Happy Birthday America

BEWARE OF STRANGERS

By Diane Forrest

 I love the move Kindergarten Cop.  I loved watching Arnold Swartzenagger trying to communicate with kindergarteners.  It didn’t take him long to realize it's not as easy as one might think.  One of the scenes at the end of the movie talks about strangers.  His partner, Phoebe, tells the children they must never talk to strangers.  But, it was ok to talk to dogs who are strangers. It wasn't long after that discussion that the bad guy shows up at the school and all the children point at him and yell stranger!!  They ended up getting the bad guy and living happily ever after.

When I was growing up I was taught don’t talk to strangers, don't take candy from a stranger, and tell a policeman if a stranger bothers you.  Kids today seem to be so much smarter than when I was going up.  They live in the electronic and information age and you may forget to teach them the basics, like stay away from strangers.  Here are some other examples to teach young children:

"Don't talk to strangers"

"Don't tell anyone your name"

"Don't let strangers touch your food or drink"

"Don't help strangers

"Don't let strangers touch your face"

"If someone acts too friendly in a theater, complain to an usher or the manager"

One thing to remember is too much constant warning is not a good thing either.  The child will then mistrust any adult, even those who will help them. In situations where the child is in danger for other reasons, avoiding strangers (who might help) could in fact be dangerous itself, such as in the case of an 11-year-old Boy Scout who avoided rescue searchers because he feared they might want to 'steal him.  The fear some parents have can cause them to keep the child indoors and then develop other issues such as nature deficit disorder.

Here is a quiz to share with your kids, or children in your life, to make them aware of strangers.

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/parentingquizzes/l/bl_strngdngr.htm

(Photos from Google)

Family Month

By Diane Forrest

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday...I had been receiving threats from my cousins for a "payback” for my treatment of them for their milestone birthdays.  When my younger cousin turned 40, I started 40 days before her big day, and began sending her things with skull and crossbones on it, vulture’s black roses and other party fun.  Two years later, I repeated the fun when my older cousin turned 50.   He lives in Texas, so I hadn't seen him in 30 years, so wasn't sure how he would take my good-natured ribbing, and for the past couple of years I have thrown in a few jabs here and there.

As the time approached for my special day, I had not received any skulls, tombstones or any other references to being at death's door, and was actually a little disappointed that their payback was somewhat lacking.  Unbeknownst to me, the two of them had been scheming together for the past year planning efforts to really "get me".

Last Saturday, I was at my parent's home waiting to go out to a birthday lunch with my aunt and uncle, when a surprise visitor appeared.  It was the grim reaper showing up to take me to the other side!!!  He was dressed all in black from head to toe, and I just assumed it was my cousin's husband, but in fact it was my long lost cousin from Texas whom I haven't seen in 30 years!  It was a wonderful surprise...and a fantastic payback!  We all spent the weekend together; almost my entire family, and it couldn't have been more fantastic, well unless the rest of the family was there too.

May is National Family Month.  It starts on Mother's day, and ends with Father's day.  What a great time to get together with some of your family.  You don't have to have a big blow out like I did, but you never know how much you miss seeing your family, until you get together again.  So this month - set aside a few days to spend time with your children, siblings, parents, aunts uncles, cousins - everyone you can.  You will love it and so will they!!

(All images from Google) 

Accepting Mental Health as an Illness

By Nurse Diane 

I was just reading a story about Amanda Bynes, a young actress in Hollywood.  She played in a few movies that I have seen, What a Girl Wants, and the remake of Hairspray.  In the past few days she has shaved her head, posted topless pictures of herself on social media sites, and wondering around with the appearance of being intoxicated or on drugs.  There was a report on Twitter asking for the police to come and help her, from herself.  However, she has not committed any crimes or performed illegal acts, she is clearly in need of some professional help.

Her actions mimic another celebrity melt down of Brittany Spears.  She was in definite need of psychiatric help when she began making headlines weekly with her absurd behavior.  The media did not help her, instead published story after story gaining wealth and fame over her actions.  Many young and older stars can be seen having public meltdowns.

Society views about Mental Health issues have changed in the past 100 years.   If a family member noticed acting peculiar, they would be shipped off to an asylum and locked away in the dungeon.  Many were locked away in their homes, chained to beds or posts.

While I was in nursing school, we had a semester of Psychiatric Nursing.  This course was offered during the summer, and required staying at a mental health facility for four weeks.  The hospital, one of the oldest in the state, was opened in 1848 and many of the first patients were being treated for tuberculosis.  There was a separate facility that housed the criminally insane, and that area was still being used at the time I was there.  The conditions were terrible, and it was hard to imagine anyone being treated for mental disorders in a place like that.

Views about Mental health have changed considerably since those days.  Society has become aware of various mental disorders and the availability of treatment.   May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  There are many organizations that provide free service and help at low cost.  If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, please seek help and encourage others to get the assistance they need to be able to live life better.  For more information about mental health, or where to get help, visit this site: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week May 5 – 11, 2013

Theme - Out of the Shadows: Exposing Stigma

With the spotlight shining on the critical need for mental health care reform in our country, we must also educate the nation about children's mental health and promote comprehensive, grass-root efforts to eradicate scrutiny, discrimination and repercussions that deter our children, youth and families in need of care from seeking consistent help. (Source: National Federation of Families For Children’s Mental Health)

Playground Safety

By Diane Forrest

Yesterday we told you it was Kindergarten day, so today is a great time to also let you know that is it National Playground Safety week.

Probably one of the most repeated playground activities that have been depicted in a movie scene involves the licking of an ice-cold metal pole. And of course, getting stuck on it.  Hopefully by now the weather has warmed up enough to prevent freezing your tongue, but it has also warmed up enough to encourage young children to go out and play.

Playing on the playground during school at recess is not only a fun activity, but it is also beneficial for exercise and fresh air and sunshine.  My daddy always tells me my favorite class was recess!!

We recently told you about the home improvement areas you should do at the start of spring, but it is also important to check your local playgrounds to make sure they are safe too.  During the winter month, there is damage done to wood pieces getting rotten, and metal objects getting rusty.

During winter months most playgrounds are empty, however this does not prevent garbage and debris being deposited in the area that can also cause injury.

Take some time this week and check the areas your child or grandchildren will playing, make sure they are clean and safe, report any brooked toys to the authorities, and make sure the children are supervised while on the playground to prevent accidents during play time.

Did you know…that from Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26, the national parks waive all entrance fees? So, whether it is your first trip, or the latest of many memorable park experiences, there couldn’t be a better time to get out and explore!

(All images from Google) 

Celebrating Military Children Month

By Terry Orr

April is the month of the Military Child. This special celebration is a legacy of former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger and was established to underscore the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. According to Military K-12 Partners, today there are more than 1.2 million military children, and since 2001 approximately 2 million children have experienced deployment of a parent. Care of military children sustains our fighting force, and strengthens the health, security, and safety of our nation's families and communities. (Source: NCTSN)

Civilian child vs. Military Child by Auntie Witch:

1. A civilian child usually dances around or talks during the National Anthem. A military child stands quietly with his hand over his heart.
2. A civilian child sees race. A military child sees diversity.
3. A civilian child has a best friend in his hometown. A military child has a best friend on almost every continent.
4. A civilian child sees only the plane flying over. A military child not only can identify the type of plane flying but knows someone who works on them.
5. A civilian child smells something nasty and yells; "Eeewwww, what's that smell?". A military child smells something nasty and yells; Daddy did you FART!!!!!
6. A civilian child sees a person in uniform. A military child can tell you what branch he's in and what his rank is.
7. A civilian child thinks home is where the heart is. A military child knows home is where the military sends you.
8. A civilian child lives for tomorrow and what it might bring. A military child lives for today because tomorrow, Daddy might get called away again.
9. A civilian child gets to kiss mommy and daddy goodnight each night. A military child sometimes has to kiss a picture of daddy or mommy goodnight.
10. A civilian child talks on the phone for fun. A military child lives for the 15 minute phone calls once a week.
11. A civilian child can read and write in English. A military child can read and write in acronym.
12. A civilian child says "good-bye". A military child says "see you later" (don't we know it, there's never GOOD BYE).
13. A civilian child gets to see things other kids would love to see. A military child gets to see things world leaders would love to see.
14. A civilian child will probably go to the same school his entire life. A military child will probably change schools every 2 years.
15. A civilian child might rarely leave his hometown for anything other than vacation. A military child will rarely see his "hometown" for anything other than vacation.

And finally...a civilian child supports our soldiers. A military child IS a soldier.

The next time you say a prayer for our troops, please say a prayer for their families, especially their children back home that are trying to be strong. (They need your prayers, more than you'll ever know)

Military children are our nation's children. Living in either military or civilian communities, in urban, suburban, or rural settings, military children experience unique challenges related to military life and culture. These include deployment-related stressors such as parental separation, family reunification, and reintegration. Due to frequent moves, many military children experience disrupted relationships with friends, and must adapt to new schools and cultivate new community resources. Some children also experience the trauma of welcoming home a parent who returns with a combat injury or illness, or of facing a parent's death. (Source: NCTSN)

The Military Child, like their parents face additional challenges in life – next time you see them – please be supportive and let them know you are thankful for all they do for you and America.

Thank you!

References and Links:

http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/statePOCNewsDetail.aspx?type=event&ID=1044

http://www.monthofthemilitarychild.com

http://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/month-military-child

https://www.hnfs.com/content/hnfs/home/tn/common/res/campaigns/month-of-military-child-2013.html/pp/content/hnfs/home/tn/bene

http://www.dodea.edu/dodeaCelebrates/MilitaryChild/2013/

http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=6204

Inspiring children to pick up a book and get reading!

By Terry Orr

As a grandparent, there are few things that warm my heart like watching kids playing outdoors or reading books.  That is why today special – International Children’s Book Day and Hans Christian Andersen birthday!

Mothers and others who read aloud while the baby is still in the womb and daily there after are providing a good foundation habit for the child.  Reading with your child helps establish quality and bonding time that will positively impact them throughout their lives.  When the child sees the parent, relative or others who are reading frequently – setting good examples.

Bookjoy! Around the World

We can read, you and I.

See letters become words,

and words become books

we hold in our hands.

We hear whispers

and roaring rivers in the pages,

bears singing

funny tunes to the moon.

We enter spooky gray castles,

And in our hands flowering trees climb

to the clouds. Bold girls fly;

boys fish for sparkling stars.

You and I read, round and round,

Bookjoy around the world.

By Pat Mora

I recommend reading these three web sites providing their Top 100 Children Books:

1. http://www.teachersfirst.com/100books.cfm
2. http://childrensbooksguide.com/top-100
3. http://www.nea.org/grants/13154.htm

The first two provide a brief overview of each book.

In addition to public libraries, there are hundreds of thousand websites that provide free children’s book to read on your computer, table, phone, etc. Here are five links for free online books for children:

1. http://freekidsbooks.org
2. http://www.wegivebooks.org
3. http://en.childrenslibrary.org
4. http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/42561/
5. http://literacylaunchpad.blogspot.com/2009/08/20-places-to-find-free-childrens-books.html

Lets all find a good book and share it with our young people and celebrate today.