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Resolutions

What are your resolutions for the new year? Aren't you tired of being asked that question? Want to lose weight? Quit smoking? Stop binging/purging? Stop arguing with family?

How about, instead of making resolutions (which are basically being set up for failure), how about just tell yourself every day to do a little better and a little better.


KW Tip of the Day: Winter Vacation

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Winter Vacation

Most kids (at least in the USA) have had the last week or so off from school. How did you spend your time? Family? Party? Sledding or skating? Reading? Playing Games? Sulking? Being yelled at?

Give us details...


KW Tip of the Day: Favorite Room

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Your Favorite Room

What your favorite room in the house? Your bedroom? The kitchen? Family room or exercise room?

What's your fav room and why?


KW Tip of the Day: Ritalin

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Ritalin

Ritalin is a drug most known for being prescribed to people/children with ADD/ADHD. It hasn't been around very long, but... "About six million children, roughly one in eight children, will take Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta or other ADHD medications." (Source: www.add-adhd-help-center.com/adhd_medication_information.htm )

We're wondering ... (1) do you take Ritalin; (2) if you do, do you feel it helps you?


KW Tip of the Day: Poem

Here's your Kid Whispers' Tip of the Day: Write (or read) a poem

Most kids have to read poetry as part of schoolwork, but when was the last time you read a poem ... just because?

Read or write one today. If you'd like to share, add it as a comment here.


KW Tip of the Day: Holidays

Here's your KW Tip of the Day: Holidays

Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Most people at least put on the show ... the decorated house... the special cards and family newsletters ... the parties ... the family gatherings... it goes on and on.

Some people remember the real reason behind Christmas.

But those who celebrate just to celebrate, it's ok. It's a special time of year when people tend to love each other more, and smile a little more. Enjoy yourself. Don't allow depression or being away from your school friends to get to you. Wonderful tasty treats. Unbelievably powerful smells. Scenery and special lights.

Enjoy your moment. Enjoy your holiday.... whatever it may be.

And Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.


KW Tip of the Day: Food

Here's your KW Tip of the Day: Food

This is the time of year where people are expected to eat everywhere they go ... parties, school lunchrooms, family gatherings, etc.
  • What is your favorite food?
  • Why is your favorite food?



KW Tip of the Day: Bullies

Here's your KW Tip of the Day: Bullies

A bully is someone who makes other people (especially kids) feel scared, sick, embarrassed, lonely and hurt. They might push or use other physical force, or even just call names to threaten, teas or just say mean things. They might take something of yours, intimidate a friend, and, in general, make people sad. Now we have cyber-bullies who use the internet, facebook, myspace and other methods to do horrible things to other people.

The problem of bullying affects a lot of kids, but also some adults. Most people have been bullied. And the stress of dealing with bullies can make us feel sick.

Most bullies do what they do because they are looking for attention. They think it might make them popular, or help them get anything they want. Or make them more important. Bullying makes someone feel powerful. Falsely powerful. They might think that being mean and shouting is the best way to relate to others. Maybe they have someone bullying them.

What can you do?
Don't give a bully the chance. Ignore him; pretend you don't hear him and just walk away to a place of safety. Take a different route to avoid him. If you can't avoid him, be brave and stand up to him. Sometimes that's enough to stop him. Stand up and say "No! "Stop It!" in a loud voice. But don't be fake about being brave - look confident, and you'll soon BE confident. Feel good about yourself. Get a buddy and walk together. Helps with confidence. Stick up for a buddy, or anyone who's being bullied.

If someone messes with you online, don't be afraid to be a tattletale: tell an adult you trust! Don't believe a word people say about you. Ignore them. Maybe take a break from the computer for a while so that a trusted adult can work on the problem.

But ... don't bully or physically-fight back. A physical altercation is just what the bully may be looking for, and it can be dangerous.

Plan ahead. Talk with your buddy(s) about what you will do, and how.

Remember to tell a trusted adult. He/She might have a good idea to help you. Or you can talk here, to us. We'll listen.


Family Fun Time Stopped Cold

Son had finished his lighter-than-usual schoolwork just fine yesterday so we were determined to do another Family Fun Time after dinner. Unfortunately, his Mama nearly choked to death. Literally.

Did you know that choking causes a huge headache, and pain in the neck, collarbones and other assorted areas? And, did you know that not everyone remembers to do the international sign for choking when they ARE choking?

Maybe we'll have fun tonight.


Family Fun Time: Uno

We had so much fun last night. Son has a light week this week: math and doing his Christmas project for relatives, so he was well ready for Hubby to come home from work and errands. I fixed shrimp and sashimi and rice, and after we ate, game time began!

Well, kinda. While we played Uno (the card game), I folded laundry. Well, a woman's work...

We played six games of Uno, and we each won two! Funny how that worked out. We had so much fun laughing and playing, that Son almost peed his pants from his huge cracked-voice guffaws.
Family Fun Time was a good idea. Have you started your own yet? You really should!

KW Tip of the Day: Pizza

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Pizza

We like rice crust pizza, then some with soy cheese (for one lactose-intolerant) and some with pepperoni, and some with bacon and onion. One will eat anything on it. And, occasionally, we like Pizza Hut.

What's your favorite pizza?

KW Tip of the Day: Planet

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Planet

This planet is very messed up. Global warming. Pollution. Drought. Floods. Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Sinkholes.

Become a "planet protector".... as a kid, what can YOU do to help protect and/or heal our planet?


KW Tip of the Day: Health

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Health

How healthy are you? Did you get this flu or virus that's going around? Do you eat right, exercise, and stay away from things that pollute your body?

We can't replace our bodies in this life time. Do your best for your body, and it will do it's best for you.

What health issues concern you?


Hi to Rob Robb

Kids, you may have heard of Rob Robb, or maybe know of him. He's a lot like you. He's warm and friendly. Loving. And very much himself. He never puts on a show, and prefers to hold true to himself in all things.

Rob: We haven't spoken for a while, and your assistant, Emily, too. My thoughts are with you.


Family Fun Time: Battleship

We continued our Family Fun Time last night. Son got his schoolwork done within the new time frame, so he chose Christmas Karoake and after that, the game Battleship that we just bought.


It gave us a chance to be together and have fun. Had a few arguments, but hey, can't change the world overnight!


KW Tip of the Day: Favorite Game

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Favorite Game

What game do you like to play: Scrabble? Clue? Twister? Baseball? Super Mario Brothers? What game do you play whenever you get the chance?


KW Tip of the Day: Pet

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Pet

We recently got a pet at a local shelter, a little Chihuahua named Spirit. That was her name when we got her, and since it so appropriately fit her, we kept it. She has brought a lot of laughs to our house, and a lot of responsibility. Remembering to walk 3-4 times a day (good exercise), picking up after her, feeding, watering, playing with her, teaching her, clipping her nails, giving her baths, vet check-ups, etc. There's a lot of thinking involved here. But in return, she loves us, despite our foibles.

Tell us about your pet. If you don't have one, what would you dream pet be?


Family Fun Time Begins

Remember the problem we'd been having with Son, who didn't want to do schoolwork, and would procrastinate an unbelievable amount? Turns out Son has been having a hard time because he was lonely. He wanted to spend more time with us Parents, rather, more quality time. Even though we would hug and kiss and play, he wanted more time specifically devoted to having Family Time.

We made a deal. He agreed to do his schoolwork and chores by 3:00 p.m. each day, and if he did, we (Parents) would spend 2-3 hours that night having Family Fun Time. Board games. Karoake. Walks with the Dog. Tug-a-Rope with Dog. Puzzles. Go out and do something fun but cheap.

We counted our board games, puzzles, cards, karoke music disks, etc. We have enough to do a "new" thing each night for 2 months without repeats.

Today was our first day of this Agreement. He was finished with his schoolwork by 12:30, so we left the house by 12:45 to get some more karoke music, looked at books, etc. Came home, took a walk, ate dinner, and sang Elvis tunes with the karoke machine. Yes, we had fun.

Day 1: Successful.


KW Tip of the Day: Inventions

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Inventions

The last two centuries have seen an explosion of wonderful time-saving inventions. What do you think was the very first invention? How about ... what do you think is the best invention ever, and why?


KW Tip of the Day: Favorite Book

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Favorite Book

Do you like to read? If so, what's your favorite book and why?

If you don't, why not? Maybe you like the funny pages in the newspaper, or comic books, or sports articles or fix-it magazines. If you like to read anything, what is it?


KW Tip of the Day: Holidays

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Holidays

No matter what country you live in, there are at least a couple of holidays, religious or otherwise. Each has it's own celebration and customs. Some holidays mean pigging out on special foods, and others mean you fast (not eat). There's going to your place of worship, dying eggs, giving gifts, begging for candy, singing, dancing, parades and more.

What is your favorite holiday and why?


KW Tip of the Day: Homework

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Homework

Yuck. Who really likes the piles of homework you get every day? Reading to do. Math equations to solve. Calculations and assumptions to come up with.

Homework isn't just a torture that adults came up with. It's to help you learn and remember what you've learned. If you learn about "World War II", then the details will stick in your mind when you have to write a little essay about how it began or weapons used or countries involved. Later on in life, you may assign yourself homework, although you won't call it that.

What is your favorite homework? And your least favorite?


KW Tip of the Day: Intuition

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Intuition

Everyone has it. Intuition, I mean. Gut feelings. It's something in you that seemingly points the way. Kinda like your conscience, but more on your deepest inner level.

YOU have it. Listen to it. You ARE intuitive, and don't let anyone ever tell you different.


KW Tip of the Day: Politics

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Politics

Eeek. Haven't we heard enough politics recently to last a lifetime? Well, no, not really. It's part of every day life. Not just on a government level, but also in business and in families.

Here's a link to Wikipedia's definition of politics: ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics ). Basically, it's the behavior of groups that make decisions. Whenever two or more people are in a group, there's politics. Wanted or not. And things can go smoothly or along a rough road.

What do you feel about politics? Your family's? Your school's? Your country's government? If you were in charge of any of them, what would you do?

KW Tip of the Day: Doctors

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Doctors

This is the time of the year when we almost always need to see the doctor: Cold and flu. Check-ups. Innoculations. Injuries. Overeating. Undereating. Obesity. Anxiety. Stress.

Doctors don't know everything, but they do know a lot. They went to school, studied textbooks, talked with knowledgeable people, and practiced working on people and dummies. While they aren't right a lot, they do more than lay-people. So, when you really have to see a doctor, please take a listen. Does it seem right to you? Do you feel like he/she knows enough to help your situation? If not, ask to see someone else. Trust your gut. Trust your family to help you find answers to your medical problems.


KW Tip of the Day: Peer Pressure

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Peer Pressure

What exactly is "peer pressure"? According to this website: ( http://www.reachout.com.au/default.asp?ti=274 ), it's being "encouraged" to do something, whether good or bad, and whether or not you want to do it. You may do it to be accepted by people your age, or to avoid getting in trouble, or beat up. And a peer isn't just someone your age. It could be someone in your community, or on the TV, or a music icon.

Do you experience peer pressure? Do people, especially kids your age, attempt to convince you to do something you don't particularly want to do? How do you handle it? Could you handle it differently? Do you ever talk about this with other kids?

What was the last thing you felt pressured to do? What did you do?


KW Tip of the Day: Music

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Music

What music do you like the best? Rock? Oldies? HipHop? Jazz? Classical? What is your favorite music, and why?

KW Tip of the Day: Labels

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Stop the labels!

Giving kids labels is in vogue these days. "My kid is an Indigo Child." "My kid is Autistic." "My Kid is Honor Roll ... again."

"Starseed" .. "Crystal" .. "Retarded" .. "ADD/ADHD" ... and on and on and on.

Stop the labels. Tell people you are NOT a label. Let you be who you are ... no matter if you have special traits, gifts or abilities, you're still a human and should be treated as such. Everyone is special in their own way. Which means no one is not special.


KW Tip of the Day: Sports

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Sports

Do you like to play sports? Or watch them in person or on TV? Yes? Fine - enjoy. Get that exercise, keep track of players and teams. Enjoy yourself.

No? That's ok. Lots of people think sports are overrated, boring, ridiculous and the players are way overpaid. So get interested in something else. Root for debate teams. Science teams. Whatever is going on near you.

Don't play sports? No problems - but get some exercise. Even if you don't want to leave your room, walk in place for 20 minutes while watching your fav TV show or reading that assignment. Or play with your dog. Or walk around the block after dinner. Find something to do to get your muscles enjoying being alive.

KW Tip of the Day: Earth

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Mother Earth

2008 provided lots of weird weather, tornadoes, drought, blizzards, floods, earthquakes, diseases trees felling entire forests. Mother Earth is mad. Think about one think you can do to help the Earth feel better.

KW Tip of the Day: Thanksgiving

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Give thanks.

Go to your family's required Thanksgiving celebration whether you want to or not. Or, if you're in a country where today is not Thanksgiving, gather up a few friends, or make a special meal for your family.

Think for a moment. Is there anything you can be thankful for about the people you're with? Friendship? Unconditional love from family members? A sibling to be there in 30 years? Memories of our Past?

Give a silent "thanks" for what is in your life.

KW Tip of the Day: Education

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Get an education.

Stop. I'm not saying go to college - we're not that kind of people. If you want to go, then go. Don't let anything stop you.

But if you don't... do what you an to get a basic education: reading, writing, practical math (budgeting, managing your checking and savings accounts, calculating taxes & tips, etc.). Then get a job while you learn something else. Something that interests you. THAT's an education.

KW Tip of the Day: Friendship

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Be a friend. Help a neighbor carry in groceries. Listen to someone rant about the schoolwork. Give a hug to a classmate who everyone else ignores.

KW Tip of the Day: Thanks

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Tell someone "thank you". A friend loans you a pencil, look in their eyes and say with feeling, "thanks". Your mom fixes an extra-special dinner for you - "thanks". The dog licks you on your hand - "thanks". What did you say thank you for?

KW Tip of the Day: Letter

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Write a letter. Not an e-mail. An old-fashioned pen-to-paper, stamp-an-envelope letter. To your kid at college. To a school-pal across the street. To your grandparent or least-favorite aunt. Then mail it. So... who did you write your letter to?

Schoolwork: Trees

Trees are woody plants that have one main trunk and have many branches. They usually grow quite tall, and are part of our living world and natural environment and everyday life. There are many kinds of trees, like maple and oak. A tree's leaves are as light as feathers. If you cut down a tree, it would become a stump. Not only that, but you would also see something called tree rings. They are the layer of wood made by trees during a single year. It's their annual ring and it's also possible to figure out the age of a tree that has fallen or has been cut down by counting their rings. We need to save all trees from being cut down.

If you want more paper, try tearing up a newspaper, put it in a blender, add a little water, turn it on. When it's done, take it off, put the goop into a bowl, add two spoonfuls of glue, stir it up, then spread it on a screen and let it dry. Then peel it off.

Double-EE
11/20/08

Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's a little behind. Here were his schoolwork assignments today .. .. .. Math: Multiplication and division worksheets. LA Basics: Punctuation worksheets. Geography: States/Capitals CD. Writing: Look up the word "simile" and use it in a paragraph about trees. Did you see his example? What grade would you give this writing assignment (Please use the comment section.)

Schoolwork: Earth

Mother Earth's name comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "land". But earth isn't all land. It's also water too. Many astronomers think Earth's water came from a giant storm of icy coments that hit the Earth when it was forming. Before this, Earth was very hot, then it cooled down, forming a lot more land then what we have now. Then the storm came, and Earth melted the ice, and formed - duh - water. After that, plants grew on the super continent called Pangea. It was ready to give birth to life. We people need to take care of our mother of life forever. This is how life should be. This is how our Planet is meant to be. LIVED BY TAKING CARE OF IT.

Double-EE
11/19/2008

p.s. This was his schoolwork for Wednesday; in addition to writing a paragraph about Earth, he had to memorize and present it to us, his parents. Did excellent - messed up a couple of words and fidgeted, but still, making progress. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

KW Tip of the Day: Challenge

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Challenge yourself. When was the last time you pushed yourself to do anything, or to do anything better? Do you usually walk around the block? Make it two blocks. Do you drink only soda during the day? Challenge yourself to drink a full glass of water. Do you ever do the extra-credit assignment for class? Do it today. So... what kind of challenge did you make of yourself today?

Schoolwork: Imagery

Imagery is images that are created in the mind while reading a book or looking at art. When you are reading, you can see pictures in your head that tell the story. If it's a junior novelization, you can watch the movie before or after you read it. Tip: read the book first, then see the movie (if it is one). You'll see that some things that were in the book couldn't get into the movie. Sometimes people do the opposite. It may not be smart, but it makes the imagery more correct and stronger. Now, art is different. It can tell a story, or just sway in front of you. So everyone has their own imagery. From books to art, your imagery pics can be ... anything!

"Double-EE"
11/18/2008

p.s. We're changing our 12 year old boy's name from ******* to Double-EE per his request so we're going back and changing them all. Anyway, this was his writing assignment for yesterday. A bad bout of flu prevented us from typing it in yesterday. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

KW Tip of the Day: Smile

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Smile! Smile at everyone you see and everyone you talk to. Alone for the day? Go to the mirror and smile at yourself. You'll be surprised at how good it makes you feel - to smile at anyone spreads a little bit of sunshine.

KW Tip of the Day: Dictionary

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Open up the dictionary to any page. Close your eyes and point. What word did you land on? Read the entire listing, including pronunciation and parts of speech. Did the definition match what you thought it should?

Schoolwork: Barack Obama

The 1st President of the USA was elected in 1789. Now we're in the 21st century, and we have had 43 Presidents so far, and this 2008 election of choosing the 44th President is most of war than just original.

John McCain and Barack Obama were the people who were competing against each other. No wonder there were so many commercials on TV! Jeez!

Anyway, Obama won, and I feel great. Can you believe that in January 2009, Obama is going to be into the White House? I can! And it's going to be the best. BEST DAY EVER!!!!

"Double-EE"
11/17/2008

p.s. This was his writing assignment for today. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

KW Tip of the Day: Sit

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Sit for a moment. Go into a room and close the door. No TV or radio or music. Maybe light a candle. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Listen to your heartbeat. Think about nothing but listening and feeling your heartbeat. Just take a moment to BE.

KW Tip of the Day: Kiss

Here's your "Kid Whispers" Tip of the Day: Kiss your child. Even if he's a teenager, or she's a hundred miles away at college: give a quick kiss and a hug in person or virtually. Text a few X's and O's. Make your child feel loved.

Schoolwork: Intuition

Intuition is the power to know or understand something without thinking it through in a logical way. It's like predicting something. I had intuition that my dog would be nice to me and I was right! You can use your intuition too!

"Double-EE"
11/14/2008

p.s. This was his Friday writing assignment. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Schoolwork: Imagination

Imagination is the act or power of the mind to form a thought, picture, or image of something or someone that is not present to the senses.

I use my imagination for so many things. I control it during the day but at nighttime, I let it run wild. Take charge of your imagination and don't let it take charge of you.

"Double-EE"
11/13/08

p.s. This was today's writing assignment. The first paragraph was the definition he found in his children's dictionary. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Posting Delayed

Vee-Mama usually plans what to post but she came down with a viral-something. Waiting for test results. She might not be able to post daily.

Meanwhile, please send her your thoughts and good wishes.

Schoolwork: A Poem

"Double-EE" 's writing assignment today was:
1. Pick a color, an object, and a place
2. Describe the object using the color.
3.Write about the object with the color in your place.
4. Find rhyming words for your description.
5. Write a 4-line rhyming poem about your color, object and place.

Here's what he wrote:

Title: White Ball of Fluff

This little white ball of fluff
lives in California along with its stuff.
It's favorite, Mr. Carrot, has lots of fun
with it underneath the sun.


Ok ... who can guess what or who he wrote about?

p.s. Copyright (c) 2008.

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Schoolwork: Spirit the Dog

Spirit the dog is a really cute dog. She's a mix of a USA and Mexican chihuahua. She's 4 years old (28 in dog years). She chases her tail, protects us, and she's a bottomless hunger-pit girl.

Sometimes when she's in a towel, she looks like a towel with a head and tail. She's been with us for 40 days, comparedto Scooter's 1 week. Scooter was my other dog. Mom had given him 3 chances and he blew them up because he bit me 3 times! So, we took him back. It wasn't until Oct. 3 we went back to get another dog. Spirit was perfect. But they said she was Star and she was 2 years old (14 in dog years). Then they noticed their mistake and changed her name and age back to Spirit and 4 years old. Before this happened, Mom didn't want our friend, Starr, to think we named her by her name! Boy! No wonder the dog didn't come when we called her!

Double-EE, age 12
11/11/2008

p.s. This is his writing assignment for today. Copyright (c) 2008.
He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

Schoolwork: What is Friendship?

Friendship is the state of being a friend. Your friend(s) can be anybody (except strangers): Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, etc. Here's a poem about fun. It's called "F.U.N.":

F is for friends who do stuff together
U is for you and me
N is anywhere and anyone you like
.... down here on Earth, you see.

I know what you're thinking: it's from "SpongeBob SquarePants". Well, it makes a good song in friendship. And besides, I changed the last part so it not only tells about friends in the sea, but on land as well.

Now that's friendship!

Double-EE
11/10/2008

p.s. This was written as part of his writing assignment. Copyright (c) 2008

He's 12 years old. Due to a few learning problems, he's just learning how to write sentences, and paragraph structure. What grade would you give this assignment? Please use the comment section.

A Growing Boy

My baby's birthday celebration is finally over. We overdid his b-day this year - not with gifts but with time. Hubby took off from work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so we spent those three days doing fun family things. Saturday and today were filled with chores and watching movies.

But my regular Sunday phone call to a family friend helped me re-realize: my baby is almost a man. His voice has stopped squeaking and is quite deep. His chest is filling out and his feet are bigger than mine. He's also nearly as tall as I am.

We had a little talk this morning. Now that he's growing older, he needs to be able to better control the little sounds he makes and his pacing. He needs to help more with chores (although he is really helpful in the house, he needs to help more with yardwork and gardening), and concentrate more on schoolwork and learning. We have a lot to accomplish this year.

I think I'll have my boy resume writing a paragraph a day about anything (for the writing portion of his schoolwork), and will post his musings here. Need to go see if I can work it into his schedule.

Happy Birthday, Baby

My baby has a birthday today.

I woke up this morning, and began to cry. Over a decade ago (has it been that long?), contractions started at one minute after midnight. It was his due-date but he was huge, and all amount of persuasion from doctors and drugs went ignored by him. The pains felt intense but I handled it as long as they were spread out. I labored in silence, alone. Feeling my baby move within me, spreading out for his journey. Kicking and punching. Hiccup. A brief rest.

My birth coach picked me up around 5 a.m., pre-arranged for another induction-attempt. By the time we got to the hospital, the contractions had closed together. But my baby suffered. The cord had wrapped around his neck.

The doctors rushed me into a C-Section. Needle in my spine. Tears on my face. Hand held tightly. Background surgery noise. Then laughter. As the medical team lifted my baby out of my belly, he had let go a stream of urine that a horse could be proud of. They "vaccuumed" me out and sewed me up.

My swaddled baby in my arms. Strawberry red tufts of hair. Dimple in the chin. Beautiful eyes.

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy.

Mom

Positive Thoughts: Experiment

Attention Families:

I was looking this morning at a Montessori School's blog (http://riverstonemontessori.blogspot.com/) and learned one critical thing that would have helped me years ago with my son:

Say at least 9 POSITIVE comments for every negative.

How about:
- Great job taking out the trash.
- You combed your hair very nicely today.
- Thank you for such a sweet smile.

Have to remember that adding a "but" at the end of the positive actually negates the comment. Don't say "thanks for taking out the trash, but you dragged it." We've been "taught" that it's easier to say negatives things than to say positive, but let's all try it.

Experiment: for one day, or even one hour, say only positive comments. Nothing negative. Can you do it? Will you do it?

My boy is 12 years old this week. I hope it's not too late.

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

More Reading!

We finally got to the Thrift Store last night. Double-EE brought home about 25 books. Some were fiction like "The Secret Garden" or "The Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court" and some were about animals of the world, the planets, sharks, rivers, and more.

I love that he loves to read!

Now, as the picture shows, he's up in his room, reading. Chances are I won't see or hear from him for a couple of days unless it's time to eat.

Since we're a family of book fanatics, that's ok with us.

Vee-Mama

Reading: A Favorite Pastime

Double-EE loves to read. He begs to stop at every yardsale we pass. He spend his extra money on books, spending money as fast as he saves it. He can barely contain himself when I say it's time to go to the thrift store.

Our local "ARC" thrift store holds many treasure, not least of these is books. Non-fiction about dogs, the solar system, or science. The children's section with chapter books and fun stuff. He loves it, and when he brings home a big bag of books for less than $20, he drags them up to his room and is quiet for hours.

He has almost a photographic memory, but only when it comes to something that interests him. Math puzzles him completely, but give him a book about the solar system or dinosaurs and he can spout off facts and figures non-stop.


I'm not worried about his schooling or career aspirations right now. I know that as long as he loves to read about a variety of topics, he'll be just fine. (However, we ARE still doing schoolwork!)

Is it because I allow him to read read read? And does he read because I didn't push him to learn, so when he felt like reading at 7 years old, he was reading books in one month? And does he love reading because I'm a book-hound myself?

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Labels like "indigo child", "starseed", "crystal child" and more.

To the right: a picture of Double-EE when he was around 6 years old. Don't you just want to hug him?


Indigo child, as defined at http://www.indigochild.com/ is as follows:

= = = = = =
As a summary, here are the ten attributes that best describe this new kind of child, the Indigo Child:
  • They come into the world with a feeling of royalty (and often act like it)
  • They have a feeling of "deserving to be here," and are surprised when others don't share that.
  • Self-worth is not a big issue. They often tell the parents "who they are."
  • They have difficulty with absolute authority (authority without explanation or choice).
  • They simply will not do certain things; for example, waiting in line is difficult for them.
  • They get frustrated with systems that are ritually oriented and don't require creative thought.
  • They often see better ways of doing things, both at home and in school, which makes them seem like "system busters" (nonconforming to any system).
  • They seem antisocial unless they are with their own kind. If there are no others of like consciousness around them, they often turn inward, feeling like no other human understands them. School is often extremely difficult for them socially.
  • They will not respond to "guilt" discipline ("Wait till your father gets home and finds out what you did").
  • They are not shy in letting you know what they need.
= = = = = =
When my now 12-yr-old son was just an infant, I was told he was an indigo child. That his aura had a lot of indigo. That he needed more energy input than other kids. That he needed special parenting. That other families would be jealous.

I got sucked into believing that this special label of "indigo child" meant he was a "super child", with gifts and special abilities beyond adult human comprehension. Luckily, I wised up and realized he was "a kid"!

Lots of time has passed. We've been through major problems, ups and downs, and upheavels in every aspect of our lives. He is very loving and beautiful-spirited. As soon as he could walk, he would approach anyone and everyone with a big hug. Amazing that even the scariest meanest biker-dude would melt at the site of this little red-head offering his arms in innocent love.

But I've learned this: EVERY child and EVERY person is special. We could put a label on this child and that child, but in the end, every person is unique and divinely special in this world.

Many of the children today are labeled with "ADD", "ADHD", "Hyperactive", and "Spoiled" to name a few. Many are put on Ritalin, anti-depressants, stimulants and more. Stop it! We could choose to be better parents, and listen to what our kids need. Stop doing what's most convenient and do what best for them. Now don't get angry; some kids legitimately need outside assistance, but maybe we should be more discriminating and listen to our inner selves and our kids, as opposed to listening the media and mainstream Western-Medicine doctors.

And let's stop labeling our children. Each has a gift for this generation, and for this Earth. Let's learn from them all.

Vee-Mama

Halloween at our House

To the right: Hubby making a silly face, Double-EE trying to be funny, and Spirit probably thinking "get this costume off of me!".


It's almost 9 p.m. on October 31 2008 - Halloween. This was our first in our very own home, and we were prepared. We had two big bags of various candies (bought at Sam's), a skeleton hanging on our green-bean trellis, and electric pumpkins in our window.

I dressed our dog in a pumpkin costume - that lasted all of 10 minutes, or her first "shake". Hubby dressed as a hippie with a tie-die t-shirt, fringe vest, headband and peace-symbol necklace. Double-EE dressed as Superman, but trick-or-treating didn't last long with his poor post-surgery foot. And I dressed all in black, added a witch's hat, a peace symbol necklace and cackled as a hippie-witch.

Our candy is almost gone, so I'm on my way upstairs to take care of Double-EE's foot.

Meanwhile - think about this.... what an odd tradition... one night a year, it's okay to go from door to door, asking for free candies and goodies. Did we forget the background of All Hallow's Eve?

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Never too young to VOTE!

With less than one week till the big day, Hubby and I took almost-12-yr-old Double-EE down to vote early this afternoon.

We had studied the "2008 State Information Booklet" to analyze and decide which way we would vote on the Referendums and Amendments. No, we didn't agree 100% on every issue, but we made our notes. He gets off work at 2:30 so by 3:05 we'd left the house in search of our Early Voting place. There were about 6 people in front of us by the time we got there at 3:20, so this went quickly. Double-EE stayed with me as I voted on our electronic machine with the little voter credit-type-card. He said aloud who I chose for President but after I shushed him, we realized no one had heard (I later explained about the right of privacy).

All in all, it took about 15 minutes plus drive time. Not bad.

Double-EE had heard Hubby and I discuss the issues and the candidates for weeks now. He made up his mind about who he'd like to be President. If he had been old enough, he would have voted. Proudly. We live in a democracy where we choose the people to represent our needs and wants in a centralized government. We do NOT cater to peer pressure. So, as we explained, if we don't vote, we don't have the right to complain about how our government is run.

And if we don't like the way things are going, we do what we can change them.

Kids:
  • If you had the choice, who would you have voted for President/Vice President? And why?
  • What is one thing you would change about our government and country?
Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/

Introduction to "Kid Whispers"

The new kids of today feel misunderstood. They can't sit still. Can't articulate their feelings. Feel bored with rote learning and schoolwork. Need constant attention.

What do we do? We try to control them, and can't. Often, we fail miserably, and feel the need to resort to therapy or medication (i.e. Ritalin).

I know I did. While I was a single parent struggling to make a living and spend time with my child, there were often-times I just couldn't do it. My little boy sucked my energy. He couldn't stop from blurting out answers in kindergarten. He fixated on his interests, blocking out all else.

When the kindergarten called me for a special meeting with a psychiatrist, the teacher, administrator and another person, I felt overwhelmed. "Put him on Ritalin or leave," they told me.

We left.

He's almost 12 years old now. Life continues to be a struggle, finding a balance between helping him develop his own interests and making time for myself. It helped to find a good partner.

Now, we're starting this blog (and soon, a monthly e-newsletter) for other people involved with helping the new kids of today (sometimes called "indigo children", "starseed", "rainbow children" and so forth. We hope to also discuss special camps, peer pressure, friends, family time, education/alternate schools, career paths, and more, including special interests and gifts.

Kids: feel free to comment on our postings. And if anyone has a suggestion for an e-book or other information you'd like researched and provided, or if you have something to contribute, please e-mail us. Thanks!

Vee-Mama
http://www.newviewgroupllc.com/