Turn off TV week April 23-29, 2007

This week is Turn Off TV week. Take time to spend time with your family by doing different activities, such as talking about different issues, reading together, or even playing games.

The point is become active participants, instead of passive ones. Life is too short to keep watching television. Some television programs may be educational, but many aren't. Parents should pick and choose for their children who are unable to do it themselves.

Check out this Adbusters.org's website at http://adbusters.org/metas/psycho/tvturnoff/ for more information on Turn Off TV week.

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.

Don't forget to say please and thank you!

Remember this. Life is not easy for you and for others as well. You and others have to deal with what life gives you--happiness, dreams, frustrations, obstacles,and challenges, to name a few. Human interaction on the social level is crucial for humanity's existence, so we have to be careful of how we treat each other.

I have a few rules that I try to follow. I write try because after all I make mistakes just like everyone else. It takes a conscious effort to pay attention to your attitude and personality. That takes practice.

Here are some rules that I live by:

1. I always smile when I greet someone because I like to see people smile. At first, this was started as an unconscious act until a friend told another friend that she has never seen me not smile as I walk into a room full of people. That made me pay more attention because I realize that anything we do can influence others.

2. I always ask how have they been doing? I always want to know the latest happenings with them.

3. I like to help people in any way I can. When a fellow human succeeds, you succeed as well. When a fellow human tumbles and fall, you tumble and fall as well. Whether you like it or not, we are all in this together.

These are the top three that came to my mind right now. So, the next time you hang out with some one or some people, just remember to treat them kindly or if you are feeling stressed out, tell them. Don't snap at them because you don't know what they have been or gone through.

Something to think about...

Life as Part of the Education

Time never stops. It keeps going regardless if we are ready or not. Every minute of your life is a learning experience, part of your education that supplements your school education. What you do that second tends to affect you later on. You tend to connect experiences with each other when you embark on a new experience. This is how you learn. You use your past experiences to help you with your new experiences.

Learn to reflect about your life, and do it about every six months. Take the time to look at what you did for the past six months. Ask yourself these questions:

*Are you happy with the overall picture? Why or why not?
*What have you learned from the past six months?
*What was your most memorable experience?
*What was your least memorable experience?
*What was your most challenging experience?
*Now what would you like to do in the next six months? How can you reach that
goal?

You can add more questions, if you like. Anything to create thinking and reflecting. Be honest when you answer these questions because you can always plan some things in advance to avoid certain situations. Remember, life is part of your education. Use it to your advantage.

NIU, Islamic Awareness Week

If you live or plan to be in the Chicago area the week of April 2-6, stop by NIU, in DeKalb. Attend some of the events . For more information, contact is listed below.

Muslim Students Association of Northern Illinois University

Phone: 630-479-7672 E-Mail: msaofniu@yahoo.com

In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

What is Islam? Who are the Muslims? What do Muslims Believe about Jesus? What is Jihad? Do the Muslims hate us?

Udoubtedly, Islam is one of the most widely practiced ideologies in the world, but sadly it is the most misunderstood. Too many questions and concerns linger about this faith, to which 1/5 of the world professes itself to.

Come and attend our Lecture Series and Film Festival to have all the questions you have about Islam answered. Nothing is too taboo to ask, take advantage of this opportunity to clarify and expand your understanding of Islam and see how Islam is a complete solution for everyone.

We have the following events scheduled for "ISLAM AWARENESS WEEK". We hope to see you there.

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.