Monday Surprise: Conversing with a police officer unexpectedly

Community helpers include, but are not limited to police officers, firefighters, and mail carriers. At least that is what young children learn. Many young children are afraid of police officers and firefighters, although they have nothing to worry about.

Today, my son and I went to city hall, which houses the police station as well. While we were waiting for our appointment, a female police officer walks out and greets my son and I. I said to my son, "She is our friend and is a good person." I explained to the officer that my son is afraid of them. She shook hands with my son, and began telling him in a kind manner that police officers and firefighters are friends. She gave him stickers, a charity bracelet, and a teddy bear that needed a home.

She then asked my son, if he would like a tour of the station. We went on a brief tour. My son became comfortable after a while, and started asking her questions. I was real pleased with the outcome, and I thanked her for her efforts. I am planning to mail a thank you note to the police station.

You want to learn? Observe a child...

Children, especially young ones, teach us many things that sometimes, we adults forget about life. Did you ever observe a child play, learn, or interact with others? If not, I recommend you do so. If you did, good for you because there are many things that young children teach us.

The other day, I took my three-year-old son to our local McDonald's to have lunch and play in the indoor playground. After my son finished his lunch, he went to play at the playground. He easily played with other children. Children he never met in his life. How come it is more difficult for adults to make friends then young children? Even though I have seen this before, it just amazes me how easily young children play with each other. Yet at the same time, they can be mean towards each other. What do you think happens next? They forgive each other and are friends again.

Today, I took my son to the park. He easily played with other children as well. He even wanted to be in a photograph when their parents were taking pictures. I explained to him that he could not because it was for them. He even spoke to some of the children's parents. Yes, I was supervising him, as other parents supervised their children. I explained to another parent that my son is too friendly and will speak to anyone. She said that her daughter is the same way. It is too bad that the world isn't an ideal one. Kids trust everybody, even if those people haven't earned or deserved the trust. Too sad.

I am determined to make this world a better place, so my son and other children can live a good life.

Week of the Young Child

This week is considered Week of the Young Child. This is a week to bring awareness and different issues related to children. Many children have problems today, such as malnourishment and living in poverty. Let's make it our goal to eliminate malnourishment and poverty, for the children's sake.

For more information on the Week of the Young Child, visit National Association for the Education of Young Children, at http://www.naeyc.org/about/woyc/.

Who ever said parenting is easy, must not be a serious parent!

Parenting is perhaps one career that gets unappreciated for its tasks and responsibilities. Parents' work never ends when parenting. They are parenting twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. If the parent is not with the child, then chances are he or she is on call--ready for any type of emergency. It is not easy to parent, yet why do so many people criticize each other when it comes to parenting?

True, some parents don't parent well. They born children into this world for the wrong reasons. Yet, you have parents who may sacrifice their lives for their children, with some turning out well, and others not. Sometimes, societal pressures don't help parents. Often times, it is considered cool to rebel or give parents attitude.

Parenting is a huge responsibility. However, parents and other institutions can work and help each other, such as schools, summer camps and civic organizations. Each institution offers something invaluable in raising children. Not only do children benefit from these opportunities, so do parents as well. Often times, it is difficult for parents to realize their children are not "perfect". Many deny there may be something wrong with their child, academically or emotionally. However, parents must think of the child's best interests. This will help the child in the long run.

Children are mirrors of parents and family. They mimic their parents as part of the learning process towards adulthood. One of my dreams is to ensure that all children live a rich and happy childhood, so that they can make this possible for their children. Remember parents, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed if you need to seek assistance for your child or children. You will be doing them a favor and society a favor, as well as yourself.

Take Your Kids Outside

Spring if officially here! Take your kids outside as much as you can. Forget about cleaning the house or some other indoor project. Play games with your kids. Study nature with your kids. Playing outside is better than sitting in front of the television. This also encourages kids to be lazy. Laziness tends to lead weight problems that many kids have today.

I am not saying neglect the house chores and indoor projects forever. No. Just save those tasks for rainy days. Maybe your kids can assist you in these items. That is what I am going to do. Every time it is a warm, sunny day. I will be outside playing with my child. Those other things can wait for a rainy day.

How far should we go to get the naked truth?

I saw this article piece on Slate.com. The government now wants to check airplane passengers naked before getting on board. Yup, naked. Doesn't that seem like some kind of movie. Too weird to be true. It seems like the mass is getting punished for the few. How far you willing to go in fighting "terrorism" (whatever that is)? Is this infringing on our rights?

Do you really want your under age kids to experience someone looking at them nude? Even if they "brush" up the pictures. We tell kids that their body is their body, and no one has a right to see it or touch it. Right?

Below is an excerpt from the article that you should read, and pass along. I would be interested in your comments.

Digital Penetration Invasion of the naked body scanners.

By William Saletan

Posted Saturday, March 3, 2007, at 7:32 AM ET
Psssst. Want to see Susan Hallowell naked? Look at the Feb. 24 New York Times. She's on Page A10.
Hallowell runs the Transportation Security Administration's research lab. Four years ago, she volunteered to be scanned by a backscatter X-ray machine, which sees through clothing. She was wearing a skirt and blazer. But in the picture, she's as good as nude.
Now it's your turn.

Click on the link for more of the story. http://www.slate.com/id/2160977?GT1=9231

Is pay everything?

I got this in an email. I thought I would post it here. If you are the author or you know who is the author of this forward, let me know , so I can put it here. It is nice and ideal, but is this realistic?


WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each
and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write .

I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.


Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my
head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"

I told him, but I forgot about me

My spouse and I went out of town car hunting. My brother met us at the car dealership. After we were finished, I told my brother that if he was going to come see our parents who lived in my town, to take the tollway because the roads are better cleaned due to a snow storm we had. I told him that we saw about 6 cars in the ditch when we had taken a free way. We then parted our ways. My spouse and I were discussing the outcomes of our car hunting, when we ended up taking the free way again. I chuckled a bit because I had emphasized to my younger brother to take the tollway because the roads were too dirty. My spouse and I totally forgot about that, and we ended up taking the free way. I just shook my head, and I said "Wow, I can't believe I reminded my brother, but forgot to follow that advice."

I learned a lesson. Take care of yourself because you are now responsible for your spouse and child(ren).