It is a fund raiser for the school. It was sold out early this year. I understand why. The kids had a blast. They set up games for the younger kids to play . They have a haunted tunnel . They had a DJ, playing all the kids favorites.

I am grateful that my kids can experience a great school and create amazing memories.

Bahamas is a great place to take the kids

2008-10-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

I took my kids to the Bahamas. We stayed 5 nights 6 days. It was the most incredible time. We stayed at the Atlantis resort. It is extremely a child friendly vacation spot.

I had gone there for a conference. During the hours I need to spend at the conference I was able to put the kids in a camp. It was hard for me at first. I never had left my children in a foriegn place with out me. I am very protective of my children. Well , My kids loved it. They were great with the kids. They couldn't wait to go back the next day.

They went on adventures .They even took them to the pool. The play ground in the water was the kids favorite part. Every 5 minutes or so the big bucket will tip over and splash down on everybody.

How do you teach kids to eat well... You let them cook with you

2008-10-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

People ask me all the time , How do you get your kids to eat so healthy. There are many reasons why my kids eat the way they do.I give them healthy choices:

When you give them healthy choices you leave them not much of a choice . I do not keep junk in the house. By junk I mean HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP! My kids understand if that is a ingredient in there food it can't possibly be healthy. A lot of chips have MSG in it as well. As I recall there is nothing healthy about MSG either.

I teach them to make healthy choices:

It is just as important to teach them to eat healthy , I need to teach them to also make healthy choices when they are out. I have given my children the ability to understand to have something unhealthy once in awhile is okay. So when they are out to not make themselves so crazy. Sure they will pick juice over water , but they will never pick soda over juice.

I do not allow them to drink SODA! :

Soda is like a poison to children. There is nothing good about it. There is not a thing that is nutritious about soda. So why even introduce it to a child at a Young age. If you are one of those parents that have already got there child hooked , there are healthy alternatives of soda at the health food store.

Let them help you cook:

This will show them hands on the importance of what you put in your body. You are what you eat. It is great too for picky eaters. When they are cooking the meal they are more likely to eat it. It makes a nice time to bond as well.

New York Aquarium

2008-10-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

We had a amazing day at the New York Aquarium . We saw sting rays and sharks. We watched as the walrus was fed. We showed up in time for the last show in the Aqua theatre. That is where they teach you a little about how to help the wild life. And the Sea lions preform for us.

The kids love going there, After we walk on the board walk. We head down to Nathans . The kids ask if this is the same Nathan's that has the hot dog eating contest . The contest that we watch every 4Th of July. With pleasure I tell them yes.

After school activites

2008-09-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

How important is after school activities? I used to think that it was important to put my kids in swimming, Gymnastics, Dance etc. Now I feel different about it. I don't think it is as important to engage in all those activities. My children have enough to do with going to school and doing homework . Not to mention the abundance of state and city exams they are given . They don't really need the added pressures of a after school activity.

My kids are homebodies. They don't watch any T. V. During the school week , so it is not like they sit home and be zombies. They use their imaginations. That to me is a priceless tool I am giving them for life.

You see, A big imagination will help them dream big. When you dream big you set yourself up for success. They are taught that they can have anything they dream up . They just have to set their minds on achieving their dreams. All our biggest life achiever knew how to dream big.

Cast Your Belly

2008-09-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun to cast my belly when I was pregnant. At 8 months my mother helped me cast my belly. We bought plaster of Paris casting strips . I used Vaseline on my belly and chest so that the cast wouldn't catch on the the peach fuzz on my skin. It took all of about 20 minutes and the cast was done. It hardens up really fast.

After I did it for my daughter and loved how it looked , I did it for my son. It is funny to see how different I was for my pregnancies. My kids love that they can see what my belly looked like when they were inside me. I have them hanging over my bed .

I have done it for friends and they love it. It is a great memory. One of my friends used it for her friends to sign at her baby shower. Some people get a picture painted on it. I have always wanted to have them bronzed.

Thermos foogo ... reusable sippy cup

2008-09-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

It is truly important that the cups that your kids are drinking out of are safe and reliable. I found that Thermos Foogo is a great product. It is made from BPA free materials. Keeps contents cold for up to 6 hours. Soft spout and easy to sip from. Spill proof. It is dishwasher safe as well.

I think you will truly be happy with this choice. You can purchase one on http://www.reusablebags.com

Long Island Children's Museum -LICM

2008-09-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

We really enjoy the LICM . We have been going to the museum since it had opened . We used to go more often when my kids were toddlers. They have some really great toddler programs. That is when i had purchased the membership. It was worth every penny. We would visit at least once a month sometimes twice. We live in queens . I have to say it is only a 15-20 minute trip with no traffic. It is worth checking it out!

Long Island Children's Museum

The kids get to use their imagination. You can be there for hours. There really is so much to do. It is a very hands on museum .It really is fun for the entire family !

Mason loves that he can hear different sounds in the music rooms.

The bubble area is a big favorite of mine. I love bubbles.

Now that the kids are older , We go to the museum several times a year. My kids look forward to it every time. The best part is that they are constantly updating the museum. It is very exciting when we get to play with something new. This trip we got to play outside. They have a beautiful out door play and explore area. I love the water painting on the framed pieces of slate. The kids loved the new water area .

My Meebas

2008-08-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Kids love the newest craze. My daughter is going to be 9 next week. She got a gift card to Toys R Us. First thing she wanted to do was head to the store and get the new toy she saw on T.V. I think she saw the commerical once. But with the DVR she recorded it.

My Meebas

That is all she wanted. We went to Toys R Us and they only had 2 left. They were all banged up. We headed over to Target. They also had only 2 left. They were in better condition. We got one! She hasn't stopped playing since we picked it up.

She already wants to get a second one! She opened this one in 24 hours!!!

Back To School

2008-08-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

My kids so do not want to go back to school. They have been home with me all summer. My son especially is having a hard time. He is so attached to me . I feel bad , but not bad enough to home school him. I told him I would pack a picture of me in his school bag. It is I think especially hard because they are starting a new school.

I need to have them change schools. We are trying to move into a house and it didn't happen before school started. I promised them they wouldn't have to go back to the school they were in last year. The school had went from a elementary school to a P.S./M.S. School. The kids in the older grades have no manners nor morals. The language in the yard is barbaric.

I know life works out the way it does for a reason. I know they are going to enjoy there new school.

Mason's First tooth came out!

2008-08-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

My baby is growing up. Last night my husband calls me to tell my that Mason's tooth has come out. My heart broke. I thought I would be home for that. I hate missing out on moments like that.

Mason's first tooth came out!

Funny thing about it is when the tooth first go loose, Mason cried. He told me that he didn't want his tooth to come out. To him it meant he is growing up. He doesn't want to grow up. He tells me he wants to live with me forever. With his eyes welted up with tears. Then he asked " will the tooth fairy bring me a Webkinz?"

Diary Ice Cream Vs. Soy Ice Cream

2008-08-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love ice cream. Since I have taken dairy out of my diet I feel amazing. I do miss ice cream. Once in a while I will treat myself. I usally regreat having it. I found a great solutuion. Soy ice cream. You'd never know the difference. Purely Decandent is my favorite brand.

I even got my kids hooked on it. They have tons of flavors. It

cost the same as if you bought a pint of haggen daz. They offer coupons on their site.

Are You Paying Attention To What Your Children Are Seeing

2008-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I had a conversation with a little boy the other day. He is 6 years old. His parents and I share a garage together. I haven't seen him in awhile. I asked him how he is doing. Then I told him to tell his parents I said hi. He continued to tell me that is his mom's friend over there with his mom. Then he tells me they do nasty things together. WOW ! I was so taken back by that. I didn't ask for details ,because really I was afraid to know.

Are You Paying Attention To What Your Children Are Seeing?

For sure these adults are not paying attention to what they exposing this child to. I have a 6 year old as well. I understand he has one eye and one ear on my at all times. Even when I think he might be sleeping or preoccupied . There is still that chance he knows what is going on.

Are parents forgetting to protect there children from themselves. Sometimes we do things that are fine to adults. There are also lines we don't need to cross with our children. We ask ourselves why are the children of today growing up so quickly ? Reasons like exposing them to adult like behavior at a young age is the answer. Children mimic what they see.

What are you showing your kids?

Mason on NY1

2008-08-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mason made his debut at the zoo. We try to make Mondays family fun day. This past Monday we ventured off to the Central Park Zoo. Little did we know it was the 2oth birthday. One of our favorite news stations happened to be there. NY1 was taking interviews of the children. Mason seemed to steal the show. As a family we were so excited. We couldn't wait to get home and record it. The best part is we can now share it with the world.

Mason on NY1

a Group of Like Minded People

2008-08-03T18:29:00.001-07:00

Life is a Blessing

2008-07-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share in the birth of my nephew Michael Henry. He was born july 29th ,2008.

Life is a Blessing .

It is important to stay home and raise your own children

2008-07-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

It is very important to not loose touch on what life is all about.

It is important to stay home and raise your children.

Today Parents are on the go. Everybody wants to have a family . It just seems that nobody is willing to make some sacrifices in order to have a successful one. Family is more than just being a husband and wife and having children . You each have a career that is very successful. Or maybe you both need to work in order to pay the bills. Neither one of you are willing to comprise what you call your dreams. Putting aside that the true dream is to be that family.

We rush , rush, rush to get through the day to never sit down and spend time together. We forget the importance of teaching our children ourselves. When something goes wrong with your family or your children we tend to place the blame else where instead of looking in the mirror.

When are we going to take responsibility for our children . These children are our future. It scares me to think what is going to happen to the world if left in the hands of our children. Those children that thinks being a gangster is there big goal in life. Or the child that eats a candy and throws the wrapper on the floor . The child that in elementary school curses out his teacher in 3rd grade. Those children that are taught to hate.

Raise your child with love. Take the time to create them into amazing and caring humans. Remember you are instilling there habits for the future. Leave a good impression with your children and take good care of them. One day you might need them to take good care of you.

Lazy Parent Tool... Do You Use One?

2008-07-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

How many time do I come across a child with a pacifier in there mouth and the child is 3 years old. At 3 do you think a child needs a baby pacifier? Of course not. It is the Lazy Parent Tool.

There is no reason what so ever to give a child a pacifier. Not when they are crying, not to sleep , not for fun. No reason except the parent is to lazy to address the issues properly.

I have 2 children . Neither one of my children had a pacifier. Guess what they survived . They learned a lot more with out the pacifier than if i had shoved on in their mouths. They learned how to calm themselves down. They learned how to put themselves to sleep. It wasn't a miracle either. A pacifier is a habit you create for your child. It is man made, Probably by a lazy parent.

A baby is given a pacifier . She is 8 months old. Today a girlfriend tells me she put extra pacifier in the crib. For what I wasn't sure. I asked her when was she going to teach her to sleep with out one. She said when she is a year old. Why wait that long i asked . She said it isn't fair to take it away. Fair to who. She is just instilling the habit . I fell it isn't fair to have created a habit that you are going to take away when the child has grown used to it.

Hey to each his own. If you choose to use the pacifier take it away before it becomes a habit. Books that i have read say 4 months is a good time to take away the pacifier . The baby hasn't created an attachment to the object yet. By that age the baby needs to start to learn to sooth themselves.

Remember , We didn't have kids to short cut them. Take the time to instill good habits. Bad habits start as soon as you teach them.

Cursing in your Home: Does it affect your children

2008-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

So many times i hear parents tell me that they curse at home ,but there kids know better than to repeat what they hear. Does it really affect who your children grow up to be? It sure does!

I grew up in a home that used racial slurs and curse words in abundance. Although my parents wouldn't see it that way ,that is exactly how it was. By the time I was 15 I had a mouth like a" trucker". I spoke to my parents with that mouth. Those are the same parents that said i knew better. When i got pregnant with my first child I used those nine months to retrain my self not to curse anymore. I am no saint I still slip up . I never slip up in front of my children. Their idea of a curse word is STUPID. I do explain when we go out to other peoples homes that they might hear adult words that they never heard before. I tell them there is no reason to ever have to express themselves using those words.

I had a friend that has the foulest mouth around her kids. I had to tell her she needed to watch her mouth around my kids. She really didn't like that i asked that. My kids , i will do anything to protect them. Anyway ,she would curse towards her children as well.I know first hand that is damaging to the child for life. I told her your kids are going to end up with a mouth like yours. She said" MY KIDS WOULD NEVER TALK LIKE THAT" . Funny a year later I was on a school trip with her youngest and I heard her say that she know bad words. I asked her does she say them. She said when her parents aren't around.

You teach your children behavior. Language is part of that. They look up to you for everything. They copy everything you do. They are going to repeat what you say weather you like it or not! I starting smoking cigarettes at 10 years old. I would take my parents butts and light them up when they were out. I wanted to look cool like them. Here I am at 34 and everyday I struggle not to smoke one.

Children follow by example:What kind of example to you give?

How Do You Displine Your Children?

2008-07-18T05:46:00.001-07:00

How do you discipline your children? Are you the type of parent that spanks your child? Do you just use TIME OUT? Is punishment an option?

I talk to different parents all the the time and I ask. I get mixed answers. It is not what they do that is interesting to me ,as much as why. I use punishment with my children. When they were younger it started as Time Outs. I started time outs with my kids as young as I would say a year and a half old. I decide that I would never put my hands on my children way before they were born.
I was disciplined with that type of parenting. All that did was create an angry child. I didn't learn anything but fear. Fear of my parents. I also learn that if I wanted to get someones attention or if someone wasn't doing what I wanted I could just hit them and they would listen. Really that doesn't go over to well with the person you are hitting.
I have a neighbor that uses her hands on her kids. We would walk to school with them in the morning. Her daughter was 4 at the time. On a regular basis she would smack her daughter in the back of the head. Hard enough that we can hear the sound of her hand meeting the head. It would make my kids so uncomfortable. They would ask me why? What did she do to deserve to hit like that? I told my kids just be thankful that I am not that kind of parent.

As I ask around I come to realize that there are few parents that don't use their hands on their children. That is pretty scary. Most of the parents say well that is how I was raised. Why does that make it right. I have 2 of the most amazing well behaved children. I treat them with respect I speak nicely to them . Sure I get frustrated with them. Sure it can get to the point I raise my voice. Even that I try to have more control of. It really is all about patience. I have to show discipline with my self. Everyday i make a promise to myself to carry the out most patience with my children. If I can display that with someone else children why wouldn't I do that for my own.

What is you reasoning for the way you discipline your children?

What are the laws on children abusing each other?

2008-07-04T07:58:00.002-07:00

What are the Laws on Children Abusing each other?

Where is the line drawn for sibling fighting? When does the physically aggressive behavior become abusive?
Growing up in a home where spanking was normal lead us to believe that hitting was OK. But It wasn't OK. My brother and I took it to another level. I felt at time it was to out of control. It have given me strong feelings about hitting another person. That there are other ways to solve problems. I don't not put my hands on my children . They are not aloud to put their hand on each other nor is it tolerated in my home. They are taught to talk it out. They are taught to respect themselves and each other.

How are children supposed to know how to deal when their parents are hitting them. You are just teaching them if people aren't doing what they like they can beat on them. I saw this first hand the last week of school at the park .There was a girl around 11 years old at the park with her maybe 4 year old brother. The little boy wet her with a water balloon. Well She grabbed him by his ponytail and swung him around. Just picture it really swinging him by his hair. I couldn't just watch. I lost it. I told her to get her hands off of him. She said" it is my brother and i can do what i want." Can you imagine what must go on in their house. I ask where are your parents . Out came another sibling maybe 14. She didn't do anything but try to keep the little boy away from the sister.

Are there laws on this matter? To me it was abuse . In a case like that do you call the police? Why was i the only parent to step up and stop it?

When is it time to wean off the bottle?

2008-07-04T07:58:00.001-07:00

When is it time to wean your child off of the bottle? People all have a difference of opinion on this subject. The fact of the matter is there is an appropriate time. Bottle are meant for feeding. Feeding refers to food. When a baby gets a bottle you put Formula or Breast milk into a bottle. That is considered a baby's food.

OK so now that we have that established , we can move on. Once the baby moves up to other beverages we can put them into other drinking devices. such as sippy cups or sports bottles(for kids). So maybe by 6-7 months your child is drinking water. You put that into a cup. Still leaving the bottle for feeding. Not drinking. As you start to incorporate foods into the diet you will be giving less bottles.

By the age of 11 months would be the perfect time to put a stop to the bottle all together. That is the age when you would start to introduce another type of milk to your child. You would put that new milk into a cup . Maybe just have a special milk cup.That is what i did. Only milk when into those cups. By the time my kids were 1 year old they didn't even know what a bottle was.

Parents have to understand . You create habits for your children. Most of there bad habits are created out of pure laziness on the parents part. You feel bad for them they cry, it is easier to just give them the bottle. When the reality of it is they shouldn't even have it anymore. The longer you wait the harder it is on them .

God Parents , What does that mean?

2008-07-01T13:47:00.001-07:00

What is the true meaning of a God parent? Have people lost sight of what it really means ? I am not sure myself. I thought it meant that you will teach and instill in the child religious beliefs. That is why most churches won't allow you to be a Godparent unless you are from the same faith.
When I had children I made my brother and his wife Godparents to them. But in the realm of life they are their legal guardians . It truly had nothing to do with religion. I guess because we don't practice one. I would just hope that when they spend time with them I know that they are instilling good morals.
Now it is my brother turn to be a parent . I asked him what religion is he raising his child. At the moment he is unsure. That is fine. I asked him what is his reasoning behind picking out a Godparent. I didn't want to take on the responsibility of that to his child if religion is involved. I do not have a not a religious family and don't want to take the responsibility to teach religion. I would love the opportunity to instill great morals and respect . So I told him if he was going to choose me it had to not be based on religion.
I also have a friend that is very dear to me. She had a little boy a year and a half ago. She cried to me telling me that she really wanted me to be her son's Godmother . The fact that her church wouldn't allow it was the reason behind it being someone else. Well , she hasn't been to church since. So didn't it really matter . She allowed a church that she doesn't attend to dictate what should be in her life. I always told her I never needed the title to be someone special in her family.
What is the reasoning behind who you pick? are Godparents important to you?

Sharing Toys at The Playground

2008-07-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

I usually tell my kids don't bring anything to the park you don't want to share. There are times thought that they will bring something that they don't want to. I assure them that they don't have to share everything. Sharing Toys at The Playground isn't a given.

I am a very child friendly mother. I always pack extra things for the other kids to play with. I bring bubbles for my kids and extra for the others. That way nobody hounds my kids for their things. If I bring water balloons, I bring enough to share. It just bothers me the other parents don't think the same. The same kids are at the park all the time. They never bring anything with them. When they see me they expect me to have things for them to play with .

I really dislike when a kid helps themselves into my mommy bag. It is a mommy bag because that is what i had embroidered on it. That way there is no mistake . It is my bag. My children would never think to look in somebody else bag . Why don't parents teach their kids some park etiquette . Here are some park etiquette tips

Bring your kids some things to play with.
Teach them to ask before taking.
Don't let another parent be more involved with your kids than you.
Teach them not to go into someone else bag.
I guess manners would be a good idea. (that should be a given)
Bring your own snacks and drinks.

Hope this makes you think if you go to the park prepared .Or do you let your children burden someone else?

Top Ten Ways To Teach Your Kids to be Eco-Friendly

2008-06-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

It is very important to me for my kids to understand what it means to be an environmentalist. First i will inform them the true definition. Which is: 1 : an advocate of environmentalism
2 : one concerned about environmental quality especially of the human environment with respect to the control of pollution.

Now that we know what it means , We need to teach them how to be this.
So i have put together a list of 10 Ways to Teach your Kids to be Eco-Friendly

Lead by example. If you do it your kids will follow.
Recycle in your home . Make a easy area where the kids can do it themselves.
Try not to throw out everything . Example: toys, old computer, clothes & movies. Some one's trash is another one's treasure.
Reuse - example : unfinished notebooks from school can make great scrap paper
Shop at used item stores & garage sales .
Use less paper products : paper napkins & paper towels .
Instead of bottled water use a reusable water bottle.
Use a good Tupperware instead of wrapping your food in foil or plastic wrap.
Always put your trash in the garbage .
Read labels and make sure that the product you buy are Eco -friendly.

If you show and teach your children these ideas they can help save the earth.They also will have a sense of what it is like to make a difference. My kids are very environmentally aware . They don't understand why we are all not environmentally aware. I tell them never throw your garbage on the floor . The earth is our home and our house is just our room on the earth. Then I ask them : Would you throw garbage on the floor in your room?

WOULD YOU?

Kleen Kanteen is a Great Reusable Bottle

2008-06-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

I am big on being environmentally friendly. I live in Queens, NY and really do not feel safe drinking water out of my tap. We used to by bottled water from bj's. Then i realized how much plastic i was using. I looked into reusable bottles. I researched for a week. I wanted a product that i know my water won't take on the taste. I drink filtered water. I wanted to have a crisp taste to the water. I didn't want to have an after taste.

Kleen Kanteen is a Great Reusable Product.

I came across http://www.reuseablebags.com . They have an amazing selection of eco-friendly products. I ordered four of the Kleen Kanteen 18oz bottles. There is no after taste. It is easy to clean. You can put anything from water to coffee.I was so pleased i told all of my eco-friendly friends The next thing you know we are all walking around with our Kleen Kanteen bottles in there cool colored sleeves.

It is perfect for me when i do my lemon cleansing . I fill two of the bottles and i am good to go for the day. With the sleeve on it , it remains cold for a very long time. I am so very pleased with this product. I think it is a great gift to give.

My kids love them too. They come in all sizes. Even for toddlers. They have sleeves to fit every size bottle.

Back to The Mega Bloks

2008-06-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

So , Here i am at Toys R Us again rewarding my kids for there excellence in school this year. Can you believe what i came across . Mega Bloks Plasmaverse Insects. I brought it to the attention of the store that there is a curse word on the background display. The toy is a Toys R Us exclusive. They immediately took the remaining toys off the shelf.

They too where just as surprised as I was to see the curse word. The curse is on the guys shirt in the background.

They were even more surprised to find out that I had spoken to the company and that the company didn't pull the toy from the store. So were the other parents on line . They couldn't believe it to find out that there would be a curse and that they company didn't pull the toy.
You 'd think that Mega Block would be more responsible.

Home Schooling During Summer Vacation

2008-06-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

It is very important to continue education during the summer. Most children lose a large percentage of what they have learned during the school year if not instilled during the summer. I have always done Home Schooling During Summer Vacation.

Home schooling in the summer makes the school year easier for the kids.

My children learn at home and instill at school. I listen to plenty of parents complain that their child hasn't learned anything. Or that they are really unhappy with the teacher. For the past five years the same parents complain year after year. They ask me over and over "What do you think of the teacher?"

For five years my kids have had amazing teachers. I don't get it. My kids learn plenty in school.

Today was the last day of school. My children received amazing grades. I was so proud of my daughter especially. She had to deal with unruly children. She had distractions throughout the whole school year. She still rose up and excelled in school.

I believe it has a lot to do with the fact that i teach them at home. I don't leave it up to the school system to teach my children. That is my job. I would home school them all year long but I feel it is important to socialize them as well. I want the to get exposure to other cultures. More importantly I want others to be exposed to them.

We don't jump right into it. We take a week off and sleep late and relax. Then we get down to business. I make the summer a fun learning experience, zoos, Museums & Field trips to the parks. They do summer reading. We touch on math, science and practice our handwriting.

Top 10 Ways to Excel as a Parent

2008-06-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

People complement me all the time on what a great mother I am. I was born with motherly instincts. Some people are and some of aren't. That is Okay. We are all human and are capable of learning. I am going to list the Top 10 Ways to Excel as a Parent.

Take care of yourself
Remember you didn't learn everything overnight and neither will they
Have patience
Bend down and talk to them face to face
Take the time to explain why
Lead by example
Instill manners and morals
Teach respect
Practice discipline {not the physical type}
Love them unconditionally

I myself use these Top Ten Ways to Excel as a Parent everyday. I have two of the most understanding , caring and kind children around. They make me proud. They didn't get that way by themselves. Children have to be taught behaviors . They look to you to teach them. Don't fail your children .

Mega Bloks Plasmaverse Insects FAIL

2008-06-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

My son finished kindergarten June,12th. We are all so proud. My mother had given him a gift card to Toys R Us.... Boy was he excited!

So... right after the ceremony we headed to the store. He walked around the store for about a half hour. Then he came across Mega Bloks Plasmaverse Insects. It was much more than what the gift card was for. Grammie tells him she'll get it for him anyway. Well, he was so excited!

We get home and he can't wait to put it together. It took my husband about 2 hours to get this together. While he is putting it together we realize that the background has a CURSE WORD on it. I couldn't believe my eyes!! My son can read and although he wouldn't know the word or meaning he would ask if he saw it.

I call Mega Block it took them a few days of phone tag to reach me. I was very pleased by how serious they took this. They are going to change the packaging. I couldn't have been happier. They offered to send my son a plasma dragon. That was another toy he wanted that day. I expressed my gratitude and excitement that he would receive this toy.

OK, It is almost two weeks later and no toy!! I don't get it . A big toy company, like Mega Bloks should take that long to ship a toy. I am grateful I haven't told my son about it. I was leaving it as a surprise. You know kids they will hound you everyday to check the mail. Is it here yet? I have to tell you, that is how I feel too.

I hope that Mega Bloks proves me wrong.

Quality Time with Your Kids

2008-06-24T05:55:00.002-07:00

There is nothing more important in life when you are a parent then being there for your children. Quality Time with Your Kids is irreplaceable.

If you think back...what stands out in your memories of your childhood the good or the bad? For me I always was able to reflect to the bad quicker than the good. I wanted different for my children.

They only way I would be able to make that happen for my children is to create the most amazing memories. Give them life in abundance. Trying to spend as many happy memories a we can with them. My kids love doing everything with us including food shopping. Most parents would rather do even that without their children. I look at it as more of an adventure,than a chore.

Even on our anniversary we took the kids with us for dinner. For us we weren't just celebrating our marriage together. We are celebrating our life together as a family.

Just remember when you create so many good memories they won't have the time to reflect on the bad. When I took on the role of being a parent I promised myself I will protect my children from harms way. That was including any harm I may cause them during my learning curve of growing into the type of parent I want to be.

I am pretty happy with the type of parent I am, but I do have the knowledge to know that I can always be better.

What kind of Quality Time do you spend with Your Kids?

Picture From last nights Mets game 6/23/08

Other Children at the Playground

2008-06-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

So, I am At the playground with my kids after school. We ALWAYS have to deal with Other Peoples Children. I teach my children that we share the space at the park with other children.

My daughter comes up to me and tells me a little 3 year old is shoving her hard in the stomach. My daughter is rather tolerable of other children. I raised her to understand not every body's parents teach good manners. I address the mother at the playground. Her reaction was a blank stare. Like what do you want me to do? So I walk away and let it go. Not even 10 minutes later my son comes over and tells me the same story.

Again, My son is even more tolerable of other children. So, again I address the mother.Telling her that again your child has aggressively touched my other child. I also way trying to tell her that her daughter was fake crying to make it like something happened to her. She proceeded to tell me her 3 year old said it wasn't her it was someone else.

Do you think she took her child to the side and talk to her? NO! She took her to the ice cream truck and rewards the behavior. I just don't get it. How is she going to learn to keep her hands to herself if she doesn't receive some form of discipline?

The best is yet to come... They are leaving the park and her friend says to me
" We are leaving so your kids won't be bothered by her."

Sure leave and don't teach your child anything! Hey folks... these are our future adults.

I Just Don't Understand People

2008-06-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

I just don't understand people...

Let me start by saying , This isn't personal to any religion. I was in Brooklyn today with my kids. We were painting a wall on Myrtle ave , off of Spencer. It is a mix community. The orthodox Jewish people share the area with Hispanic people African Americans,& Caucasians. That is all good and dandy.

I notice a little Jewish girl get dropped off from the school bus on the corner. I look around no parent to be found. She couldn't have been any older than seven. I comment to my friend about it. He tells me that is normal around there. That nobody would dare to touch that child. That the orthodox feel safe in their community . I just couldn't understand.

Do child molesters ask what religion you are before hurting them? So I try to let it go. Then i take my kids for a walk for pizza. We are walking down Myrtle ave and there is like 10 more children under the age of 9 playing outside with no adults in sight. Two more maybe 4 & 6 years old crossing the street alone. SICK.... I mean it is just SICK !

For those who don't know Myrtle ave in Brooklyn it has a lot of traffic on it.

View Larger Map

Even my own children couldn't understand. I asked them What they thought about it. They couldn't comprehend why a parent would leave their child in a vulnerable position. They are grateful I am always around.

Top Ten Items To Have on Your Baby Registry

2008-06-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

I started having kids way before my friends did . I had to learn a lot on my own. I wasn't able to call and ask my girlfriends what products to have or what do i put on my registry. One thing i have learned that every year they come out with better products than the year before.
Regardless of what they change you will still need to register for the staple items.
Here they are:

The top ten items you'll need:

Diapers/Wipes -It always helps when they know what brand you like
Bottles - You'll want to make sure you use one brand it is easier for the baby
Car seat- doesn't have to be the carrying kind -Infant toddler can sit reverse
Crib- If you are getting a used one, you might consider a new mattress
Stroller- make sure it is easy to open and close
Diaper bag- make it dad friendly
Pack and play - this is great for travel .
Swing/ bouncer - great when they are newborn to free your hands
High chair - in a blink of a eye they are ready to start eating
First aid kit/ grooming kit -Comes with all the things you'd never think you'd need

I can really list 50 most important thing. Kids can never have enough. Make sure you are practical when making your registry. Not everybody is looking to buy you expensive gifts . Put things in different price ranges on there. Most importantly Don't get to carried away,you want to receive the important items.

Careless Parents

2008-06-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

So , I am dropping my kids of at school this morning. A child goes to the door of the school crying. He is looking for his mommy. This child is in kindergarten. For about 5 min we all are trying to figure out why is he alone? The parent seemed to be nowhere around. Careless Parent! She was busy chatting with someone.

Back to my blog yesterday, This child could have been scooped up and taken away. I live in a community where there are known listed sex offenders. It comes to my surprise that they are allowed to live that close to a school. Just last month a man had fondled a child at the ice cream truck. He was arrested. Because he had no prior arrest he was aloud to go home. His home is the first building next to the school. How sick is that.

You can easily find out if you have register sex offenders in your area. http:// www.familywatchdog.us/. I live in NY so i can also look at http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/

Abduction. It is real!

2008-06-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

Do parents realize abduction is real? What age is okay to walk yourself to school? Should your kids walk behind you? Do you really trust the people your kids are left with?

Are your kids educated on the subject? They offer tons of programs for at home and school. One of my favorite dvd's is The Safe Side on Stranger Safety. http://www.missingkids.com.

As a parent I feel it is never to early to inform your children that there are bad people in the world. I didn't just tell my kids once either. A few times a year, I sit my kids down and talk with them about Strangers.

At my kids school a few parents got together and decided to test the kids out. They had a stranger come into the school park to see who would leave with HER. They did a woman because people usually people assume it would be a man. Do you know 11 kids tested 11 kids failed. My kids weren't at the park that day but I would put my life on it that they wouldn't have left.

We shared the results with the school principle and she had a 2 programs brought into the school the following week. One was geared just for the really young kids. The other was for the whole school. They also had a program at the P.T.A meeting so the parents would know what the kids are being told. Then The board of ed had Playing it Safe .The national award winning non-profit safety program for the kindergarten classes.

I hope this made you think.
Talk to your kids .

Manners and Morals

2008-06-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Are Manners and Morals a lost art?

I find that todays children aren't being raised with the manners and morals of yesterday.

Growing up, I was taught there was a time and place for everything and everything had a time and place. You respect your elders. You say please and thank you .It seems to be a dying art.

I am a mother of two children. I have a daughter that is 8 1/2 , My son is 6.

I am often told how wonderful and exceptional my children are. I have also been asked if i am a strict. I wouldn't go as far as saying i am strict, As much as children need to be taught behavior. I teach my children manners and morals that they should live by for the rest of their lives.

I think parents forget that behavior is taught. The way you eat, speak , act interact with others. When you see a child and you are blown away by their behavior, I see it as a reflection of what they are taught at home. I am proud of my children ,they represent my husband and I well. I can take them anywhere for any reason and don't ever question what their behavior might be. They know at home we can let loose. When you are out represent yourself with respect that you want to receive and that is what you will be given.

I am very active in my children's school and I am floored by the lack of self respect the children have. How can i expect them to show me or the school staff any respect when they haven't been taught to respect themselves.
When are the parents going to step up?

Zen For Kids

Who cares what people think , They don't do it very often

Happy Valentine's Day !

Back to school

Celebration of Life !

"How To Make EVERY Day Saturday... For Life!

Mother's Day Vs. Father's Day

Mother's Day Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadow Park

Zip Line

Don't judge a book by it's cover !

My little World Travelers

Acapulco in 3 days

Ground Hog Day

Marking my visit to LA with a Tattoo

Doodles

Law of Attraction

In a blink of a eye

Tattooed Mommy

Aigner Chocolates

Love being able to go on school trips.

I love being a aunt !

New School - Amazing memories

Bahamas is a great place to take the kids

How do you teach kids to eat well... You let them cook with you

New York Aquarium

After school activites

Cast Your Belly

Thermos foogo ... reusable sippy cup

Long Island Children's Museum -LICM

My Meebas

Back To School

Mason's First tooth came out!

Diary Ice Cream Vs. Soy Ice Cream

Are You Paying Attention To What Your Children Are Seeing

Mason on NY1

a Group of Like Minded People

Liberty League ... Living beyond Freedom

Life is a Blessing

It is important to stay home and raise your own children

Lazy Parent Tool... Do You Use One?

Cursing in your Home: Does it affect your children

How Do You Displine Your Children?

What are the laws on children abusing each other?

When is it time to wean off the bottle?

God Parents , What does that mean?

Sharing Toys at The Playground

Top Ten Ways To Teach Your Kids to be Eco-Friendly

Kleen Kanteen is a Great Reusable Bottle

Back to The Mega Bloks

Home Schooling During Summer Vacation

Top 10 Ways to Excel as a Parent

Mega Bloks Plasmaverse Insects FAIL

Quality Time with Your Kids

Other Children at the Playground

I Just Don't Understand People

Top Ten Items To Have on Your Baby Registry

Careless Parents

Abduction. It is real!

Manners and Morals