Sue Scheff - Informational Articles and more

Distracted Driving: Txting - It can wait....

2012-01-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

Distracted driving kills. Whether it is drinking and driving or texting and driving, if you are not driving and paying attention to the road and your car, you are not only endangering yourself, you are a danger to others on the road.

AT&T has been committed to bring awareness and helping prevent distracted driving.

Below is a link to a video that AT&T shot last week during a teen safety fair in Washington D.C., sponsored by a DC TV station and the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) — a network of national associations and federal agencies focused on youth safety and health. (You may recall, last May AT&T announced a $1 million commitment in the fight against texting and driving. That commitment involves a contribution to NOYS to develop and train student ambassadors on anti-texting-while-driving education. The students then host summits on the topic within their schools and hometowns throughout the school year.)

As part of the D.C. teen safety fair, AT&T had a TWD Simulator on site to give teens a first-hand experience at just how much of a distraction texting and driving can be. As you’ll see from the video, the simulator is a full-sized car. Kids get in the simulator, put on goggles and start driving, using a heads-up street display in their goggles. They then send a text message and the inevitable result is the kid crashes into a car or a pedestrian.

Link to TWD Simulator: http://silo.mediasilo.com/weblink/FBF9900EF2686B78BA344B8D06D55ECC/22455/

Background on our “Txting While Driving … It Can Wait” campaign:

While distracted driving is an issue for all motorists, teenagers are particularly at risk. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and the proliferation of distracted driving among teens is a huge challenge.
That’s why AT&T”s “Txting…It Can Wait” public awareness campaign is especially focused on educating teens about the risks of texting while driving and spreading the message that text messages can wait. Not even red lights, professionals say, signal a “safe” time to text.

As part of its campaign, AT&T has developed a powerful documentary called “The Last Text” that examines the real world consequences of texting and driving. Each of the eight individuals in the video — whose lives have been impacted tragically by texting while driving — volunteered their stories to help educate Americans — particularly youth — on the risks of texting behind the wheel. The documentary can be viewed online on the AT&T “It Can Wait” website and on the AT&T YouTube page.

Texting is so dangerous because it takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field completely blind. Studies show a driver’s reaction time is doubled when reading or sending a text, and that motorists sending a text while driving are 23 more times likely to be in a crash.

Cyberstalking: A Growing Problem

2012-01-21T05:30:00.000-08:00

Anderson Cooper and Sue Scheff

Do you know what a Google bomb is?

We are in 2012, if you don't, you should!

A Google bomb could cost you your job, your career, your personal life, and possibly your friends!

So what is a Google bomb?

Google Bomb (n) or “link bomb”: Internet slang for a certain kind of attempt to raise the ranking of a given page in results from a Google search. (Wikipedia)

Don't wait to be hit by one to realize what it means, like I did.

Anderson Cooper recently interviewed me on my experience with a Google bomb. Like many of you reading this, I didn't know what one was. Watch here.

It nearly destroyed me! Especially in today's troubling times, people out of work, the competitiveness of jobs, businesses, etc - people are stooping to all levels to survive financially. Even if it means ruining others with a few keystrokes!

Order today

Don't let it happen to you!

To learn more about protecting yourself, order Google Bomb. It offers tips and advice to help you maintain and polish your online profile. Co-authored with a prominent Internet attorney, John Dozier Jr., Google Bomb not only offers my story, it offers sound advice that you will understand and use to help you and your kids keep your digital lives safer.

Remember, what goes online, stays online.

What you post today, can haunt you tomorrow!

Has Text Replaced Spelling? Online Games to Help Teach Kids to Spell

2012-01-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

With this generation being the texting generation it’s more important than ever that they learn to spell words correctly. There are many different ways to do this, but the most fun are online games. It’s more fun than just rote memorization.

Check out 10 online games that help kids spell.

www.spellingcity.com: This is a great site with at least 25 games related to spelling and grammar. This site allows you to type in your child’s spelling list from school and then it will use that list in all of the games. There’s a straight spelling test that allows you to see if they are learning the words or not. Then there’s a game like hang man, matching games, speed games and many more. There are even crossword puzzles that you can play.
www.kidsspell.com: Some very interesting and different games on this site. There’s one called Farkle Frog that is just like Frogger and the frog jumps through traffic and onto logs and then jumps on the letters to spell the words. There’s a city called Miaopia where balloons go when they are released by humans and you create your own character and then find letters and unscramble them to spell words. This world is extensive and when you learn you earn coins and then you are able to go to the store and buy clothes and things for your online self. This world is elaborate and has earth science, math as well as history lessons.
www.funbrain.com/spell/: This site does not allow you to put in your own list, but it does give your child various lists so they can just play and practice spelling. Spellaroo features a kangaroo and you click on the misspelled words in the sentence. When you get finished you can go to the land of the joeys and play. This site has math and reading as well as other fun games on it. The arcade games are particularly fun.
www.spellingbeethegame.com: This will challenge even an adult so if your child is a very accomplished speller this site is the place to send them. Strange words are used such as zuuzuu and kraal.
gamequarium.com/spelling.html: There are 32 different spelling games on this site and there are a lot of different ones. You can type in your own spelling list. All of the games have to do with water so that is the tie in to the aquarium part of the name.
Eduplace.com: Fun, but limited on the number of games that it offers. This site breaks apart words to help you spell them correctly based on the sounds.
www.bigiqkids.com: A totally different approach is taken on this site. There are animated characters that go through lessons to teach the spelling words. First the child is asked to spell a word and they can see it. Then the next lesson they spell the word for a robot. The following lesson the child writes the words on paper and then moves on. The next lesson they are in a spelling bee situation. A final quiz is given. If any words are missed an e-mail is sent to the parents. The kid cannot advance to the next lesson without scoring 100% on their test.
www.spinandspell.com: Some children learn better one way over another. This site has a big wheel that the children have to click on the letter on the wheel and it spins as it spells the word. Then you submit the word and see if you got it right. When you get it right you move on and when you get it wrong you get another chance to spell it.
http://www.manythings.org/cts/: Different than the other sites and has a lot of different choices. All of the games are the same in that the letters are dropped from above because it’s called Catch the Spelling. They differ in how hard the words are and how much help is given to the child. You cannot enter in your child’s own spelling list so this would be a site to use when they just want to play and learn.
Spellit: There are 42 different spelling games to go to on this site. The games are linked to other sites. Word turtle will allow you to enter in your spelling words and then it will turn them into a word search puzzle. Critter Jumble is another fun game where you can use virtual fridge magnets to spell out the words.

Source: Live-InNanny.com

In reality this is becoming more of serious concern than most think. Teenagers need to realize when they apply to colleges they need to type in full sentences and interview in person! Yes, in real life!
Be an educated parent, you will have smarter kids!

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today's teenagers.

Sex Crimes and Stopping Child Abuse

2012-01-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Stacey Honowitz

“Sex crimes know no boundaries. It’s black, it’s white, it’s Catholic, it’s Jewish.” – Stacey Honowitz

Stacey Honowitz, who I consider a good friend and devoted crusader for children, is a twenty-two year veteran of the State Attorney’s Office, seventeen years dedicated to the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit where she is currently serving as a supervisor.

She has written two books that target this sensitive and ugly topic of sex abuse and sex crimes. As the fastest growing crime in the country, Child Sexual Abuse is a national problem. “My Privates are Private” and “Genius with a Penis: Don’t Touch” aim to help parents educate their children in a fun and comfortable way. Both books Stacey Honowitz authored to help educate parents, teachers and children to better understand this ugly crime that is despicable.

She is also a frequent legal commentator who has provided legal analysis for CNN Headline News, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, MSNBC, CNBC, Dr. Drew HLN, Larry King, as well as Fox News and Court Television. She has prosecuted several high profile cases in south Florida and is also a guest lecturer who speaks about child sex abuse, the sensitive nature of these cases, the navigation of the criminal justice system and the importance of frank and open communication with children about this important and difficult subject matter.

She has provided important information for several years to both parents and children on the issues of child molestation and continues to send the message that the importance of reporting the abuse is the first step in healing. To contact Stacey, email: info@staceyhonowitz.com .

Stacey is available for speaking engagements focusing on Child Sex Crimes, how to discuss sex abuse with your children, adult rape cases, investigations for child pornography, navigating the criminal justice system and the medias role in high profile cases. Contact her – click here.

Learn more about Stacey’s books and don’t forget to order them today! Her website is full of valuable information!

Cybertraps for the Young: Sext Education and CyberEthics

2011-12-31T06:40:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to this book and have to share it with everyone. As technology and social networking expands, so does digital dangers. I am a big believer that education is the key to prevention.
When parents say that they are going to remove their teen’s computer, take away their cell phone – or have their teen delete their Facebook – it is almost comical.

Do they actually think a teen is not savvy enough to create a new page, borrow a friends phone or even go to an Internet cafe or library? Parents, you always need to be a step ahead of your kids – you need to show your kids the dangers – the risks – the pitfalls – so they don’t get tangled in the web! Here is a good start…..


Order today!

Cybertraps for the Young
by Frederick S. Lane

‘SEXT EDUCATION’ AND ‘CYBERETHICS’:
WHAT EVERY PARENT MUST KNOW ABOUT
THE TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES OF CHILDREN

—Leading expert on emerging technology breaks down the implications of technology misuse amongst teens and provides tips on how to monitor online activity in new book

Just how ‘connected’ are today’s youth?

The average child possesses their first cell phone before age 10
In October 2010, 43% of teen cell phone users reported that their primary reason for having a phone was to text message friends
Roughly 50% of teens in the U.S. use Facebook
81% of children between the ages of 12 and 17 own at least one gaming console
23% of children under 5 regularly use the Internet

With fast downloads, mass file sharing, instant uploads, and lightning-fast Internet searches available at the click of a button, a host of new technologies—cell phones, gaming systems, laptops, tablets, and digital cameras—are helping teens commit irrevocable mistakes. As today’s youth continues to be a targeted consumer audience for emerging technology, it is increasingly critical for parents and educators to identify, understand, and discuss the consequences of technology misuse with children.

In his new book, Cybertraps for the Young, attorney and computer forensics expert Frederick Lane describes the most prevalent cybertraps confronting children today. After outlining the legal consequences which can result from inappropriate online behavior, he provides parents with insightful strategies for discussing safe and ethical technology use with their children.

“Cyber responsibility starts at home and, now more than ever, it’s crucial parents have regular conversations with their kids about online safety,” Lane says. “Children should not get access to powerful communication tools until they understand the risks associated with them.”

Unlike other books on new technologies, Cybertraps for the Young focuses on the serious personal and legal consequences children may face as a result of their online behavior. From the most common and easily triggered cybertraps, including those arising from new tools like the iPhone’s new live video chat capability, “Face Time,” to lesser-known risks like peer-to-peer file sharing, Lane offers a candid look at how schools, law enforcement agents, and state and federal prosecutors are taking increasingly tough stands against young offenders. Drawing on contemporary news stories, case studies, and personal courtroom experiences, Lane provides a startling investigation of the numerous cybertraps that continue to dominate today’s headlines: oversharing personal information, plagiarism and high-tech cheating, cyberbullying and cyber harassment, libel and slander, hacking, sexting and sextortion, and child pornography on Peer-to-Peer networks.

In addition to the analysis of the cybertraps for parents, Lane stresses the need to incorporate cybersafety and cyberethics lessons into the American education system. Backed by his decade on the Burlington School Board in Vermont, Lane provides tips to parents on how to approach their local school districts and advocate for cyberethics education at all grade levels.

“We emphasize the practice of safe sex in sex education; we teach gun safety as a prerequisite for a hunting license; and we teach auto safety in driver’s education,” notes Lane. “As technology continues to advance, cyberethics should be a staple in the school curricula.”

In this first book of its kind, Lane delves into:

The capabilities of emerging technology, including camera cell phones, gaming systems, tablets, live video chat, and digital cameras, among others
How and when to start educating children about cyberethics and potential cybertraps
How to monitor children’s online activity—both by physically tracking their conduct and by using monitoring tools and software
The legal and personal consequences of specific cybertraps, including sexting, cyber-bullying, and hacking
What parents can do to notify their school districts and state legislatures about the need for cyber education

About the author:
Frederick Lane is an author, attorney, expert witness, and professional speaker on the legal and cultural implications of emerging technology. A 1988 graduate of Boston College Law School, Lane practiced law for five years before launching his own computer consulting business, a career move which ultimately led him to his current work as a writer, lecturer, and computer forensics expert. Over the past 12 years, Lane has worked on a wide variety of criminal cases, including copyright infringement, stalking, embezzlement, theft of intellectual property, obscenity, and child pornography.

In addition to his professional background, Lane has served on the Burlington School Board in Vermont since October 2001 and served as chairman of the Board for the past two years. He is the author of 5 highly acclaimed books, a number of which deal with technology boundaries. Lane is also the father of two teenage boys.

For more information about Frederick Lane and Cybertraps for the Young, please visit www.cybertrapsfortheyoung.com or www.FrederickLane.com. Cybertraps for the Young will be available on ntiupstream.com or on Amazon.

Proper Phone Etiquette for Kids Tips

2011-12-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

Getting your kids to talk on the phone is not always an easy task.

Sure, teens can talk to their friends for hours - or should we say, text their friends for hours.
But are kids being raised with proper phone etiquette today?

The land-line telephone is quickly going the way of the dinosaur; by the time the toddlers of today are teenagers, home telephone service could very well be a thing of the past. With this changing of the technological guard comes a new set of guidelines; here are seven great ways to teach your children modern phone etiquette.

Lead By Example – Your children will take their behavioral cues from you, so it’s important that you use proper etiquette as well. This means never taking a call in a quiet, public setting such as waiting rooms or elevators unless it’s an absolute emergency. If you feel like you must take an important call, you should answer and place the caller on hold until you step outside. Being the person that everyone rolls their eyes at in the doctor’s office is a great way to teach your children what not to do.
Discuss the Need to Prioritize – When presenting your child with their first cellphone, you should have a conversation about the need to prioritize a call. Explaining to them that the phone was purchased expressly to keep a clear line of communication open between family members and that they should never ignore a call from their parents unless they absolutely cannot speak is a good start; follow with a brief discussion about times when using a cellphone is inappropriate.
Roleplaying – For younger children, teaching proper phone etiquette can be as simple as a roleplaying session. Using phones that are turned off, sit together and mimic a phone conversation; when you feel that they’ve absorbed the basic tenets of polite phone use, let them call Grandma for live practice.
Talk About The Importance of Being Charitable – Explain to your children that having a cellphone is a privilege, and that not all of their peers will be so fortunate. Impressing the importance of allowing a friend in need to borrow their phone to call for a ride after practice is an effective way to continue the lesson you began when your child was a toddler: don’t be selfish.
Use the Opportunity to Discuss Appropriate Behavior – Another way of teaching your child to use proper phone etiquette is to have a conversation about what’s appropriate and what isn’t. Let them know that their phone is subject to random searches, and that they should never send a message they would be embarrassed for you to see.
Ban Phone Use During Certain Hours – Part of your first conversation about your child’s new cellphone should be a clear explanation that their phone will be off limit during certain parts of the day. Enforcing this rule and telling them why you’ve instituted it will send the message that cellphone use isn’t acceptable in some situations, such as mealtimes or family time. This is a great opportunity to discuss other situations that should never include the use of a cellphone.
Open a Dialogue About Bullying – Cellphones can be a powerful tool in the hands of a bully, and your children should be aware that part of being a responsible and polite cellphone user is to never forward harassing messages or embarrassing pictures of a classmate. Your kids should be educated about what bullying is, and that it’s never “harmless.”

The best lessons are taught by conversation, not one-sided lectures. Listen to the questions, concerns and opinions of your child when you have these discussions, and remember that teaching proper etiquette in any area is an ongoing process, not a one-time talk.

Source: FulltimeNanny.com

Teen Stress: Learning anger and stress management

2011-12-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Holidays: Merry & Bright
by Lori Lite, Founder of Stress Free Kids

Holidays were originally designed to be relaxing, merry and bright, but the reality is that most of us associate holidays with stress. The economy is adding extra restrictions on gift giving and children still have high magical expectations. With a little bit of effort we can turn stress off and turn on deeper connections with our children and teens, good health, and relaxation. We can use this holiday season to shift our focus and bring the merry and bright back into the holidays.

Tips:

Slow down. I don’t know anyone that can rush and feel stress free at the same time. Children are especially prone to meltdowns when asked to rush. Leave extra time for the purpose of moving slowly and focusing on your breathing. Enjoy the moment.
Give your family a better understanding of the economic climate and why their holiday gifting expectations may need to be adjusted. Rent Kit Kittredge: An American Girl for a family movie night. Everyone will be reminded to appreciate family.
Bring creativity and music into your home. Place musical instruments like jingle bells, maracas, and tambourines on the coffee table. A box of fun hats and reindeer antlers in the living room and let the creativity and stress management begin. Join in the fun and lead a parade around your apartment or house. Laugh and you will enjoy less stress and more joy. Children want your time more than presents. (I have had teens enjoy both hats and instruments and they always film it. Just pretend you are not watching and their imaginations take flight.)
Be aware of your language. It is easy to become negative during the holidays. Use positive statements and affirmations like, “I am happy, I am calm, I am thankful, I am healthy.” Encourage children and teens to write their own affirmation and stick it on their pillow or mirror.
Cold weather brings lots of opportunities to get outside. Take the kids on a walk to look for elf tracks in the snow. Leave a container of water outside to invite Jack Frost to visit. Use the cold air as an aid to teach children how to use relaxation or diaphragmatic breathing. (Foster sibling bonds by letting your teen take the lead looking for elf tracks. You will be surprised at how much fun they will have when mom is not around.)

Breathing is one of the most effective stress management available to all ages. The following excerpt from my story Sea Otter Cove can be used with your family. Sit outside and pretend you are sea otters…watch your breath hit the cold air and get ready to feel good!

The following excerpt is from Sea Otter Cove: A Relaxation Story. This story is also available on the Indigo Ocean Dreams CD and in Spanish. To see your breath hit the cold air, breathe out through your mouth and say ahhhh….

The sea child told the sea otter to breathe in through his nose and out through his nose. He focused all of his attention on the tip of his nose.

They both did this breathing together.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your nose.
In 2, 3, 4… out 2, 3, 4. In 2, 3, 4… out 2, 3, 4.

The sea child told the sea otter that he could breathe this way whenever he felt angry or scared or nervous. He could focus on the air moving in and out of the tip of his nose, and he could feel calm. The sea otter placed his hands on his belly, and felt it lift up and down as the air moved in and out. For a few moments they both did this breathing together.

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
In 2, 3, 4… ahhhh 2, 3, 4. In 2, 3, 4… ahhh 2, 3, 4.
The sea child’s mind began to wander. She imagined that her thoughts were a feather as she blew them away with her next breath out. She focused her attention on her breath again as she drew in a breath of warm fragrant sea air.
She liked the way it felt to quiet her mind.
She focused on the way the air felt moving in and out of her nose. She felt her belly lift up and down as the sea child and the sea otter continued to breathe together.

Order today!

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

In 2, 3, 4…ahhh 2, 3, 4. In 2, 3, 4… ahhh 2, 3, 4.
In 2,3, 4…out 2,3,4.

Teens can learn deep breathing with Indigo Teen Dreams CD.

Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and yoga instructors. Lori is a certified children’s meditation facilitator and Sears’ Manage My Life parenting expert. For more information visit Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.

10 Quick Travel Tips With the Kids this Holiday Season

2011-12-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

Some families stay home for the holidays.
Some families will go the distance.
Some families will venture out and go the long distance to visit relatives!
What will you be doing?

Traveling is one of those things that, in theory, sound like a great idea every time it comes up.
Think of all the places you can show your kids… all the historical monuments… the theme parks…. And all the different states and countries they could see. Think of what a great childhood that would you would be providing them! This time you will be celebrating holidays and possibly visiting distant relatives!

And then you start to pack. And suddenly that weeklong trip with the whole family gets a little less exciting and a little more stressful. Seeing 18 different suitcases lined up by the front door with all the clothing and knick-knacks that just have to come along is enough to send any parent into a whirlwind.

The good news is that you can take just about everything you need while maximizing space and minimizing items.

Make a list - Be realistic when you’re making your list. A lot of times people tend to over-pack when they’re getting clothes and shoes together to go out of town, taking things that they may need just in case. But let’s be realistic – how often do you really end up using half the stuff you bring along? Seeing what items you need in writing will help reduce this. Instead of just throwing items into a bag, prioritize the things you absolutely need and realistically evaluate what you, your spouse, and your kids will really use on the trip and what is being brought as an afterthought.
Make multiple outfits from the same pieces - Instead of picking out a separate outfit for each day for each person in the family, cut back on clothes by putting together staple pieces that can match different outfits. This way you’ll cut back on how much you’re bringing with you, but you won’t be stuck wearing the same exact thing day in and day out.
Roll your clothing - Next time you go to pack nix the folded clothes and roll them instead. This will not only save on space but will allow you to fit more clothes into odd spaces and help keep things from getting creases in them from being folded during their stay in the suitcase.
Remember there are convenience stores in every city - Before you start to pack all the miniature toiletries that you’ve bought to fit the regulation size, remember that just about everywhere you travel there will be a convenience store that you can buy these items at if where you’re staying doesn’t already provide them. This is an easy way to save on space and you’ll probably spend just as much in another city on those miniature toiletries as you would in your own. Plus you’ll be able to throw them away when you’re leaving so you won’t have to pack them on the way home either.
Figure out what you can buy when you get there - Before you pack two weeks’ worth of diapers and formula for your baby, do some research and locate different stores in the city or town you’re travelling to where you can pick up these items. It’s unlikely that you won’t be able to find these necessities and taking ten minutes to do some internet research ahead of time will save you having to lug around a bunch of unnecessary items.
Limit the number of toys you bring - As much as your kids may want to bring seven different toys with them, they are just going to take up a lot of space that could be utilized for more pertinent items or space that could be completely eliminated. Let them pick two of their favorite toys and then let them pick out a new toy wherever you end up travelling to so that they have some variety without taking up a lot of room. The same goes for books – you may want to bring two or three to read, but you don’t need to bring nine different ones.
Put shoes to use - Instead of rolling up belts and socks and putting them into one of the luggage pockets, stuff them inside of shoes so that you don’t waste that empty space and you leave room for other things that need to be packed. Most people overlook this space, but it’s ideal for smaller items, including jewelry and bottled items like lotion or makeup remover.
Reduce all extra items to two carry-ons - This is a good way to weed out what you need and what you don’t when you’re flying. Designate one bag for you and one for your spouse and then fill one with the different electronic devices you may want to take along such as iPods or tablets and one with books and magazines for reading and snacks you can pull out in a pinch.
Ship before you leave if you need to - If you’re going skiing or hiking or something that requires a lot of gear, but you’re flying out there so you’re more limited on what you can bring with you, you may want to consider shipping some of the bulkier items ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about checking them or carrying them on.
Do laundry while traveling - It may take a little extra time during your trip, but it will drastically cut back on the amount of clothes you need to bring with you if you stop and do a load of laundry here or there. Instead of bringing two weeks’ worth of undergarments you can limit it to three or four per person and just wash them at different points when you reach your destination. The same goes for shirts, pants, socks, etc.

Travelling with kids for an extended period of time doesn’t have to mean that you need to pack up your entire household to take with you; it just requires a little extra planning before you head out.
By condensing items you’ll not only save space but you’ll also probably cut down on transportation costs too since you’ll be able to carry more stuff around with you and utilize public transportation instead of hailing a taxi or renting a car on your adventures. And all that extra money means you can buy more souvenirs, of course!

Source: AuPair.org

Remember: It is your 'presence not presents', that count during the holiday time!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!

TV Show Ratings: What Parents Should Know

2011-12-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Households are now capable of receiving hundreds of different channels with the advent of cable and satellite TV. This is an overwhelming number of television shows for concerned parents to monitor. How could they possibly filter out inappropriate viewing for their young children while still being able to watch the more mature shows they enjoy after they’ve gone to bed? In 1997 TV Parental Guidelines were implemented to help parents filter out television programs they don’t want their children to watch.

Here are 10 good reasons parents want TV show ratings.

Helpful tool – Even though these TV ratings are less than perfect, they are a helpful tool for parents to use. By examining what the different ratings are and what they stand for, parents have a starting point to work from when determining which shows they will allow their children to watch.
Watchdogs – The TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board are the ones determining how the various shows are rated. This means there is a panel of watchdogs reviewing these programs for the parents. The panel consists of experts from the television industry and public interest advocates and are available to receive complaints from concerned parents who may not agree with their ratings.
Volume of shows – The sheer volume of shows available on television make it impossible for parents to review them all. The ratings system helps to sort through a multitude of programs by age group. For instance, any show with a rating of TV-MA means that it is intended to mature audiences only and not appropriate for children.
At a glance – Once parents are familiar with the various ratings, they can tell at a glance whether the show should be safe for young children to watch or may need further review. The ratings appear in the upper left-hand corner of the TV screen at the beginning of the program and again after each commercial break.
Saves time – The TV show ratings system saves precious time for busy parents. As mentioned before, nobody wants to take the time to review the massive number of shows available. The ratings are visible at a glance and whole groups of shows can be blocked using the V-Chip technology built into most television sets.
V-Chip – Since the year 2000 television sets have been equipped with what is called V-Chip technology to help parents filter out programming they feel is inappropriate for their children. The V-Chip receives and understands the different ratings and on screen programs can be used to block whichever ratings parents choose.
Can’t always be there – Since parents can’t always be there when their children are watching TV, blocking adult programming gives them some control even when they’re not at home. Although the system isn’t perfect, it can be improved with monitoring and adjustments.
Can be used for discipline – Parents can even use the TV show ratings as a form of discipline. The various ratings can be used for either punishment or rewards. Parents can block violent shows for kids who get into a fight or unblock them as a reward for staying out of trouble.
Flexibility – The seven different ratings and the five different content labels give parents a wide range of flexibility when determining which shows may or may not be appropriate. Each family has different values and concerns. What may be considered taboo for some parents could be ok with others, so these ratings take that into account.
Peace of mind – Parents who are diligent about using the TV parental guidelines can have more peace of mind about what their kids are watching even when they’re not being supervised.

Many television and movie producers use violence, explicit sex and foul language to compete with each other. Parents need to have some form of control to limit the amount of this content their children are exposed to. Very young children are simply not capable of making good distinctions between what is real and fantasy on TV. Although some kids may not be happy about how their parents are using the ratings system to control their television viewing, it’s a valuable tool for families to use.

Source: Cable TV Providers

More College Grads Moving Back Home

2011-11-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

The number of college graduates who move home is at an all-time high, according to a poll by the consulting firm, Twentysomething, Inc. The survey found that 85% of college grads will return to Mom and Dad’s nest after graduation in hopes of finding a job and saving money. Moving back home and turning to your parents for financial help has become the norm and it really pays off for some.

Although living with Mom and Dad again may not sound very appealing, boomerang kids have the opportunity to save money, learn good personal finance habits, and become more financially secure before moving out on their own. If you’re one of the thousands of college graduates who is moving back with your parents, take advantage of this grace period and start saving and investing wisely.

Save money
The No. 1 reason kids move back home after college is to save money. Living with your parents allows you to save the money you would normally spend on rent and put it in the bank. Whether you pay the bills or live rent-free, saving is much easier when you live cheaply. The more money you can save while living at home, the better your finances will be when you move out.
Develop good money habits
Living at home can expose you to good personal-finance habits. Whether you want to obtain a credit card or start investing in a retirement fund, your parents can help you achieve financial freedom and develop good money habits for life. While at home, observe your parents’ financial habits and ask questions to get a good idea of how they spend their money and invest.
Learn the value of money
Many college students have misconceptions about money and enter the real world with a lack of personal financial knowledge. All graduates, including those who took out loans to pay for school, could use a refresher in the value of money. Living at home can help you learn the value of money because you’ll have less of it to spend and will appreciate the cash you do have.
Financial security
College grads who live at home have the financial security of their parents to help them stay afloat until they can move out on their own. Some graduates will get a free ride from Mom and Dad, while others will have to pay their dues for living at home. Either way you look at it, you’re getting a good deal. Having the financial support of your parents makes transitioning from college to the real world much easier.
Invest sooner
Moving in with Mom and Dad after college can make it easier to invest sooner. College graduates can save tons by living at home and the money they don’t spend on rent can be invested into a savings plan. One of the smartest financial investments graduates can make is to start a retirement plan, such as a Roth IRA. These investments will help you manage your cash flow and prepare for the future.
1. You can learn from your friends’ mistakes
  Living at home allows you to learn from your friends’ financial mistakes. Many college grads jump the gun on moving out because they want their own space and independence. While some friends may live within their means and have no financial problems, many end up overspending and have to move back home. When you live at home, you can be a spectator and learn from your friends and determine the right time to move out.
2. Pay off student loans
  Living with your parents after college makes it easy to start paying down your student loans. Living at home allows you to save tons, so you can afford to put more money toward student loans. Chipping away at these pesky loans will help you pay them off in a timely manner and free you from debt.
3. Incentive to find a job
  Considering the current state of the economy and the rising unemployment rate, finding a job is a difficult and often demoralizing task for college graduates. Moving home may be the only option for graduates, but it may also be the ticket to getting a job. Depending on your situation and your parents’ expectations, you may not have a choice but to find work right away. Pestering from Mom and Dad may be just what you need to get serious about job hunting and finding a job. Once you secure a job and get them off your back, you’ll feel relieved and more financially independent.
4. Build and/or fix your credit
  Living at home allows graduates to establish or fix their credit. It’s important to build good credit or fix a damaged credit score before you move out because many apartment owners and even employers conduct credit checks. If you’ve never had a credit card or form of credit, now is the time to do so. If your credit score is less than stellar, then you can use this time to improve it.
5. Budget for the future
  It is far easier to budget for the future when you don’t have rent going out the door each month. Use this time at home to set a budget that will help you achieve your financial goals. Budgeting will also give you a better idea if you can truly make it without your parents and how much it’s going to cost you when you move out.

Sexual Abuse: Know the Signs - Be an Educated Parent

2011-11-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Sexual abuse can be a single incident or many acts over a long period of time. There usually are subtle signs along the way that can be overlooked. Here are a few possible warnings of sexual abuse. Look for a change in your child’s normal behavior that last or become more intense.

Of course, there could be another explanation but any of these signs should be addressed. If you have any suspicions or a feeling something is wrong, seek help of a mental health professional.

Physical Signs: Bloody, torn, or stained underclothes; pain, bleeding, burning, or itching in genital area; difficulty walking or sitting; frequent urinary or yeast infections; STD or pregnancy
Psychosomatic Signs: Stomachaches, headaches or marked mood swings; nightmares or trouble sleeping; sudden changes in appetite
Sexual Behavior Signs: Uses adult-like sexual knowledge, language or behavior; writes, draws or plays out sexual-type images; frequent use of masturbation
Emotional Signs: Resorts to aggressive behaviors: thumb-sucking, bed-wetting; sudden clinginess; depressed
Behavioral Signs: Shrinks away or seems threatened by physical contact; excessive bathing, poor hygiene; or talks about self as dirty or bad; trouble focusing; seems distracted or distant at odd times; overly protective and concerned for siblings, assumes a caretaker role; talks about a new, older friend; jumpy if the phone rings, a text or email comes in; suddenly has unaccountable money, gifts, toys or mail; runs to mailbox

If there was something your child said or did that made you concerned, ask. Do know that a child may not admit or deny the abuse usually due to fear, humiliation, guilt or shame, but studies show that if asked, kids generally will tell a trusted adult of their abuse.

Special contributor: Dr. Michele Borba

Parent Peer Groups

2011-11-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Parent Peer Group (PPG) is an educational support system for parents. PPGs create fun, frequent opportunities for parents to share thoughts, activities and philosophies on "what works".

PPGs are guided by the Informed Families' Parent Pilot Kit, a science-based, proactive notebook designed to educate and involve parents of pre-teens and teens in creating a safe, healthy, drug-free lifestyle. PPGs can be organized at a school, house of worship, home or restaurant where parents can be comfortable and speak freely.
The initial four sessions will focus on four key topics called agendas:

Brain Development - How the teen brain develops and the harmful affects of drugs and alcohol.
Harmful Media - Understanding media (TV, Internet, Radio, Print) messages and changing their impact in your home.
Social Norms - Identifying and changing social norms affecting your family.
Building Parent Peer Groups - How to create and expand the positive impact of Parent Peer Groups in your community.

The goal of a Parent Peer Group is to provide parents the skills to set boundaries and monitor their children's behavior by creating an informal support system with their children's friends parents and in their children's schools. By fostering communication between parents, Parent Peer Groups help parents maintain a healthy environment for their children, keeping them safe, healthy, and drug-free.

See what others are saying about the Media Literacy Agenda. View the new video version of the Parent Pilot Kit Media Literacy Agenda online now!

If you would like to start a PPG in your neighborhood or just find out more information about attending one, call Informed Families at 305-856-4886.

Attend a Parent Peer Group online. Informed Families is working to expand the Parent Network. Look for opportunities to participate in online parent forums and more video based versions of our Parent Pilot Kit (PPK) coming in 2011.

Be a part of your PTA

2011-11-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

Why should parents join their PTA? Why don't they?

"I don't have time!"
"There are other parents that want to"
"It's just not for me"

EXCUSES! When it comes to your child and their education, teachers, schools and communities, parents need to make the time and become interested in an organization that is targeted at making a better academic life for your child.

Concerns about public schools are much in the news, in recent times. Politicians, business leaders, college admissions officials, and academic researchers, have much to say about the quality, or lack thereof, of teaching methods and subject matter. How can a concerned parent make sense of it all and judge whether their child is receiving a proper education?

In the middle of it all, ignored by many and supported by not nearly enough, are local Parent-Teacher Associations. Local PTAs can and should be a valuable resource for any parent with questions, concerns, or ideas about how their children should be taught and cared for by schools.

Got Questions?

If you want to know how your school compares academically with local, state, and national standards, your local PTA can provide that information for you. If you have specific questions about how your child’s classroom operates, and what teaching resources your child’s teachers have available to them, your local PTA can help you obtain the answers you are looking for.

Your local PTA will be happy to provide informational materials, as well as offering you an ear for specific questions about curriculum and available services that you feel are not being addressed adequately by school administrators.

Got Complaints?

All local Parent-Teacher Associations have members that focus on parent concerns about teachers and/or classroom activities. Quite often, these concerns turn out to be based on misconceptions about classroom activities or one-sided reports from students to parents. If, after attempting to raise an issue with a teacher or administrator, a parent still feels the issue is not being properly dealt with, the local PTA can act as arbitrator or information collector in helping to find solutions.

Got Ideas?

If you think that you have ideas that would benefit your school’s ability to educate the kids in your community, the local PTA is a great place to bring your ideas for discussion. As a group, teachers are eager to hear any ideas you may have about helping them work better with your children. A local PTA gives you direct access to teachers ears, whether your ideas are about general teaching or specific issues with teaching your child.

This is, in fact, the major reasons that PTAs were created; to help teachers and parents work together in answering each other’s questions and addressing the education needs of students.

Got Time?

If you have even a few hours per month that you can devote to increasing the quality and responsiveness of your community’s schools, consider volunteering with the local PTA. I’ve heard other parents speak of Parent-Teacher Associations as if they are purely teacher’s advocacy organizations. That’s not the case. Teachers have unions for that sort of thing. PTAs are set up to foster connections between teachers and parents, to address issues of concern and improve the ability of both parents and teachers to help students achieve and grow.

As a parent, you have the opportunity and ability to get in there and be part of the solutions that help both teachers and other parents understand, improve, and grow in their ability to give students the best possible education. Don’t ignore your local PTA. Support it, join it, help it grow and be as effective as possible in this critical and difficult endeavor.

Source: Babysitters

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today's teenagers.

November is Bullying Prevention Month: Be a part of STOMP OUT BULLYING

2011-11-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

STOMP Out Bullying™ focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country.

It teaches effective solutions on how to respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating kids and teens in school and online, providing help for those in need and at risk of suicide, raising awareness, peer mentoring programs in schools, public service announcements and social media campaigns.

ABOUT BULLYING

Every one of us are different. Some of us are short, tall, overweight, underweight, gay, straight, transgender, have special needs … we’re all various races, we dress and look differently. Bullying knows no boundaries. Popular kids can be bullied as easily as others. Just look at some of the teens celebrities who’ve been targeted. We can STOMP Out Bullying™ by being tolerant, kind and respectful and stand up for each other. We all dance to a different drummer – but the reality is we are ALL the same because we are ALL people. No one deserves to bullied for any reason!!
NO MATTER™!

Visit www.StompOutBullying.org.

Homework Help: Free Sites to Assist Your Kids with their Homework

2011-10-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

Is the stress of homework getting you down? Do you need some help studying for that final exam but don’t know where to turn? If so, you will find this list of 10 online homework helper sites is just what you need to get the learning-ball rolling again.

The best part of these sites is that they are all available to you FREE of charge!

Cliff Notes.com This site is basic and probably one of the easiest to navigate, but don’t let that fool you; there are informational study aides for all high school subjects. Cliff notes: they’re not just for literature anymore.
Infoplease has several interactive tools that will ease your learning. There are calculators for distances, a conversion chart, a place to find latitudes and longitudes, a thesaurus and atlas and dictionary, quizzes and timelines! When it comes to needing homework help and information, this is the place to go!
At Discovery Education you will find multimedia resources to help you complete and excel with those tough assignments. This site also includes a huge assortment of parent and teacher resources, so everyone can find something to do and learn.
Scholastic is not just for book orders. This site has a “homework hub” of activities that reinforce learning, while at the same time allows you to have some fun.
Fact Monster: is a site of lists and lists of facts, but that’s not all; it is brimming with information, quizzes, reference materials, encyclopedia, almanac, and links to other sites. You need it? It’s here!
Even the well known site, Yahoo, can help you with your homework. This site gives you the opportunity to post your question and get a specific answer. The nice thing is that all the other posted questions from the past are archived, so you can go through those questions and answers to find even more information.
The Homework Spot is your homework connection place, with links to hundreds of other sites for information on every subject. Because it is organized by grade level, the homework help you need is easy to find. Help for all ages and subjects are just a click away.
One of the pages that homeworkspot.com links to is Ed helper . This is a great site where you will find actual worksheets for practicing skills in all areas from pre-k to high school level.
Let’s focus on one subject this time: Math. This site is math, math and more math; everything you’ve always needed to know about math, from practice sets to games, tools and links to online tutors. This site has it all.
Jiskha.com is another one of those sites that allows you to post questions about all subject areas. This site is quite similar to the Yahoo site with one added feature: if you are in a hurry or really don’t “get –it” you can chat “real time” with a tutor who will help. There is a cost of $.99/minute for this service, which may be well worth the cost!

When looking for help with your homework you might also want to consider contacting your local library. Many libraries have online tutoring/Q and A sessions, all for free. Also, if you prefer a more one-on-one instructional format for homework help, there are several other sites that will connect you with a tutor for a fee.

Source: Internet Provider

Stop Drug Abuse with Teens: Red Ribbon Campaign

2011-10-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

Did you know: Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.

SAMHSA invites you to participate in the 26th annual Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week—the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation—is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year’s theme, “It’s Up to Me To Be Drug Free,” reminds us that we each share individual responsibility in creating a drug-free environment.

WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK?
It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23 – 31st.

WHY?
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.

WHO?
The National Family Partnership is the national sponsor of the Red Ribbon Campaign. We are helping citizens across the state come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign.

WHY SUPPORT THE NATIONAL THEME?
A theme unifies each year’s campaign and helps to broadcast one message creating a tipping point to change behavior.

HOW?
Plan a Red Ribbon celebration. Order and display Red Ribbon materials with the National Red Ribbon Theme. Proceeds from the sale of Red Ribbon theme merchandise helps support prevention programs across America. Order for your family, students, staff, patients, employees and customers and encourage them to wear the Red Ribbon symbol during Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd-31st.
Sponsored by National Family Partnership.

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

Building Self-Esteem with Teens and Tweens

2011-10-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

It is that time again when Dove reaches out and helps inspire young girls to make a difference in the world.

Join the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem and Help Us Create a World Where Beauty is a Source of Confidence, Not Anxiety

Everyone Has the Opportunity to Make a Difference in a Young Girl’s Self-Esteem

Dove_® is committed to inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential by caring for themselves and each other. The Dove Movement for Self-Esteem invites all women to join us in creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. There are many ways in which women can take simple actions that build self-esteem in girls. It could be as simple as inspiring the next generation with words of encouragement, spending an hour on a self-esteem building activity, or supporting self-esteem education in her town.

When women join the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem at dove.com, they will become part of a community committed to this vision and will receive regular updates on a variety of ways to get involved. Currently, women can participate in the Movement in the following ways:

Join the Movement: By adding their name to the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem women can join us in creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety.

Tell Us “Who Inspired You?”: Our newest effort will celebrate the efforts of women who are leading by example to inspire the next generation to reach their full potential. We invite women to answer the question “Who Inspired You” on Dove online channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Dove.com, to honor the positive impact someone had on their life. When women share their story, Dove will make $1 donation to support self-esteem education in the U.S.*

Download our Tools: Visit dove.com to access free tools to take simple actions to build self-esteem in young girls. We have reached over 7 million girls so far, and have set a global goal of reaching 15 million girls by 2015. Together with experts, and key partners we have created self-esteem building, educational programs, and activities for girls, moms, and mentors.

Join us for the Second Annual Dove Movement for Self-Esteem Weekend in October: Dove encourages women everywhere to commit to spending one hour on a self-esteem building activity with a girl in their lives during the Dove Self-Esteem Weekend taking place from October 21 – 23.

About Our Partners: In the United States, Dove supports The Girl Scouts of the USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Girls, Inc. with after-school programs, self-esteem building events and educational resources. Dove also supports the Alliance for Women in Media.

Learn more at www.DoveMovement.com.

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

October is National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month: Abuse Bites

2011-10-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

Abuse Bites was created by Lisa Freeman who is an abuse survivor.

Many don't realize that bullying isn't just limited to kids and teens. Adult bullying is more prevalent that many know.

Abuse Bites Workshops Aim to Educate & Train employers and workers alike how to defeat bullying and make the workforce a more enjoyable, safer, and productive place.

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Find out how you can help your community combat bullying and learn more about bullying prevention.

Employment Resources for Teens and Adults

2011-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Jobs, careers, employment.....

Whether you are a parent looking for employment or even a second job, or a teenager wanting to get their first job or considering what they want to do when they grow up, social networking can be a place to go to find out more about you are passionate about or possibly make more money with.

Social networking sites were originally created to connect people, but today’s sites do so much more. Everyone knows that successful careers are built on who you know.

No matter what field you’re in, there’s a site for you.

Teachers – TeachersRecess.com – A site for teachers, professors and education professionals, TeachersRecess allows educators a chance to communicate effectively; sharing lesson plans, tips and tricks, and finding out what strategies work to help students learn in the real world.
Police Officers – PolicePulse.com – A world-wide network of active and retired law enforcement officers, volunteers & supporters, PolicePulse connects officers and their families to local, national and world law enforcement; allowing them to compare tactics, give comfort, and exchange advice.
Nanny/Childcare – NannyIsland.com – A social networking site for childcare workers of all types, this site is relatively new but growing. Allowing nannies to come together, share problems, solutions, and discuss issues, NannyIsland is a place for childcare workers to relax, take in the sights, and enjoy a mini vacation from real life.
Real Estate – ActiveRain.com – A huge world-wide site for real estate professionals, ActiveRain has many success stories and much to offer. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out in the business or have been an agent for years, ActiveRain can help connect you to a network of dedicated professionals around the world.
Firefighters – FirefighterNation.com – More than just a networking site, FirefighterNation also has news on the latest fires and events, a magazine, job listings, and specialized products for firefighters. Get everything you need in one spot and an easy to use website.
Nurses – NurseConnect.com - Find friends and former nursing colleagues, network your way to a new nursing job, rate and review top hospitals, schools and more, get nursing career advice and tips, and catch up on the latest nursing topics all on one site.
Chefs – WeAreChefs.com – Part of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), WeAreChefs allows food enthusiasts, chefs and other culinary professionals to connect and communicate all over America. Filled with information, recipes and tips, this site is a can’t miss for food lovers.
Physicians – Sermo.com – The largest online network exclusively for physicians, Sermo allows doctors to share insights and learn from colleagues, solicit input and help peers, stayed informed, and even get paid to participate in surveys and focus groups.
Fashion Designers – Fashion-Networks.net – Uniting fashion lovers and experts from around the world; Fashion-Networks has photos, blogs, polls and shopping from the best brand names in the fashion industry. Tips for great shows, discussions on new fads, and hints on huge sales are just a few of the benefits offered.
Journalists – WiredJournalists.com – This site’s mission is to connect the knowledgeable, expert innovators in online news with journalists of all stripes hoping to learn something new about their evolving craft. The change from traditional to online journalism is happening fast, and those who don’t adapt quickly will be left behind. WiredJournalists offers connections and helpful tips about making the transition.

All these sites have one thing in common- connections. Every career has its problems and issues, and no one person can do everything. Communication is a cornerstone of success. You build on those who come before you and help out those who follow behind, that way we can all reach the top.

Source: My ISP Finder

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today's teenagers.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Teens Making a Difference in Their Community

2011-09-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Justin Churchman

As a parent, you strive to raise your children right and you teach them the value of giving. Throughout the country and the world there are so many opportunities for youth to get involved in and help others. Over the past 16 years, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to nearly 100,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and many other volunteer activities.

The search is now on to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 17th year!

In honor of this school year’s application period, I had the chance to interview one of last year’s High School National Honorees, Justin Churchman. Here is what Justin tells us about his experience and why he encourages more teens to get involved with this year’s awards program:

What has being part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards meant to you?

Being surrounded by other community volunteers for several days was amazing! It give me an opportunity to share ideas, problems and concerns with other volunteers my age. It is inspirational and affirming, at the same time, to see what other teens are doing around the world and to realize that you are making an important contribution as well.

As a national winner, the experience has been incredible. When you look at the resumes of the teens from throughout the country, you see that kids are not letting anything hold them back - not age, gender, where they live, money and sometimes, adults! We are the generation who will be leading this country and programs like Prudential are making it clear that giving back to the community HAS to be a number one priority.

Application forms for the 2011 Prudential awards are available now online at www.prudential.com/community/spirit and the deadline is Nov. 1. I hope you will encourage your readers to apply!

What is the number one reason you would encourage your peers to get involved?

The world is not going to be a better place if we don’t get involved. People don’t have to go to Mexico and build a house or to India and build a well. They can look in their neighborhoods for a senior citizen who can’t mow their grass anymore. They can walk down the street to a school where kids are working hard to learn to read and spend an hour helping. They can organize trash clean ups or clothing drives. And if everyone would just spend an hour or two, unselfishly being there for another person, they would be amazed at the changes inside them - and they will be back.

Has this experience brought about new opportunities for you?

Being a Prudential winner introduced me to some of the most amazing teens in the country. I’ve met super achievers who are passionate about changing the world and I’ve met regular kids who are passionate about improving a specific part of their city. It has created networks where I can find support - both financial and physical - and a place I can turn to if I need motivation. I have also gotten some support for my favorite project, building houses in Mexico, at www.casasporcristo.org, and through my new online site https://www.giveback.org/pages/MyGiveBack/MyCauseIntro.aspx

How did you go about selecting a volunteer project?

I built my first house when I was 12 by joining a school-sponsored project. I knew that was going to be my passion, so I just made sure I stayed involved with Casas por Cristo, the organization building them. In the early years it was tough, fund raising and organizing and convincing adults I could do the job, but now that I have proven myself it is easier. As for other projects, I just look around. Really, every community has the same needs. There is always trash to be picked up or families in need of food and clothing. There are always younger kids who need an older kid to hang out with or to help them with homework. I just see a need and do my best to find a solution.

Why do you feel volunteering should be a part of every teen’s daily life?

I think every teen should be volunteering because we are the next generation of leaders. We learn what we need to in school to get a career and we learn from our families about relationships. We learn from spending time in the community what it takes to grow a community strong and how to find solutions to social problems. Of course, it makes you happy to volunteer, and it rewards you like nothing else can.

As Justin mentions, the search is now on to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the prestigious awards program kicks off its 17th year!

Get out there and get involved by visiting the official website at http://spirit.prudential.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spiritawards.

Bullying and Gay Youth

2011-09-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Bullying in Schools: Harassment Puts Gay Youth at Risk

While trying to deal with all the challenges of being a teenager, gay/ lesbian/ bisexual/ transgender (GBLT) teens additionally have to deal with harassment, threats, and violence directed at them on a daily basis. They hear anti-gay slurs such as “homo”, “faggot” and “sissy” about 26 times a day or once every 14 minutes.

Even more troubling, a study found that thirty-one percent of gay youth had been threatened or injured at school in the last year alone!

Their mental health and education, not to mention their physical well-being, are at-risk.

How is their mental health being affected?

Gay and lesbian teens are at high risk because ‘their distress is a direct result of the hatred and prejudice that surround them,’ not because of their inherently gay or lesbian identity orientation.
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.

How is their education being affected?

Gay teens in U.S. schools are often subjected to such intense bullying that they’re unable to receive an adequate education. They’re often embarrassed or ashamed of being targeted and may not report the abuse.
GLBT students are more apt to skip school due to the fear, threats, and property vandalism directed at them. One survey revealed that 22 percent of gay respondents had skipped school in the past month because they felt unsafe there.
Twenty-eight percent of gay students will drop out of school. This is more than
three times the national average for heterosexual students.
GLBT youth feel they have nowhere to turn. According to several surveys, four out of five gay and lesbian students say they don’t know one supportive adult at school.

Source: Mental Health America

Jamey Rodemeyer

With the recent suicide of 14 year-old Jamey Rodemeyer, it is yet another wake-up call to everyone - bullying kills!

Watch Jamey Rodemeyer's last YouTube video - "It gets better, I promise!".

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today's teenagers.

Preventing High School Dropouts

2011-09-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

Parenting teenagers can be a challenge.

Generations prior finishing high school was never an option.

Today more teens are opting to drop-out completely or get their GED. Why?

Why do students drop-out?

There’s no single reason.

Students drop out of school for a number of different reasons—and it’s typically a combination of many issues. Here are some of the top reasons students give for leaving school:

Classes aren’t interesting
Parents/family/adults have low expectations
Poor attendance
Failing in school
Family responsibilities (work, caring for siblings, etc.)
Becoming a parent
Too much freedom

What are some warning signs to look for?

What to watch for. There are specific factors to watch for in students who are likely to drop out of school. If you see one or more of these signs, get involved! You can give these students the Boost they need to stay in school.

They don’t feel challenged in school.
They don’t feel high educational expectations from either their family or school.
They believe their parents are too controlling and they want to rebel.
They have trouble with schoolwork or feel like they are not as smart as other students.
They have drug, alcohol or mental health problems.
They regularly miss school or are frequently tardy.
They struggle with problems at home, including physical or verbal abuse.
They feel like they don’t fit in or have friends at school.
Their peers or siblings have dropped out of school.
They have poor learning conditions at school—such as overcrowding, high levels of violence and excessive absenteeism.

If you fear your teen is heading down a negative path and you need to get them back on track, visit www.BoostUp.org or www.HelpYourTeens.com for more information.

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

Teen Manipulation: Getting What they Want

2011-09-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

On a daily basis I hear from parents and amazed at the stories their teen comes up with to get what they want. I also know personally, what my own teenager (now an adult) would do to get her own way. They stop at nothing…. As their friends all seem to have that curfew at 3am (NOT), our teenager is the only one that has to be home by 11pm (or whatever your curfew is). I personally believe nothing good happens after midnight. I recently came across a great article about this topic and wanted to share it with my readers.

Manipulation in Relational Aggression: Jockeying for the Position of Victim

By Jane Balvanz

If manipulation, as a noun defined, is artful or skillful management, and as a verb, means to negotiate, control, or influence (something or someone) cleverly, skillfully, or deviously, then manipulation, as a relationship tool, is just plain scary. It’s a sideways method for getting what you want instead of using direct, honest communication.

In one sense, manipulation can be innocuous. Parents use manipulative techniques to persuade their children to eat healthily. And who among us hasn’t helped manage some sort of situation to pull off a surprise for someone’s birthday? Intentions, in these cases, are meant to help or create a pleasant situation for someone else. Both examples illustrate the sunnier side of manipulation. But there is a dark side, a very dark side.

The Shadow Side of Manipulation

When kids meet and form new friendships, there is joy and abandon. This is particularly true for our youngest. Small children form bonds easily with little thought of gain or how a friendship could improve their social status. They just want to play. It doesn’t take long, though, for cliques to form and manipulation to begin.

Kids discover ways to keep others from joining in play. Changing the truth just a little can keep an unpleasant situation at bay. Forgetting on purpose can explain away an indiscretion. And gathering a group together to “explain” one version of a story first before someone else’s opposing view can be told gives a certain stronghold over the most believable version of the truth.

It’s natural for kids to experiment with manipulation, but it’s a sad place to stay.   With girls and boys equally using it, anyone who continually succeeds through manipulation increases their chances of becoming a manipulative adult. Spending enough time with a relationship manipulator eventually exposes their MO. Unfortunately for the manipulator, relationships are shallow and ever changing. It becomes a heartache for manipulators and their targets alike.

Victim, Victim – Who Gets to Be the Victim?
A masterful manipulator knows how to appear as the wronged party. The best defense is a good offense; that is the manipulator’s mantra. She knows how to set things up. Victim is the desired role, because if you are the victim, you cannot be in the wrong.   Let me illustrate through roles and age groups:

Preschool: Sarah retrieves a toy Mia has just snatched out of her hands. (Mia, crying to an adult) “Sarah took my toy!” Sarah is reprimanded to share.

Siblings: Younger Child wants to play with Older Child’s science experiment. Older Child, not wanting to have the school assignment destroyed, denies the request.   Younger Child cries to Parent that Older Child is mean. Older Child is reprimanded because, of course, she/he is older and should know better. (Younger Child smiles at Older Child)

Grade School: A group of girls calls Mary names. Mary, in tears, says she will report the group to the teacher after recess.   After recess, the group reaches the teacher first and reports that Mary has been calling them names.

Junior High and High School: Maria and Eve were friends who told each other everything. Their relationship included privately venting about others and sharing their opinions. A fight ends the relationship, so Eve seeks “justice” by proclaiming herself Victim while sharing Maria’s private, negative views of others. As a result, Maria is ostracized, and Victim Eve is embraced.

Romantic Relationships: Maggie doesn’t like Josh’s friends, so each time he goes out with them, she sulks for days. When Josh asks what’s wrong, Maggie responds, “Nothing.”

Work: Analise’s boss asked her to do extra assignments without any compensation. When Analise spoke up to say she would need extra compensation to pay for her babysitter’s additional time, the boss became incensed. In conversations now, the boss calls Analise his Prima Dona employee. When others ask about the obvious change in their relationship, he just shrugs his shoulders as if to suggest she is a difficult employee. His actions cause others to stay away from Analise.

Character Qualities That Eschew Victimhood and Embrace Self-Efficacy

To raise a 21st Century Citizen who is able to become happy, self-reliant and successful in relationships and life itself, guide your child to live these five character qualities. They are the antidotes to manipulation:
1. Respect
2. Responsibility
3. Resiliency
4. Honesty
5. Courage

When you respect yourself and others, it allows you to be honest in your communications and to take responsibility for your words and actions. Resiliency gets you through the difficult times, and courage helps keep you in alignment with the other character values.

What gifts you will give your child – your guidance toward characteristics that lead to fulfilling relationships without manipulation and victimhood!

© 2011 A Way Through, LLC

Female friendship experts Jane Balvanz and Blair Wagner publish A Way Through, LLC’s Guiding Girls Ezine. If you’re ready to guide girls in grades K – 8 through painful friendships, get your FREE mini audio workshop and ongoing tips now at www.AWayThrough.com

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

Teen Drive Smart: Road Show Rally 2011 Video Contest!

2011-09-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

So after months of studying and practice, you passed your driver’s test and finally have your license…nice work! But the hard part isn’t over yet. In fact, it’s just starting. Once you and your friends begin driving, you’ll begin to see that everyone has a different standard of what constitutes “safe driving.”

Before getting in the car with another driver, think to yourself: would I let my kid brother/sister drive with this person? If the answer is no, then you shouldn’t do it either. Teens Drive Smart has put together some ways to help you get out of these rather uncomfortable situations without damaging friendships.

We know that talking to your friends about driving safe can be tricky, so here are five quick things you can say when confronted with a friend who is driving distracted:

Texting: “Do you want me to hold onto your cell phone while you’re driving?”
Driving and Overcrowded Vehicle: “Whoa! We all can’t fit. Let’s not get [driver] in trouble. Anyone want to stay back with me?
Drinking and Driving: “I’m not feeling well. I think I’m going to call my parents to pick me up. Do you want me to have them pick you up, too?”
Treating You Like a Chauffeur: “I can give you a ride but the others are on their own.”
Rowdy Passengers: “Hey guys! Not to be annoying, but can you guys quiet down a bit? I’m still getting used to the idea of driving with other people in the car.”

Now it is time to rally and be part of a great contest!

On behalf of Bridgestone Americas, their Teens Drive Smart Road Show Rally 2011 Tour, a high school grant contest promoting safe driving and the importance of learning these behaviors before a driver sits behind the wheel is on!

So as you head back to school this fall ask your friends, “Are you ready to rally?” Any individual or group of teens interested in participating in this contest will create a 30-second to two-minute video describing the following:

What they have done in their community to spread the safe driving message;
What they would like to do in the future to alert others about the dangers of driving distracted;
And why a road show rally should come to their school.

Entrants will be judged by three criteria: Creativity, Need, and Story and are to submit their videos by October 7^th. The grand prize winning school will receive the Road Show Rally and a $5,000 donation!

More information can be found by visiting http://www.teensdrivesmart.com/road-show-rally-tour.html. And while you’re there, be sure to check out Teens Drive Smart on Facebook and Twitter!

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

10 Tips to help your teen secure their cell phones and other tech devices with strong passwords

2011-08-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

With the ever expanding world of technology and the sometime irresponsible world of our teenagers, it is important they learn how to create strong and secure passwords for their cell phones, iPads, computers, social networking etc.

There may come a time when they lose their phone or other technology devices; help them secure their privacy and safety. Or maybe someone picks up their phone or iPad and starts browsing it with unacceptable searches or worse gains access to their social networking page and posts pictures or content that are less than acceptable.

School is opening, more teens than ever have cell phones or iPads that are easily transported with them to school. Help them create strong and secure passwords and this includes their social networking sites.

In this day in age it seems like you can’t trust anyone. It’s kind of sad when you think about it. Every time you log on to a site you have to have a password now. We all have trouble remembering passwords, but it’s not a good idea to use something easy like your birthday or your kids’ birthday. These are dates and numbers that hackers and sadly even friends will try.

Check out 10 tips for stronger, more secure passwords.

Length matters: Longer passwords are harder for hackers to figure out. Use a password that is at least 8 characters or longer. Try combining names and dates to make it easy for you to remember, but harder for a hacker to discover.
Change it up: Yep, I want you to come up with different passwords for different sites. It is possible that your password for one site could be compromised and then they can use your password to access other sites that you frequent. You may be wondering what are the odds of that happening and while I can’t tell you the exact odds I can tell you that you don’t want someone to steal your identity. If someone gets your password they can find you on Facebook and see what you are into and then that will give them clues for where else to try to login.
Be different: Use a symbol in your password. People are less likely to guess a password with an @ symbol in the middle of it. Or use a capital letter or a number in your password. The more unusual you can make it the harder it will be for someone to figure it out. If you use a symbol you can use it as part of something easy for you to remember. Something you like, Big$$$$$ or something funny like that.
Make up your own acronym: For example, you could do Sghsin1985. This stands for Sam graduated high school in 1985. This is a strong password because it’s not easy to guess, it’s longer than 8 characters, it blends numbers with letters and there is a capital letter in it. If you want to be even cleverer you can substitute the s for high school and use $ in it’s place. (Sgh$in1985)
Hide your passwords: Okay, I know what you are thinking. How am I supposed to remember what password I used for which site if I’m going to use different ones for everything? Feel free to write them down, but don’t use a sticky note stuck to your computer. If someone were to break into your home they could see that and take it figuring that they will continue to steal from you online. Hide your passwords in your home. Tape it in the back of a reference book or something.
Beware of the computer you’re using: With cyber cafes out there and libraries that let you get online you need to be careful with how secure the computers are. Even our home computers might not be as secure with being able to access the Internet through our phones and tablets.
Don’t pick a random word: You may think that just picking some random word that is longer than 8 characters would be a good choice, but it isn’t. There are programs out there that hackers use that will literally run through all of the words in the dictionary. Always change it up. If your favorite word is curmudgeon then use it, but add some sort of number with it either before or after it or a symbol.
Avoid using personal information: One of the biggest mistakes people make when coming up with a password is by using their kids’ names or dog’s name or anniversary date. All of these things are available for hackers to find and they can use that information against you. Feel free to use this information in combination with other things though.
Try not to use repeated numbers: You might be tempted to use 8 characters in a row on your keyboard. (wertyuio) This looks on the surface like it would be a good idea, but hackers are onto these types of passwords. That same as 12345678 is a bad choice. Also, don’t just spell something backwards. Hackers are onto that trick too.
Test your new password: Once you have done all the legwork and come up with what you think is the perfect password you can go HERE and check the strength. If you need to make adjustments after that you can.

Source: Internet Service Providers

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today's teenagers.

Online Courses: Be sure your classes are accredited

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Not every teen is ready to go off to college. Many times starting with online courses can ease their way into going to a local college or university. Many adults are also turning to online college courses since they can be more accessible when having a job and supporting a family. No matter why you are choosing an online college, be sure it is accredited so you can easily transfer or obtain a legitimate degree.

An important step when choosing an online degree program is learning if the online college is fully accredited. This is vital, because by choosing a non-accredited college, you risk receiving a substandard education in exchange for your precious time and money, or employers rejecting you based on an obscure education path. Accreditation allows you to rest assured that your degree, and quality education, will be well-recognized by employers. Without the right accreditation, your online degree may in fact be worthless, so do your research and find out whether the college you’ve chosen is a smart choice for your future.

How does accreditation work? A third party, known as an accreditation agency, validates each online school as a legitimate educator. The agencies usually investigate the school to make sure students are receiving a quality education and the school operates legally. This process keeps schools from making educational promises they simply cannot keep.

Remember that while accreditation agencies offer a certain legitimacy to schools, the accreditation industry isn’t necessarily regulated. The process is voluntary, without much governmental oversight, so know that for every good accreditation agency out regulating schools, there are just as many fraudulent ones. Schools have even been known to set up fake accreditation agencies so they look more genuine, so you must do your research to avoid getting the wool pulled over your eyes.

It is a good sign if either the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education has recognized the organization. CHEA has an international directory of quality assurance organizations, accreditation agencies and Ministries of Education in more than 150 countries. Search for your school on the the US Department of Education’s list of recognized accreditation agencies.

Do all of the schools they accredit appear to be genuine? If they appear phony, they likely are. You can see if they are listed as legitimate by well-known organizations, such as the International Handbook of Universities, the Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, and the US Department of Education’s College Navigator.
Is the accreditation agency connected to the schools in any way? As with online college rankings, there’s a chance that the accreditation agency you’re considering is a front, created to offer credibility to a phony online college. Accreditation agencies should be an independent third party, so any accreditation organization affiliated with a school is a conflict of interest. Look at their addresses, Whois information, ownership and other identifying details.

Follow these guidelines to be sure the accreditation agency you’re trusting to assess your online college is legitimate, offering a helpful and independent endorsement of the school. When you find an accreditation agency and school you can trust, you can feel confident that your online degree will be taken seriously and offer you a quality education.

Source: Accredited Online Colleges

Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

Author Stacey Honowitz: My Private Parts Are Private

2011-08-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Schools are opening throughout the country. Many kids will be walking or riding their bikes to school. Stranger danger is still a very serious concern for kids of all ages and parents as well as our community.

My Private Parts are Private! (Book signing event see below)

Before your minds all go in the gutter, this is about teaching our children about sexual abuse and inappropriate touching.

As the fastest growing crime in the country, Child Sexual Abuse is a national problem.
“My Privates are Private” & “Genius with a Penis: Don’t Touch” aim to help parents educate their children in a fun and comfortable way.

Stacey Honowitz, author and Assistant Florida State Attorney who specializes in child abuse and sex crimes, is releasing her 2nd book titled, Genius with a Penis: Don’t Touch. With its colorful illustrations and rhymes, the book’s character, Bobby Boodle helps parents educate their children about their body parts, defines what good and bad touching is and explains what to do if children are touched inappropriately.

In 2009 her first hit book , My Privates are Private won acclaim for it’s unique story about a little girl named Betsy Boodle, now the second book reaches out to boys through the voice of Bobby Boodle.

Realizing what a problem child sexual abuse is and her belief that children have a voice too, inspired Stacey to advocate against such crimes. The self-published book is a result of this desire to help, and the author says, “finally parents and kids can talk about this difficult subject in a manner which is comfortable for both.”

The series empowers children to stand up for themselves if they’ve been abused. It puts both parents and children at ease when dealing with this delicate subject matter, and give parents the ability to communicate openly with their child about the importance of reporting abuse. The books are available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Meet Stacy in person!

About the Author:

Stacey Honowitz, resident of South Florida, has worked with the Florida State Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit for 22 years. She appears regularly on CNN, MSNBC, Headline News, FOX News as a Legal Analyst and has been featured on Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, and Good Morning.
For more information contact: Stacey Honowitz at (786) 781- 8848 or staceybhonowitz@hotmail.com.

Stacey Honowitz will be signing book at Give Wink on August 25th, 10am – 6pm for a Back to School – One Stop Shop at Give Wink! See the flyer on the side.

Call for more information.

Back to School: After School and Your Daughter

2011-08-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, schools are opening throughout our country and another academic year with the normal peer pressure and stress of being a teenager.

What are you doing after school? Many girls will be hitting a transitional point in their lives in a few weeks. Some will attend new schools, some will be away from home for the first time and others could be leaving their summer loves….

Although women have made gains in education and employment in the equal rights war, they’re still losing the self-esteem war. Girls’ self-esteem peaks when they are about 9 years old, and then takes a nosedive. Although the media, peers, and pop culture influence children, parents still hold more sway than they think when it comes to having an impact on a daughter’s developing self-esteem.

Girls are faced with an onslaught of influences daily- most of them not the ones we’d like. In fact, a national survey of girls’ use of social media released by Girl Scouts of the USA (Who’s That Girl: Self Image in the 21st Century, 2010) finds that girls with low self-esteem are more likely to be susceptible to negative experiences on social networking sites than are girls with high self-esteem.

As parents and mentors, we want to help our daughters develop a strong sense of self, learn about the benefits of a balanced diet and physical activity, develop healthy relationships, promote confidence and well-being among While having fun.

Wondering how to enhance your daughter’s school year? The Girl Scouts’ flourishing new leadership program Journeys is at the core of the nearly 100-year-old organization’s transformation and a key benefit of this latest offering is building a strong sense of self. Building self-esteem does not happen overnight, but research shows that one way to accomplish this is through the development of leadership skills and competencies.

For more information go to www.girscouts.org!

*****************************************************
Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today’s teenagers.

3V Learning and your Teens

2011-08-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

What is 3V Learning?

We are a distance learning provider.
We are your hub for high-quality training modules.
We are entirely computer based.
We are the new standard in distance learning.
We are eager to discuss your training needs.
We are excited about customer service.
We are growing.
We are 3V.

3V LEARNING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM

3V Learning was born out of a perceived need. L. Craig Turner, founder and President of 3V as well as CEO of Correctional Services Incorporated, for years searched for an effective solution to the need for relevant and time sensitive training for his staffs and associates. Also an education advocate, his search turned to the distance learning community and the opportunities it afforded for instant access to relevant training online. With this discovery, Craig saw too an opportunity to greatly improve and enhance the distance learning experience for users. Today, not only are his employees at CSI reaping the benefits of this style of training, 3V Learning has discovered its broad niche in the education community and is proudly bringing this powerful new training style to a diverse and growing audience.

The following individuals and/or groups have been retained to serve as 3V Learning’s Development and Review Team. Each course we offer as part of our curriculum has been subjected to a meticulous process of research and review by individuals with long histories and qualifications in fields related to the subject matter. We have great confidence in offering courses backed by the collective credentials of these groups or individuals, in the quality of information and training made available through them. If you have any questions or comments for any members of our team, please feel free to direct your inquiries to the team’s email inbox here.

Learn more.

Pregnant Teens Going Back to School: Know Your Rights

2011-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Teen pregnancy is a subject that can be sensitive to some parents.

Through the many resources available in Broward County, teenage pregnancies have been decreasing. According to National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy there have been more than 354,000 teen births in Florida, between 1991 and 2004, costing taxpayers a total of 8.1 billion dollars.

In September 2006 report by Guttnacher Institute, Florida ranked 6th in a nationwide study with 97 per 1,000 pregnancies in women between ages of 15-19. (Broward County Teen Pregnancy Help).
National Women's Law Center will be hosting a free conference call.

Know Your Rights: A Conference Call for Pregnant and Parenting Students!

Wednesday, August 10, 3pm Eastern

Pregnant and parenting students have a right to equal educational opportunities! Interested? Get more information about protections for students against discrimination.

Expert Speakers will include:

Lara S. Kaufmann, Senior Counsel, National Women's Law Center
Jeanette Pai-Espinosa, President, National Crittenton Foundation

Are you:

A student who is pregnant or has been pregnant while attending school, whether at the high school or post-secondary level?
A member of the school community who wants to ensure that pregnant and parenting students do not experience discrimination but instead stay in school and succeed?
Someone who works with students or advocates for young mothers' rights?

Whether you're a student, guardian, educator, counselor, or community member, our experts on Title IX can help answer your questions. To register, please complete the form.

Be an educated parent, you will have healthier teens.

Follow me on Facebook for more great articles.

Stop Medicine Abuse: Looking for a Five Mom

2011-08-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Help Stop Teen Cough Medicine Abuse

Talking to teens about drug abuse is never easy. Did you know teens that learn about the dangers of drugs from their parents are 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs? As parents, we must work together to educate our teens and create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, including over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine abuse.

In 2007, five moms from around the country were brought together to share information with other parents about the largely unknown trend among teens of abusing OTC cough medicines to get high. Since then, the Five Moms campaign has reached more than 24 million parents to help educate them about preventing teen cough medicine abuse, spreading awareness to parents, schools, and communities. And now they want your help! The campaign recently launched the Are You the Next Five Mom? search to look for a new Mom to join the fight against cough medicine abuse.
Are you a mom who is passionate about working with teens? Do you have experience working with teens and substance abuse? If you are interested in being a part of the Five Moms campaign, they are looking for someone who:

Has experience or a passion for working with teens;
Has past or previous involvement in teen programming or issues affecting teens;
Has experience working with teens and/or substance abuse;
Has raised awareness of cough medicine abuse in their community or is a community leader;
Works with teens on a daily or weekly basis a coach, teacher, guidance counselor, youth group leader, etc.;
Uses social media to reach parents and educate them about teen substance abuse;
Is involved with community organizations that center around pre-teens and teens;
Developed an original idea or event to educate others about cough medicine abuse; or
Has distributed Five Moms and/or cough medicine abuse information to their children, peers, community, etc.

For more information on how to enter the Are You the Next Five Mom? search, and for the official rules and regulations, visit FiveMoms.com. To learn more about over-the-counter medicine abuse, visit StopMedicineAbuse.org.

You can join them in Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Sibling Bullying: When Bullying Starts at Home

2011-07-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Order today!

Girl In The Water: Bullying Starts At Home.

The research link between bullying and sibling abuse can’t be overlooked

By Nancy Kilgore, M.S.

Bullying in America is at epidemic levels, often starting in the American home. Each year, 19 million children are abused in their homes by their own siblings. Nearly two million children use a weapon as a means of resolving a conflict with a sibling. Siblings commit 10 percent of the murders that occur in the American family.

Research has shown a solid link between bullying and sibling abuse. Children who are abused by their siblings are often targets to bullies and often become bullies. The terrifying world of sibling abuse and bullying is exposed in this book. The author’s account is a “first” in the nation.
It is a brilliantly written portrayal that offers a rare and riveting glimpse of what lies beneath the surface of millions of children’s and adult’s lives. The author’s first bully was in her home…her own sister. The author leads the reader on a journey back to her childhood home—where she is confronted with her young dreams and fears, her familial bonds, and the profound, lingering influences that sibling abuse and bullying had on her adulthood and parenting. Resembling the scariest fairy tale, the author’s personal story is narrated with a singular devotion to re-telling her experiences, no matter what the cost.

Like a fairytale, it provides lessons for us all concerning the tragedies and experiences of victims of bullying and sibling abuse. It grips the reader’s imagination with the same unrelenting moral force that fairy tales have for children. This unique story breaks the seal to what has been hidden in so many American homes…sibling abuse. It is a hopeful story for millions of children and adults. This book is comprehensive and has a bibliography, resources and informational strategies for parents and adult survivors.

About the Author:

Nancy Fox-Kilgore, MS is a survivor of sibling abuse and bullying. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Her B.A. and teaching credentials were received from Sacramento State University. Nancy is a leading expert on Bullying, Sibling Abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is the author of EVERY EIGHTEEN SECONDS: PERSONAL JOURNEY INTO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and THE SOURCEBOOK FOR WORKING WITH BATTERED WOMEN.

Nancy is a consultant for the United States Department of Victim's of Crime. She is endorsed for her trainings by state domestic violence coalitions, associations, and organizations. Nancy is a continuing education professor for various universities throughout the United States. Nancy consults and trains from the background of a researcher and a trauma survivor. She enjoys helping survivors of bullying and sibling abuse to overcome fears and move to the unconditional truth of their true selves. She is a workshop facilitator, stress consultant/ life coach and lives in Sacramento, California.

Learn more here.
Order on Amazon!
Watch powerful video.

Teens Addicted to Facebook?

2011-07-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Facebook Addiction

Facebook, our largest growing social networking site and many are now considered FB Addicts.
Is there anything wrong with being hooked on Facebook? Maybe, if it is consuming your life, but like everything in life, you need to set boundaries.

Yes, it is long overdue, but finally it has been created – a 12 step program for those addicted to Facebook. FAA (Facebook Addicts Anonymous) groups are being formed worldwide to defeat this growing addiction. Many Facebook addicts have been ridiculed as being weak and selfish by those around them.
However, more and more people are beginning to recognize this addiction for the true disease that it is, and that it cannot be overcome by simple willpower alone.

Below you will find the Twelve Steps to Freedom that are being utilized by FaceBook addicts to break the hold of this menace in their lives.

Step 1: Acknowledge you have a problem. This, of course, is the first and most critical step. The individual must recognize and admit that FaceBook is no longer simply a place for casual social connection to them; it is an addition that has taken control of their lives.
Step 2: Recognize your need of a Higher Power. Once you recognize and admit the addicting hold that FaceBook has on your life, you will soon realize that you are unable to quit on your own. You must have help from someone, something, greater than yourself; someone…who does not live in the FaceBook world. Only you can determine who that Higher Power is. It may be your spouse, your parents or your roommate, but it will be a real live person whom you can touch.
Step 3: Surrender your password to your Higher Power. Step three is a crucial step. You must surrender your FaceBook password to your Higher Power. You must allow them monitor all your activities and change your privacy settings.
Step 4: Do a thorough and fearless inventory of your friends list. For this fourth step, you must go through each and every face on your friends list. You must acknowledge to your Higher Power whether or not you truly know each person, and in what way.
Step 5: Delete all those friends you do not truly know. Now that you’ve created that list of unknown friends, you must make the big step of deleting them from your friends list. It will be difficult. There will be a grieving process involved, but it must be done.
Step 6: Remove the FaceBook app from your cellphone. You’ve come a long way, by this point. Step six will be a turning point in your recovery. You will purposefully and intentionally remove the FaceBook app from your cellphone. You will no longer receive FaceBook status reports on your phone. You will no longer post your immediate thoughts from any and every location. You will confine your FaceBook use to your computer.
Step 7: Do a second inventory of your friends list. You narrowed it down once. In this step, you are going to make a clean sweep. You will determine which of the people on this list is actually related to you and, which are not. Third cousins, twice removed is the very farthest limit accepted in true blood relations.
Step 8: Delete everyone except family. By this time, you are beginning to get stronger. Gather support if you need it, though, this is going to take some time. Delete ALL your FaceBook friends except those you have listed on your family list.
Step 9: Begin using email again. In this step, you will begin putting your new life into place. You will begin using your email account once again to communicate with friends and family. You will re-learn how to attach photo files to emails in order to share them with others. It would be easy to turn back to FaceBook at this point. It may seem like it would be the easy solution, but it ISN’T. You know that.
Step 10: Post your final goodbye on your status. Now that you’ve re-established your new life, it is time to make an official public statement regarding your freedom from this addiction. Post your final farewell in your status.
Step 11: Delete your account. This step must IMMEDIATELY follow Step 10. You must quickly delete your FaceBook account before reading any replies to status update. Other FaceBook addicts will try to dissuade you. They will tell you that having an account won’t hurt you. You must NOT listen to them. They are as in need of help as you were when you began this program.
Step 12: Join a social network for recovering FaceBook addicts. Now that you have reached the last and final step of your program, it is finally time to rejoin the world of the living. You will find it online. A new FAA social network had been created, that will support you in your ongoing recovery. Begin to live again!

Source: Internet For Free

Join my Facebook page! Learn more about parenting teens and tweens in a society that is complex with technology and teens that have become more challenging than ever.

Teens and Travel

2011-07-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Teens and Travel

Nothing broadens the mind more than travel. Being able to experience other cultures and other points of view firsthand helps cement the confidence of what is good about a person’s native values, while fostering respect for different ways of living. Adults benefit from travel, but teenagers and tweens may benefit even more. Adults are already aware that the world is a diverse place that needs to be navigated according to diplomatic, cultural norms while adhering to core principals. Younger people, soon to enter adulthood, need to learn this lesson directly if they are to employ it effectively, as soon as possible. Insurance makes these experiences possible.

Young adults, and children soon to enter their teenage years, expand their understanding of the wider world when they are in direct contact with it. While unaccompanied travel is worrisome for parents, with the proper safeguards, travel can be the adventure that sets a young person on a future course that will reap great rewards. In the current global economy, in an age of interconnectedness, there is no harm in exposing young people to diverse outlooks, and there is plenty for them to gain. By ensuring young travelers are able to negotiate and navigate potential setbacks, underage travel can be a boon for all involved.

Independent travel benefits young explorers in a number of ways:

1. Direct contact with foreign cultures brings a wider understanding of the diversity that the citizens of the world have devised to deal with life’s problems and concerns.

2. Having to conduct daily interactions in a foreign language encourages flexibility in communication, and in utilizing the linguistic resources every person has. There is no shame in being a stranger who is trying to fit in.

3. Young people need to know, firsthand, that the world is larger than what they are accustomed to. Being able to empathize with other viewpoints is a negotiating tool that serves everyone involved in business, art, or public service.

4. A broad perspective allows a person to consider all available options, and all possible consequences.

Of course, every parent worries when their child travels around the block out of sight, let alone to a foreign country. Travel insurance provides peace of mind that pitfalls and emergencies have been considered, and that there is a mechanism in place during the journey to deal with mishaps or misadventures.

Travel insurance for younger travelers embarking on long-distance trips can cover a number of contingencies that threaten to derail what should be an educational experience. In worst-case scenarios, a medical emergency can put a traveler in an unfamiliar environment, and entail costly bills in foreign currency. Travel insurance guarantees that medically necessary services will be reimbursed according to local provisions and statutes. In the unlikely event that a medical emergency occurs, travel insurance acts as a go-between for patients and their families, and the medical providers who bring events to a satisfactory conclusion for the trip to continue uninterrupted.

Likewise, travel insurance can provide trip protection in the event of missed connections, vehicle break down, or other unforeseen circumstances that prevent a traveler from reaching his or her destination when intended. In these situations, travel insurance will cover the cost of replacement tickets for transportation, or for hotel accommodations that will be needed until the trip resumes.

Special contributor: Robbie Wilson

Contact Robbie at Robbie465@professionalintern.com at Professional Intern.

Internet Classes: Start Your Kids Young

2011-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

A good education should prepare its students for those tasks and issues that they are most likely to face in their adult lives.

We know that computer literacy has become an essential part of that preparation in the 21st century. We can probably also agree that these digital natives – a generation born in cyberspace – face some unique challenges. So it’s time to revamp their curricula.

Let’s introduce some coursework that better suits their needs and fills a few gaps.

10 Internet classes that should be taught in grade school:

Microsoft Word Training – If for no other reason than to develop clerical skills, this staple of office tools is a must-have for our future workforce. Something as ubiquitous as Microsoft Word – indeed the entire Office suite – should be required learning for our kids.
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University – You don’t have to look far nowadays to see the economic fallout that results from financial ignorance. It isn’t too early for grade school kids to receive a scaled-down primer on fiscal responsibility, and to learn how to handle (invest and save) money.
Social Media Etiquette – Like it or not, Facebook, Twitter, online forums and chat rooms, and other social networking sites have become fixtures of 21st century social interaction, and we need to teach our kids how to use them. This particular course is geared toward college students, but a version aimed at adolescents who are already active on social media sites just makes sense.
Poetry Classes – Poets are the conscience of society and the blacksmiths of language. What better way to enhance the minds and hearts of our future than exposure to an art form that can expand our children’s vocabularies and promote artistic and articulate self-expression?
Cultural Diversity Training – There are numerous courses and webinars available to corporate clients who wish to educate their workforces in cultural diversity. I say it’s time to start this training earlier, and instill tolerance and respect in our youth before they graduate to adulthood.
Fitness/Nutrition – With childhood obesity at epidemic proportions, it may be time to include some education on fitness and nutrition while Junior’s already sitting on his keister at the computer.
Sex Education – This is a lightning rod issue for most parents, and there is anything but a consensus as to the proper timing and approach. Some even question whether the responsibility lies with schools rather than at home. The reality is that sex is already in our kids’ faces far sooner than it should be, via popular cultural and media. How they respond to the messages they’re getting has far-reaching consequences which can neither be left to chance nor for a later date to address.
Internet Safety – As our children learn to interact, research and surf online, there is no more important prerequisite than an education in internet safety. This needs to be required learning for both grade-schoolers and parents.
Environmental Awareness – A curriculum that makes it fun as well as informative to “think green” is long overdue for all of us. Let’s start with the generation who will inherit this planet.
Conflict Resolution – The importance of learning how to settle disputes peacefully, as with this lesson plan, cannot be overstated. This should be part of every grade school’s curriculum.

The grade school years are when children begin to develop socially, and establish their sense of self. It seems disingenuous to delay the kind of education we’ve discussed here until afterward.

Parents and teachers need to re-examine what children need – and when they need it – in order to best equip them for adulthood.

Source: Internet Service Providers

What is Autism: Coming of Age

2011-07-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Did you know over the next 10 to 15 years, an estimated 800,000 children with autism will age out of their school systems? Nearly three quarters of these families are worried about their child’s financial future, but most have done little to plan for when their child with autism becomes an adult. That’s why today, on behalf of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), we encourage you to join this mission to get the word out that help is available for families with children with special needs!

You can learn more about MassMutual and ways it’s helping families plan for the future by visiting www.massmutual.com/autism. Also be sure to check out MassMutual on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MassMutual for daily tips and articles.

What is Autism: Coming of Age?

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are some of the most complex disabilities that families can face. This documentary is, in part, a follow-up to groundbreaking research from the December 2008 “Easter Seals Living with Autism” study, also co-sponsored by MassMutual, that examined the hopes, fears and challenges of parents raising children with autism.

That study, conducted by Harris Interactive, one of the leading consumer research companies in the U.S., revealed the top concerns of families living with autism. These include:

- Independence
- Financial well-being
- Quality of life
- Employment
- Housing needs
- Education
- Health
- The child’s longevity

Parents' Universal Resource Experts Joins Facebook

2011-06-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Are you struggling with a teen that was always a good kid – now making some horrible choices?

Are they hanging out with kids that are questionable?

Did you get a report card that was less than acceptable?

Have you seen evidence of them smoking or using other substances? Maybe drinking?

Don’t be parent in denial! You are only prolonging them getting the help they may need. You don’t want to see them get arrested – you want to see them get back on a positive road to a bright future.

Join us on Facebook - and LIKE our community of professionals, parents and educators that want to help.

Also visit www.HelpYourTeens.com for a free consultation.

The Party's Over Tip Line: Preventing Drinking and Driving

2011-06-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Summer is here!

This time of year often comes with an increase in free time and a decrease in adult supervision.
It is time to remind you that there are ways to anonymously report underage drinking. Please do not hesitate to call the Party’s Over Tip Line to anonymously report underage drinking in St. Johns County: (888) 277-8477, text TIP231 plus the message to 274637 or submit online by clicking here.

PACT Prevention Coalition is working diligently to educate our community about the dangers of underage drinking and other issues surrounding today's teenagers and children.

Not all kids are using drugs or alcohol. We often hear from our young people, “it’s no big deal, everyone’s doing it” when talking about alcohol and other drugs. This is a common misconception and is not true!

According to the 2010 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 50.3% of middle and high school students have not used alcohol in their lifetime, 75.5% have not smoked cigarettes and 74.8% have not used marijuana. Click here for more information.

Please follow on Twitter at @PACTPrevention for the latest trends, events and news about substance abuse issues in St. Johns County.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier teens.

Watch the video.

Continue reading on Examiner.com The Party’s Over Tip Line - Jacksonville Parenting Teens | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/parenting-teens-in-jacksonville/the-party-s-over-tip-line#ixzz1Pp1MDWyU

Helping Your Teen Select their College Courses

2011-06-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Tips to help your teen choose the right classes.

School is wrapping up in many areas of our country. Many high school graduates are looking at higher education and starting college. The question is – what classes should they take, in addition to their core classes they need. This can be a struggle, but here are some tips to help you with this process.

With so many choices, it can be hard to narrow down what courses you need to take this semester or throughout your college career. Yet there are some things you need to keep in mind when it comes time to sign up for courses, whether it’s for a full semester or just for the summer.

If you’ve never been the type who’s good at choosing courses, use these pointers to guide you through the process and help you choose courses that will best serve your major and your long-term goals.

Know the requirements. First and foremost, you need to look at the requirements for your major. Some classes are only offered in specific semesters and may be prerequisites for other courses you’ll need to take, so getting them out of the way when you can is essential to keeping on track for graduation. If you’re unsure of your major’s requirements, talk to the department head or your academic advisor.

Focus on classes for your major first. The first classes you add into your schedule should be ones that help you complete requirements for your major or minor. You don’t want to drag out taking required courses, so get as many out of the way as you can. You also want to make sure you’re signing up for at least one course that meets your school’s general education requirements if you haven’t already taken care of these.

Look through the course catalog. If you’re unsure of what courses to take, look through the course catalog. Take time to mark classes that seem interesting to you and figure out which would best fit into your current schedule.

Fill in your schedule with electives. Whatever hours you have left should be taken up with electives. In general, students who are attending full time should not take less than 15 hours of classes, so always sign up for at least that much if you want to graduate in four years. Electives can be classes that are just for fun or on topics that supplement what you’re learning in your classes for your major.

Consider the professors. Finally, find out a bit about the professors who are teaching the courses. The most interesting class in the world can put you to sleep if it doesn’t have a great professor teaching it.

If you’re still struggling with choosing courses, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You academic advisors are there to aid you in working through issues like this and can help you to plan out this semester or all of those which you have left.

Source: Online Colleges

Continue reading on Examiner.com Best ways to choose your college courses – Jacksonville Parenting Teens | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/parenting-teens-in-jacksonville/best-ways-to-choose-your-college-courses#ixzz1Oh3fXGWj

Best Books About Higher Education

2011-06-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Students go to college to receive a higher education, but the industry itself is worthy of study. Budgets, challenges, politics, and reform are all interesting, evolving subjects in higher education. Explore these issues and more in the following books about the past, present, and future state of higher education.

The 20 Best Books About Higher Education:

Higher Education?: How Colleges Are Wasting Our Money and Failing Our Kids—and What We Can Do About It: Read Higher Education? to see how colleges are wasting money and failing kids.
The Shaping of American Higher Education: In The Shaping of American Higher Education, you can learn how the contemporary higher education system came to be through history.
10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College: Want to complete a career-driven education? This book has valuable information on what you need to learn before you graduate and start your job search.
American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century: Learn about the social, political, and economic challenges of higher education in the 21st century from this book.
Crisis on Campus: Crisis on Campus has a bold plan for reforming colleges and universities.
No Sucker Left Behind: Find out about price gouging schemes in college, plus online resources for students in No Sucker Left Behind.
Universities in the Marketplace: Universities in the Marketplace offers a lesson on the commercialization of higher education, written by a former president of Harvard.
American Higher Education: American Higher Education shares a history of the higher education system, exploring common misconceptions and explaining how modern controversies are not all that new.
Student Engagement in Higher Education: See how students are being engaged and connected to the college experience, including groups like LGBT students, minorities, and students with disabilities.
DIY U: DIY U discusses the diminishing returns of college education and the upcoming transformation in higher education.
The Lost Soul of Higher Education: You’ll learn about the challenges to academic freedom and historic battles in the soul of higher education in this book.
The Five Year Party: Have colleges given up on educating? Find out what you can do about it by reading The Five Year Party.
Shakespeare, Einstein, and the Bottom Line: See how colleges have crumbled under market pressures and trends, turning students into customers and schools into brands and revenue centers through this book on the marketing of higher education.
Academically Adrift: Academically Adrift questions whether college students are really learning once they get to college.
Making Reform Work: Check out Making Reform Work to learn about ideas for improving American higher education.
They Don’t Teach Corporate in College: In this book, you’ll learn about the gap from college education to the corporate world, and how you can learn to enter the business world.
Getting from College to Career: Lindsey Pollak’s book shares 90 things you should do to build experiences and confidence before starting your job search.
Higher Education: Read Higher Education to learn about the challenges that are faced by today’s college grads, including a slow job market, debt, and new technology.
The Heart of Higher Education: In this book, you’ll find a call for change and renewal in higher education.
How Colleges Work: How Colleges Work offers an analysis of the academic organization and leadership of universities.

Continue reading on Examiner.com No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-off - Fort Lauderdale Parenting Teens | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/parenting-teens-in-fort-lauderdale/no-sucker-left-behind-avoiding-the-great-college-rip-off#ixzz1OguJzgJV

Graduation: Gifts Your Grad Can Use

2011-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

We know it's not the gift but the thought that counts, but enough with the monogrammed bath towels and fancy pens!

High school and college graduates of today are looking for more practical and stylish gifts that they can get some use out of and won't be embarrassed to bring to school or their first job. So, before you hand over another copy of Oh, the Places You'll Go!, check out these 25 great graduation gifts that graduates will actually use:

College Grads

These gifts will help college grads remember the best four years of their lives and transition into the working world.

Briefcase: A briefcase will make them feel that much more grown up and maybe get them excited for interviewing.
E-book Reader: Now that the textbooks have been retired, graduates can go back to reading for pleasure with the help of a nifty e-book reader.
Diploma Frame: This gift will ensure that their hard earned diploma makes it on the wall.
Resume Paper: College grads will happily accept resume paper and any job advice you can give them.
Cookware: Help a college grad get on his or her feet and replace their old pots and pans with new cookware.
College Ring : College is the best four years of your life, so why not get your grad a college ring that will last forever?
Subscription to Online Job Search Engines: Give a grad the gift of finding the best jobs out there with a subscription to exclusive online job search engines.
Mattress: Most college grads have probably outgrown their old mattress and could use a new one from you!
Shopping Spree: Help a college grad enter the working world in style with a shopping spree.
Career Advice and Inspiration Book: Graduation can be a very confusing time. Help guide this grad with a career advice and inspiration book.

High School Grads
These gifts will help all freshman get on the right foot and make the most of their four-year adventure.

Laptop Computer: If you're feeling generous, get the grad the quintessential college gift – a laptop computer.
College Memorabilia: Send off the graduate with a foam finger, sweatshirt and baseball hat for his or her respective college team.
Wal-Mart Gift Card: It may sound lame, but they'll be thanking you when they use this to restock their Ramen supply or buy the latest Xbox game.
Digital Camera: Help your grad capture the best four years of his or her life with a digital camera.
Backpack : A new chapter in life calls for a new, more mature backpack.
iPod: An iPod is a must-give gift for working out at the rec center and taking long road trips with college buddies.
Brita Water Filter: It might seem like a weird gift at first, but this grad will thank you after they get a before and after taste of dorm tap water.
Gas Card: You won't have to worry as much about your grad breaking the bank with a gas card, which will keep them fueled while away from home.
Bicycle: Nothing says college more than a new bike to cruise around campus on.
Shower Shoes: Graduates will get plenty of use out of shower shoes and avoid freshman foot fungus too!

Both Grads
These practical graduation gifts will thrill both high school and college grads.

Money: Any graduate will gladly accept money, but why not shake it up with one of these creative cash displays?
Luggage: Whether they're moving off to college or moving for a first job, you can't give a better gift than new luggage.
Cookbook: Help this high school or college grad learn how to prepare something other than Ramen noodles and PB&Js with a cookbook.
Portable Mug: A portable mug is a practical gift for any grad and is guaranteed to get used for all-nighters or early morning commutes.
Piggy Bank: Not only are piggy banks cute and nostalgic, but they actually serve a good purpose and will get a grad saving every penny.

Source: Katrina Solomon of College Degree

Continue reading on Examiner.com Graduation gifts that graduates will actually use - Fort Lauderdale Parenting Teens | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/parenting-teens-in-fort-lauderdale/graduation-gifts-that-graduates-will-actually-use#ixzz1OQzcWRZ4

Sun Life Rising Star Award: Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

2011-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sun Life Financial Seeking Grant Applications from South Florida Non-profit Organizations for Sun Life Rising Star Awards

Sun Life Financial invites organizations to apply for $220,000 in grants and scholarships that provide educational opportunities and promote financial stability in under-served youth

Wellesley, MA (May 24, 2011) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) and the Miami Dolphins announced today they are seeking Sun Life Rising Star Award grant applications from non-profit organizations in South Florida that advocate for youth from under-served communities. Applications are now available at www.SunLifeStadium.com/RisingStar. The deadline for submissions is July 1.

The Sun Life Rising Star Award program is designed to improve the lives of under-served youth by providing financial resources and education to students and non-profit organizations committed to increasing success in high school and beyond. Each winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant and other unique resources. Additionally as part of the application process, each organization will nominate an exemplary student for a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship to help finance a college education, with the goal of helping students achieve long-term financial stability.

Now in its second year, the program will again invest more than $1 million to outstanding students and non-profit organizations in major markets across the country, including Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida. The Sun Life Rising Star Awards program is the educational cornerstone program of the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

“Financial security and sustainability are the building blocks of the Sun Life brand, and that’s why it’s a priority for us to continue investing in and improving the lives of these outstanding students who are committed to furthering their education,” said Sun Life Financial U.S. President Wes Thompson. “It is our intention that the Sun Life Rising Star Awards serve as a catalyst to help these incredibly talented and deserving students and organizations embark on a path to a sound financial future.”

To be considered for a Sun Life Rising Star Award grant, organizations must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status and promote skills that directly translate to educational success in high school to students under the age of 21. Applications will be reviewed by a local judging panel consisting of community leaders and senior-level educators.

As part of the application process, each non-profit will nominate an outstanding student from its organization for a chance to receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Nominees must be high school seniors actively involved in an organization that shares the Sun Life Rising Star Awards’ mission; they must also plan to pursue post-secondary education, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Nominated students are required to submit a 750-word essay on how financial education contributes to future success.

50 Parenting Blogs: From Pregnancy to toddlers to teens

2011-05-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

Far more than a subject for an MTV show or platform for the daughter of a former vice presidential candidate, teenage mothering is a very serious topic. The practice of babies having babies can affect the whole family from parent to child and even grandparent. With times getting more difficult, it can be increasingly hard to find the time and/or money to speak with a professional.

If struggling with the issue of teen parenting, have a look at these top 50 blogs for teen parents. No matter if you are the teen parent, the parent of a teen parent, or even the grandparent, there is something for you written by everyone from teen mothers to pediatricians.

Top Blogs for Teen Parents by Teens

Get a blog just for or by teenage parents in the below.

I’m a Teenage Mom Abby O’Neill likes to talk about immaturity and being a parent with plenty of it. In the blogging business since 2006, she has loads of posts to share on it. Words of wisdom and recommendations are often given through blog posts.
Teen Parent TV Because teens would rather watch television than read, there is this blog. Entries come in both written and video form. There are also channels for teen mothers, fathers, and even grandparents.
Teen Parents Blog Visit here for the official blog of the Capital District YFC’s Teen Parents Team. It features news, updates, prayer requests, and the occasional random thought. Be sure to visit their main site with more.
Teen Advice Blog Loads of bloggers stop by here to write about many issues surrounding teens. There is also a special section for teen pregnancy that has loads on what to expect. Other categories include health issues, school, family, and more.
National Teen Pregnancy Get the latest headlines in teen parenting and pregnancy from the Examiner. It gathers all the relevant news from all the contributors to one convenient place. A recent one was on the Freedom Condom.
Teen Parenting Families.com is a site that has loads of blog entries concerning the family. In this special section, they focus on teen parenting. Recent entries contain a true story of a teen mom and changes in attitudes towards teen pregnancy.
Teen Diaries This blog is a life guide for young urban women. What guide would be complete without a section on teen parenting? Several bloggers take on the topic as well as many others important to teen girls.
Teen Mom Blog If you love the MTV show “Teen Mom” and all its spin-offs, click here. The blogger here keeps news updates and details on girls from the show. Links to whole items are often shared.

Top Blogs for Parenting Teens

Because teens still have parents of their own, there are these blogs.

Parenting Teens Denise Witmer has worked with adolescents for years and is active in teen development and living programs. Her goal is to help parents with the various issues surrounding their teens from sexuality to answering real questions. She even has videos on projects to do with teens and how to teach them to drive.
Sue Scheff Blog She is the founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts. Sue has tons of knowledge on parenting and has more on teens including at risk teens, bullying, cell phone dangers, and other topics. Be sure not to miss her main site and podcasts with more.
LA Parenting Teens Examiner Published author Evelyn B. Block has almost 30 years of experience working with teens as a child and family therapist. She also spends her time as an educator, consultant, and parent when not authoring this blog. Recent entries were on how to teach teens money skills.
Teen Advice Parenting Barbara McRae is the bestselling author of “Coach Your Teen to Success,” host of Bridging the GAP Radio Show, and founder of Teen Frontier International. Her blog is full of success stories of parents who have overcome obstacles in teen parenting. There are also many podcasts containing her expert advice.
Parenting my Teen This blog and podcast is all about you and your teens. Categories include everything from divorce to teen dating. In addition to regular blog posts, you can also get many episodes available over the web.
Troubled Teen Blog Get support with families with troubled teens on this blog. It is a place to share stories, gain support, and help others in their parenting teen journey. A recent entry was on a rebellious teen leaving home.
Parenting Teens Online Visit here for many resources for parents of teenagers. Podcasts and articles cover everything from alcohol to technology. A recent entry was on how parents can make a difference in teen pregnancy.

Top Pregnancy Blogs for Teen Parents

Learn more about the scariest nine months of a mother’s life in these blogs.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Robin Elise Weiss is a childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, doula trainer, and lactation counselor. With eight children of her own, she knows all about pregnancy and childbirth firsthand. Check out her blog for topics such as what to expect during labor, dealing with doctors, and much more.
Pregnancy Health Examiner Jasmine Jafferali is a maternal, child, and family health educator. Her mission is to teach women to take charge of their health and well-being. With a growing family of her own, she often shares news items of interests as well as expert thoughts.
Belly Itch JJ is many things, including a leading pregnancy blogger. Her site often gets notoriety for unique entries on pregnancy in the news, expecting celebrities, and much more. She often also shares true stories of mothers to be.
Fit Pregnancy All expecting mothers gain weight, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing by stopping here. Popular articles include the first trimester, product recalls, and pregnancy hunger. Be sure not to miss the many sub-blogs.
ABC Family Arwen first began this blog years ago as a way to document her conception journey. It is now a family blog that is all about her two little blessings. With a third on the way, it is also a top notch pregnancy blog.
Pregnant Women and Babies Lily of the Valley is a philosopher by training, counselor, wife, and mother. She often blogs on the spiritual aspects of it all. Popular posts include sinus infections and mastitis.
Pregnancy Weekly This is an online magazine about pregnancy, baby, and parenting. Part of a site of the same name, they offer quick links such as an A to Z of topics and a baby name finder. You can also use it to customize your very own pregnancy calendar.
ItsaBelly Melissa Moog thought of this blog when she was searching for a car seat. After doing loads of related research, she decided to share what she has learned with other expectant mothers. The blog is now a leading choice for those overwhelmed with information and needing to make sense of it all.
Good Pregnancy Guide Pregnancy advice and information on expecting is shared here. In addition to the many guides on pregnancy, you can get tips for after baby as well. The latest news includes saving money and natural pain relief.
Pregtastic Get loads of radio programs over the web by visiting here. Sunny is both host and producer of this weekly show celebrating the road to motherhood. Get information on topics such as prenatal nutrition and birthing options, or check out the blog for the newest.

Top Expert Blogs for Teen Parents

These medical professionals have loads more to say on pregnancy and parenting.

News Moms Need Everyone knows the March of Dimes has a mission to help mothers and mothers in training get up to date health information. The blog continues in that tradition. Categories include planning for a baby, pregnancy, and even a Mother of the Day.
Pediatrics Vincent Iannelli is a board certified pediatrician and part of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is the author of “The Everything Father’s First Year Book” and has loads of advice for parents. Must reads include a symptom checker, height predictor, and symptoms of measles.
10 Centimeters and Beyond Nurse Lochia is a night shift labor delivery nurse in the Midwest. She is also a mother of four children and has seen the stirrups from both sides. A standout choice for entries as both a parent and a healthcare professional.
At Your Cervix This blog is often a popular choice and probably has much to do with the title. However, Joy also includes expert entries on the experience of giving birth. She is also studying nursing and shares more.
Life and Times of an L&D Nurse Deb is a Southern California mom who works as a labor and delivery nurse. She writes about both her daughter and life at the hospital. She is also studying and writes all about it.
Doctor Mama She is a physician, mother, and educator with a son. Everything she says “is right, especially if it’s about running.” Get entries on work, mommy life, and more with a visit.
Painfully Speaking Jessica is a mother of two boys and a labor nurse. She is also a sufferer of chronic head pain. She first experienced it during her second pregnancy and has written about it since.
Stand and Deliver Rixa shares reflections on pregnancy, birth, and mothering here. She even has a special section on breeches. Popular posts include what giving birth feels like and a ring sling tutorial.
Ob/Gyn Kenobi Dr, Whoo plays one in real life but alters names and places for privacy. An actual OB/GYN, there are loads of expert advice on the blog. One of the most recent was on do’s and don’ts.

Top Midwife Blogs for Teen Parents

Also experts on childbirth, check out the blogs of these midwives, doulas, and more.

Birth Sense Aka the Midwife Next Door, she features a common sense guide to normal birth. Sections include what to expect from a midwife, cesarean births, and more. A recent entry was on the evidence of risk on vaccinations.
Dou-la-la In addition to being a doula in training, she is a birth advocate and childbirth educator. Also a lactation consultant, she is gravitating towards becoming a midwife. Blog posts are on related items and things that interest her.
Conscious Birth Blog This blog is authored by a nurse midwife and certified lactation consultant. Kristina’s philosophy is “empowerment through knowledge, birth by instinct.” She is also the author of a book on breastfeeding and has more.
Enjoy Birth Visit here for a more empowering and enjoyable pregnancy and birth. Sheridan is the mother of three boys and a hypno-doula. Learn more about what she does and how she does it with a visit.
Hypnobabies Stop here for another blog on hypno-birthing. In addition to the blog, you can get a free CD on the topic. There are also many birth stories to keep you busy.
Navelgazing Midwife She is a licensed and certified professional midwife who is currently doing monitrice and doula work. With a work history dating back to 1983, she is no stranger to the subject. She is also a proud grandmother and shares more.
Birth at Home Don’t think you can give birth at home? Diana, a homebirth midwife, runs into that a lot. See more on the topic as well as natural childbirth with a visit.
Birth Unplugged Brittany is a stay-at-home mom of two and a former preschool teacher. She is currently studying to become certified as a birth doula through Childbirth International. A recent entry was an instructional on how to get your partner to agree to a birth plan.
Midwifery/Comadrona Eunice Romero provides holistic traditional homebirth midwifery care in Florida. She specializes in home birth and water birthing services. Get true life stories on what she does with a read.
The Unnecesariean Jill and others author this blog for patient advocacy and on the practice of cesarean surgeries. Click to get an overview and tips for avoiding one. One of the latest posts was on the perceptions of giving birth at home.

Top Grandparent Blogs for Teen Parents

Because many teenage parents turn to their parents when pregnant, check out these blogs by and for grandparents. Although many of the above top 50 blogs for teen parents are written by professionals and medical experts, see a licensed physician of your own before following any of the advice they give.

1. Nanahood Learn about the second half of the mothering journey in this blog. Teresa has loads of tips and product reviews for mothers. A recent entry was on the joys of napping.
2. Nana’s Corner This grandmother is a high school special education teacher with three grandchildren. Proving that you’re never too old to learn technology, she blogs on parenting, grandparenting, and teaching. Useful posts are on activities, recipes, product reviews, and much more.
3. Grandparents Susan Adcox is a former English and journalism teacher with seven grandchildren. She believes that grandparents can greatly enrich the lives of their grandchildren, and her goal is to help them find more ways to do so. Must reads on her blog include choosing a grandmother name and visitation rights.
4. SandwichINK This blog is written exclusively for the Sandwich Generation. That is, those who are dealing with the issues of caring for both their elderly parents and babysitting grandchildren. Categories include issues, caring, Bible verses, saving money, and more.
5. A Grandparent’s Voice Pam Loxley Drake is a 63 year-old grandma living in the state of Oregon. She provides a unique voice for women at this point in their life. A recent entry was on the “Once Upon a Time” of parenting.
6. Grandma’s Briefs Get “bits and bytes of life’s second act” here. Lisa is a laid off newspaper editor looking to keep her writing muscle flexed and finding a way through her blog. Children and grandchildren are often the topics of posts.

Source: Online Classes for College visit http://www.onlineclassesforcollege.org/

Fresh Air Fund Summer 2011

2011-05-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is able to host, please sign up now. In 2010, The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.

Although you are giving a so much to a child, what you give to yourself and your family is priceless. Giving is about feeling good and when you pay it forward, it does come back to you.

Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children.

There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host.

Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!

Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!

Fresh Air Children

Follow on Twitter at @FreshAirFund and join them on Facebook.

Give a to gift your family: Quit Smoking

2011-05-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

Because of the dramatic impact that tobacco use has on families, Tobacco Free Florida is airing an advertisement called “Separation” around Mother’s and Father’s Day—a time when families are paying particularly close attention to togetherness and special memories.

We want to remind parents that the most valuable gift they can give their children is time. If they are smokers, then quitting now will give them more time to spend with their children. More time for more special moments, more memories, more Mother’s Days together. It is our hope that smokers will be inspired by this ad to visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com to learn more about how to quit tobacco use.

Isn't it time you quit smoking?

Prom Time: Donating Dresses - Becca's Closet

2011-04-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Donate a dress today!

"Little things can make a big difference....."

This was the phrase that served as the driving force behind the beautiful life and caring actions of 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman. Becca, a cheerleader, honor student, and caring young woman, passed away in a tragic automobile accident on August 20, 2003. Today, her family and friends not only remember Becca for her great love and friendship, but also for her contributions to the community.
As prom is almost here for many students of Broward and Dade County, an organization, Becca's Closet, has been very busy collecting prom dresses for young girls that would otherwise not have an opportunity to have one.

Becca's Closet mission:
Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman and the project she started. Becca's Closet provides formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming. Our mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. In Becca's memory, scholarships are awarded to deserving high school students to advance their education.

Speaking to Channel 7 WSVN, Kirtman's father, Jake Kirtman, urged the South Florida community to donate. "If you wore your prom dress one time or twice, you know, and it's currently in style or the latest style and fashion and gently worn, please come out to Florida National College and make a donation, and we would really appreciate it," he said.

Are you in South Florida and need a dress? Click here.
Do you have a dress to donate? Click here.
Do you want to start a chapter in your area? Click here.

Little things can make a big difference, especially when the community gets involved. Pay it forward today and don't forget to hug your child and simply say those three words. "I love you."

Learn more about Becca's Closet.

Must watch video of Becca's Closet.

Teen Summer Jobs

2011-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

Summer jobs for teens can help build self esteem

There are any number of places where you can look for a good summer job:

Local merchants: local stores often need good help – and not just in the summer.
Small businesses: most towns have a number of small business offices – and your family or friends probably know several owners or office managers.
Corporate offices: many have established summer jobs and internship programs, but often these are the most competitive.
Stores at the mall: have a favorite store you like to shop at in the mall? Maybe now is the time to get a job there –- just be careful not to spend all your earnings buying their products.
Hotels and resorts: summer is the busy season for most hotels and resorts.
Tourist attractions: even if you don’t live in Florida or California, most states have tourist attractions that especially need help during the busy tourism season.
Golf & Tennis clubs: as the weather improves, these clubs are usually looking for part-time help.
Grocery stores: maybe not the most exciting jobs, but probably the most convenient -– and not just for summer.
Fast food and restaurants: local restaurants always need good help -– and while not the most glamorous, it’s still a job.
Parks and recreation departments: city, state, and national parks and recreation departments often develop special summer programs, and thus have job opportunities.
Local government summer job programs: often various government agencies sponsor different kinds of summer youth work programs.
Summer camps: okay, you went to camp as a kid – now you can go back as a counselor and get paid while being at camp.
Working for yourself: there are all sorts of jobs/businesses you could develop for yourself in your neighborhood –- Check out, Job Ideas for Teens 15 and Younger: Beyond Babysitting.
The Web: especially if you want to work outside your neighborhood, or even your state, the Web is the place for you to explore all sorts of summer job opportunities -– so go visit Quintessential Careers: Summer Job Websites.

What do Employers Look for in Teens
Employers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.

Final Words of Advice
Jobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others. The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts (and references)!

Source: Dr. Randall S. Hansen of Quintessential Careers

Read more.

Distracted Driving - Impaired Driving: Teen Driving is a Serious Responsibility

2011-04-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Impaired driving continues to be one of the deadliest crimes in America. This site is designed to provide you with information and resources to fight drunk and drugged driving in your community.

The Impaired Driving Division at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeks to work cooperatively to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce traffic-related healthcare and economic costs resulting from impaired driving (alcohol and other drugs). NHTSA collaborates with many criminal justice and community organizations to sponsor impaired driving campaigns such as You Drink & Drive. You Lose., Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk and Zero Tolerance Means Zero Chances.

Learn more visit http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/ and be an educated driver.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

2011-04-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

Alcohol Awareness Month, as declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), aims to raise awareness about the seriousness of alcohol dependency and alcoholism, while recognizing the serious problem of alcohol abuse. It is an ideal time to educate yourself and loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol use is an issue of concern in St. Johns County for both young adults and those under 21 years of age. According to the 2010 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among St. Johns County students with 29.4% of surveyed middle and high school students reporting the use of alcohol in the past 30 days. While this number has decreased 7.6% since 2000, it is still a topic of much unease.
“I believe alcohol awareness month is important in getting the message out to young people to ‘think before you drink,’ think about the consequences, and think about the long term effects of alcohol abuse,” said Ponte Vedra Beach resident and recovering alcoholic, Mark Tondreault.

Tondreault shares his story of life after a liver transplant and heart valve replacement, which were the result of years of heavy drinking, with schools, clubs and organizations. He stresses the dangers of alcohol abuse, how easy it is to become addicted to alcohol, and how alcohol can slowly affect a person’s health.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that nearly 14 million Americans, one in every 13 adults, abuses alcohol or are alcohol dependent. In addition, fewer than 25% of adults and fewer than 10% of youth who need treatment receive it in a given year.

PACT Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County is dedicated to making St. Johns County a healthy substance-free community for our youth through prevention, advocacy, choices and teamwork. For more information about PACT Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County call (904) 829-6261 or visit www.pactprevention.org.

PACT has just released KNOW THE LAW, a guide for youth and parents. Download it today.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer parent.

Read more.

Learn more at www.TeenHelpAdvice.com if you are considering outside help for your teen.

Gambling on College Campuses

2011-04-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

College gambling is not a subject many parents talk about or even think about, however it is a serious concern. Did you know approximately 75 percent of college students gambled during the past year (whether legally or illegally)?

More facts on college gambling:

The most recent research estimates that 6 percent of college students in the U.S. have a serious gambling problem that can result in psychological difficulties, unmanageable debt and failing grades.
Research has shown that teenagers and college-aged young adults are more impulsive and at higher risk for developing gambling disorders than adults.
Most adults with a gambling problem started gambling at an early age. Scientists have learned that the adolescent brain is still growing, which accounts for the frequently impulsive behavior and unwise decisions of teenagers.
Compared to female college students, research suggests that male college students are more likely to have gambled in the past year, gambled with more money and reported having gambling problems.
Gambling disorders are associated with numerous negative consequences and are highly correlated with other risky behaviors in the college student population.
Compared to students without gambling problems, students with gambling problems are more likely to use tobacco, drink heavily or binge drink, smoke marijuana or use other illegal drugs, drive under the influence and have a low GPA.
Gambling opportunities, once only available in a few states, have proliferated nationwide during the past 30 years with the expansion of lotteries, casinos, and Internet gambling. Therefore, today’s college students are exposed to not only drinking and drug use but also gambling, both on campus and in the surrounding community.
While the most recent research estimates that 6 percent of college students have a gambling problem, college students appear to mature out of these problems, as they do with alcohol and drug use, after college. This is evidenced by the fact that only 1 percent of the adult population has a gambling disorder in the U.S.

Visit www.CollegeGambling.org for more information.

Read more.

Teen Text Slang: Do You Know What Your Teen is Saying?

2011-03-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

What are they saying?

Learning the teen language is only the beginning of parenting teenagers today.

Do you know the A-Z text codes?

Brought to you by TextZapper, now is a very good time to become an educated parent!
TextZapper is a parental-controlled cell phone app, which essentially has a message monitoring component that notifies the parent who is alerted via a text on their cell phone – if a suspicious text or email is sent to their son or daughter.

Any language which makes reference to sex, sexting, as well as things related to cyberbullying, suicide, guns, weapons or drugs – among many other things – are red-flagged.
There are more than 11,000 key words and phrases that trigger the notification. In addition to the alert about the message, the parent will also receive the phone number responsible for sending the message.

Here is an A-Z list of text codes you should know about:

1174 Nude club
182 I hate you
420 Marijuana
4Q F*** You
53X Sex
8 Oral sex
9 Parent is watching
99 Parent is no longer watching
A/S/L/P Age/Sex/Location/Picture
A3 Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime
ADIH Another Day In Hell
ASL Age/Sex/Location
banana code word for penis
BITFOB Bring It The F*** On, Bitch
BJ Blow Job
BM Byte Me
BMF Bad Mother F***er
BOHICA Bend Over Here It Comes Again
BTFO Back The F*** Off -or- Bend The F*** Over
BUFF Big Ugly Fat F***
CBF Can't Be F***ed
CBJ Covered Blow Job
CD9 Code 9 - it means parents are around
CU46 See You For Sex
DOC Drug Of Choice
DUM Do You Masturbate?
DURS Damn You Are Sexy
DUSL Do You Scream Loud?
EOL End Of Life
ESMF Eat Sh** Mother F***er
FAH F***ing A Hot
FAP F***ing A Pissed
FAYF*** All Y'all
FBF*** Buddy -or- FaceBook
FBI F***ing Brilliant Idea -or- Female Body Inspector
FMLTWIA F*** Me Like The Whore I Am
FMUTA F*** Me Up The Ass
FNG F***ing New Guy
FO F*** Off
FOAD F*** Off And Die
FU2 F*** You Too
FUBAR F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition (or Repair)
FUBB F***ed Up Beyond Belief
GAFL Get A F***ing Life
GAGFI Gives A Gay First Impression
GAL Get A Life
HOIC Hold On, I'm Coming
I&I Intercourse & Inebriation
IBGYBG I'll Be Gone, You'll Be Gone
IPN I'm Posting Naked
ITS Intense Text Sex
IWBAPTKYAIYSTA I Will Buy A Plane Ticket And Kick Your Ass If You Say That Again
IWBNI It Would Be Nice If
IWFU I Wanna F*** You
IWIWU I Wish I Was You
IWSN Want Sex Now
IYAOYAS If You Ain't Ordinance You Ain't Sh**
kitty Code word for vagina
KPC Keeping Parents Clueless
KWSTA Kiss With Serious Tongue Action
L8R Later
L?^ Let's hook up
LABATYD Life's A Bitch And Then You Die
LAGNAF Lets All Get Naked And F***
LAQ Lame Ass Quote
LB?W/C Like Bondage? Whips or Chains
LBR and LGR Little Boy's Room and Little Girl's Room
LBUG or LBIG Laughing Because You're Gay -or- Laughing Because I'm Gay
LD Long Distance -or- Later Dude
LDIMEDILLIGAF Look Deeply Into My Eyes, Does It Look Like I Give A F***
LHOS Lets Have Online Sex
LHSO Let's Have Sex Online
LHU Let's Hook Up
LIB Lying In Bed
NICE Nonsense In Crappy Existence
NIFOC Nude In Front Of The Computer
NIGYYSOB Now I've Got You, You Son Of a B*tch
RUH Are You Horny?
RUMCYMHMD Are You on Medication Cause You Must Have Missed a Dose
RUMORF Are You Male OR Female?
SMB Suck My Balls
STM Spank The Monkey
URAPITA You Are A Pain In The Ass
URSAI You Are Such An Idiot

ZapMyText and learn more about what your teens are talking about. More importantly, be sure they are not text talking and driving. Texting and driving is deadly - talk today to your teen about texting and driving and the life you save may be your child's.
Don't forget about distracted bicycling! Too many teens are texting and pedaling, which is extremely dangerous too. Read more.

Read more.

Summer Fun for Needy Children: Get Involved and Change the Lives of Children Today

2011-03-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

The time is NOW! Yes, many people are struggling with today’s economy, but one way to feel fulfilled is to give a piece of yourself and your family to a child that has none. You don’t have to have a million dollars to give a child a fun summer. Just being there, playing ball, swimming or any other family activity is what many children crave.

If you or someone you know is able to host, please sign up now. In 2010, The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.

More than 65% of all children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.

“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…”

Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget.
Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!

Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!

Fresh Air children are boys and girls, six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for either one or two weeks. Youngsters who are re-invited by the same family may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many enjoy longer summertime visits, year after year. A visit to the home of a warm and loving volunteer host family can make all the difference in the world to an inner-city child. All it takes to create lifelong memories is laughing in the sunshine and making new friends.

The majority of Fresh Air children are from low-income communities. These are often families without the resources to send their children on summer vacations. Most inner-city youngsters grow up in towering apartment buildings without large, open, outdoor play spaces. Concrete playgrounds cannot replace the freedom of running barefoot through the grass or riding bikes down country lanes.
Fresh Air children are registered by more than 90 participating social service and community organizations located in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City. These community-based agencies are in close contact with children in need of summer experiences in rural and suburban areas. Each agency is responsible for registering children for the program.
What do Fresh Air children enjoy?

Playing in the backyard
Laughing in the sunshine
Catching fireflies
Riding bicycles
Learning to swim
Running barefoot through the grass
Gazing at the stars on moonlit nights
Building sandcastles
Making new friends
Simple pleasures of life away from the inner-city

The Fresh Air Fund at the Five Boro Bike Tour
Join The Fresh Air Fund at the Five Boro Bike Tour on May 1st! The largest recreational cycling event in America, the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour, leads bikers on a 42-mile fun course through the city and you can be a part of it! The Fund provides guaranteed entry into the event in exchange for a fundraising minimum.

What better way to bike through an amazing route while knowing that the money you raise will help children from low-income communities who live throughout the city. Along the way, bikers will enjoy entertainment, rider photos, bike repair, medical support and the company of thousands of well-wishers!

Click here for more information about the race! If you have questions or are interested in participating, please call Kate Brinkerhoff at (212) 897-8890 or email kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Nominate a volunteer today!

2011-03-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t you agree that it should be every parent’s mission to teach their children about the positive impact volunteering can have on the world? If you just shook your head yes, then let’s speak further! Get involved with the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards to encourage your community to support the 102 youth volunteer Honorees for the 2011 season.

What is The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, exactly? Created 16 years ago, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represent the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

The program recognizes young heroes who have made exceptional impacts on the lives of others through acts of volunteerism. Each year, two honorees from each state receive $1,000 dollars, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for several days of national recognition events. Support from parents, family, friends and communities show the young heroes are being cheered on and recognized. It is truly inspiring!

While in D.C., ten students will be named National Honorees on May 2nd, receiving an additional $5,000, gold medallions, trophies, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for a charitable organization of their choice.

Do you want to become part of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards family? There are a few ways you to do so:

1. Find your hometown hero here and then show support by sharing their volunteer project and story with your family and blog readers.

2. Visit The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Facebook Page this month and tell us what great volunteer project you and your family plan to do this spring. You can also tweet about your plans using hashtag #spiritawards.

3. Share the LIVE webcast event with your readers this coming April and urge them to watch with their family. I can add you to “The Prudential Spirit of Community Blogging Family” and send you the official webcast link as the awards ceremony gets closer!

More information can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com.

Global Influence Buzzed Driving St. Patrick’s Day Campaign

2011-03-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe – it’s planning ahead for a safe and sober way home.

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out for drinking and celebrating with friends and family. Unfortunately, some of these people might also be driving home from their festivities and therefore, the night out has also become potentially dangerous.

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Thank you for offering to help spread the word! Global Influence members have been helping to change the world for more than two years, and these messages are among the most important.

Let’s remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.
• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, keep in mind that in 2009, 1,119 occupants of other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, so pay attention to others on the road. And remember, you don’t have to be “falling down drunk” to be too impaired to drive safely. Even a few drinks can impair driving…and a buzzed driving crash has the same consequences as a drunk driving crash.

NHTSA needs your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please consider posting the attached poster to your blog or even your Facebook wall. And we can also ask our readers to follow Buzzed Driving on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Don’t rely on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

10 Historical College Campuses

2011-03-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Flagler College in St. Augustine

As many high school juniors and seniors are busy debating on what higher education path they will be traveling, it is always fun and educational to look at a diversity of universities and their origin.

In St. Augustine, our nation's oldest city, Flagler College is one of the most beautiful campuses that combines history and education with the small town family atmosphere.

Although colleges and universities more than understandably evolved over the centuries, all of them owe a debt of gratitude to the medieval institutions who started it all. Since 1088, the world of higher education has expanded magnanimously to all corners of the globe, encompassing a far more diverse range of programs, faculty, staff and students. The following have paid witness to this drastic change more than any others, laying the rocksteady foundation for today's institutions. But even beyond that, they have all played an active role in shaping world history itself, regardless of their contributions' sizes.

University of Bologna: This lauded institution has been in continuous operation since 1088, give or take a few years. For the longest time, they only offered doctoral degrees, though in recent times they expanded their offerings. Today, around 100,000 students spread across 23 different faculties at 8 different branches and schools — including an international location in Buenos Aires. Considering its Catholic roots, it probably comes as little surprise that University of Bologna receives accolades for its civil and canon law programs. Throughout its incredible history, the school has graduated such diverse cultural luminaries as Dante Alighieri, Nicolaus Copernicus, Albrecht D–rer and Umberto Eco.
University of Oxford: As with many medieval universities, the exact date of founding remains largely unknown, though it's well known that teaching was going on in 1096. Although the oldest English-speaking school in the world (pictured), much of University of Oxford's wealthy intellectual legacy stems from massive influxes of Continental students and ideologies. Catholic orders, Renaissance beliefs and figures and scholars fleeing Nazism and Communism have all, at one time or another, flocked to this academic safe haven and eventually left their permanent mark. The year 1878 saw the landmark addition of the first women's college, with a second following a year later — and three more came shortly thereafter. Even today, it remains one of the world's most eclectic, prestigious and influential universities thanks to this diverse heritage.
University of Salamanca: Spain's oldest university started offering classes around 1130, but never received a papal charter until 1218 and a royal charter from King Alfonso X until 1254. By 1255, it was able to refer to itself as a university thanks to the confirmation of Pope Alexander IV. Because of its age, this institution participated in its fair share of notable historical events, both amazing and absolutely terrible. For one, many of its graduates and faculty assisted the government in its unjust expulsion and torturing of innocent Jews. Geographers at the University of Salamanca also played an integral role in assisting Christoffa Corombo on his historic voyage attempting to discover a quicker trade route towards the West Indies. After his accidental landing in the Americas, the very same school that backed his journey would go on to debate the ethical and economic impact of interacting with its indigenous peoples.
University of Modena: University of Modena actually spreads itself across the eponymous city as well as Reggio Emilia, with eight faculties comprising the former and four in the latter. The original campus was founded in 1175 by former University of Bologna educator Pillio of Medicina, but its original medieval structure fizzled out entirely by 1338. At that point, it ceased offering degrees and focused more on holding classes until funding forced the 1590 suspension. However, it revived itself in Modena around 1680 and eventually picked up its charter five years later. Today, both campuses host a total of around 20,000 students. Anyone visiting Modena needs to head over to the school and explore the Orto Botanico dell'Universit– di Modena e Reggio Emilia. This free botanical garden began as a small plot for medicinal plants, grew into an herbarium and subsequently expanded to its lush form locals and tourists currently enjoy.
University of Vicenza: Many academics, unfortunately, consider the University of Vicenza one of the least significant surviving medieval schools. In spite of this mindset, however, it still deserves recognition for its age and endurance. It was founded in 1204 and received recognition as a stadium generale at some point in the 13th Century.
University of Cambridge: The second-oldest stadium generale in the English-speaking world sprouted thanks to the first. Because of myriad disputes with faculty and townspeople alike, a small throng of Oxford intellectuals went on to found the competing university in 1209. Today, it is considered amongst the best institutes of higher learning on the planet, but it certainly took an interesting historical path to get here. On the orders of King Henry XIII, Cambridge disbanded its canon law program and dissolved any and all associations with Catholicism. As a result, classes shifted towards math, science, the classics and Bible — offerings which eventually inspired some of the most influential politicians, scientists, mathematicians, writers and thinkers of all time. Without Cambridge, there would be no laws of motion, atom splitting, unified electromagnetism, theory of evolution and natural selection, Turing machines or quantum mechanics. Nor would the electron, hydrogen or structure of DNA been discovered. Among a staggering heap of other accomplishments, of course.
University of Padua: A 1222 split from the University of Bologna resulted in the creation of University of Padua, whose new students and faculty desired more flexibility and freedom. At first, it only focused on providing degrees in law and theology, though it expanded its offerings to include astronomy, rhetoric, medicine, dialectic, philosophy, rhetoric, grammar and philosophy by 1399. During and shortly after the Renaissance, University of Padua enjoyed recognition as one of the world's intellectual and research powerhouses, likely due to its closer affiliation with the Venetian government than the Catholic Church. Even now, the 65,000-student institution is oftentimes considered amongst the greatest institutes of higher learning in Italy.
University of Naples Federico II: Unlike the other historical universities listed here, this one never affiliated itself with any religious institution. Rather, it received its initial patronage from Emperor Frederico II in 1224, making it the oldest state school in the world. Curiously enough, however, its most famous alum made a name for himself as one of the foremost Catholic theologians. St. Thomas Aquinas likely formed many of his influential religious theories based on his exposure to classical philosophy, letters and political science at University of Naples Federico II.
University of Siena: Established in 1240, University of Siena funded itself on taxes levied upon individuals and families renting living quarters to citizens. By 1252, Pope Innocent IV was declaring that teachers and students alike would be exempt from taxes, forced labor, night watchman duty and military service — particularly those involved with Latin, medicine and the natural sciences. Following a giant influx of University of Bologna faculty and students angered with a young man's death sentence, the institution in Siena swelled significantly, even enjoying stadium generale status. While it may not have played a huge role in Italian history, the school did witness major power switches in the region and hosted many extremely vocal demonstrations against Risorgimento.
University of Coimbra: Portugal's oldest university is a public school founded in 1290 following the approval of King Dinis. It actually started out in Lisbon before the 1308 move to Coimbra — a result of tensions with Pope Nicholas IV, the citizenry and the students. The core curriculum originally offered classes in the arts, canon law, law and medicine, which remained intact during the transition. In 1338, King Alfonso IV brought the school back to Lisbon, where it stayed until 1537 when King Jo–o III sent it to Coimbra permanently.

Special contributor: Carol Brown

Read more.

Self-Esteem and Your Teens

2011-03-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Self-esteem, confidence, feeling good about yourself etc… All of these are very important to helping your teen make good decisions for their future.

You have been saving for your teen’s college tuition for more than a decade. You have kept him on track in his studies. You have ferried him to countless soccer meets and football games. You may feel like you’re doing everything you can to ensure that your children have bright and promising futures, but you still may have overlooked a crucial element: their self-esteem.

Self-esteem is not something that should be pushed aside. In fact, a healthy sense of self-esteem is much more crucial to your teen’s future than you may initially think. Self-esteem is a measure of someone’s confidence in his or her capabilities as well as his or her sense of identity. It allows people to determine what they can and cannot do. Those with higher levels of self-esteem tend to feel more confident about their capabilities and therefore are more willing to take on challenges and try new things. They also are more likely to be independent and motivated, which is good for teenagers because it will allow them to better tackle the rigors of academics and college life.

Those with lower levels of self-esteem, however, are likely to be nervous, uncertain, dependent, and unmotivated. This is because they lack a sense of security in their capabilities, and therefore are more unwilling to do anything where failure is a possibility. Alarmingly, research cited by the Counseling and Mental Health Center of the University of Texas indicates that low levels of self-esteem can also increase a teen’s likelihood of becoming involved in drug use. For young women, unplanned pregnancies are more prevalent for those with low levels of self-esteem. Low self-esteem also can lead to the development of depression or anxiety.

Unfortunately, teenagers naturally have lower levels of self-esteem because they are going through numerous life changes and facing many new and uncertain things. For example, the onset of puberty, having to navigate high school politics, and moving away to tackle college are all uncertainties that can cause many teens to feel unsure about who they really are and who they will become. The overall result of all these changes is a shaken self-esteem.

It is important for parents to guide their teens through this confusing period so that they may regain the self-esteem they need to get through it all unscathed. You can do this by encouraging your teen to take care of himself. Good physical health can do wonders for mental health and self-esteem, so when your teen seems to be feeling bad about himself, go for a brisk walk with him. This will help him to get his muscles moving and perk his spirit up, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. You can also strive to praise him whenever he does something commendable, such as having a good soccer meet or receiving a good grade in class. The praise does not have to be over-the-top gushing each time. In fact, a simple, “Good job!” can improve a teen’s self-esteem dramatically.

All in all, parents can ensure that their teens have a healthy level of self-esteem by offering them support, love, and respect. This way, teens can develop a good sense of who they are and what they can do, leading to the bright and promising future you always wanted for them.

By-line:
Lauren Bailey, a freelancer who blogs about online colleges, contributed this guest post. She can be reached via email at: blauren99@gmail.com.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Do you need a boost? Start early! - Jacksonville Parenting Teens | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/parenting-teens-in-jacksonville/do-you-need-a-boost-start-early#ixzz1FMcyHfwa

Door of Hope for Teens

2011-02-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

There is help, only a call away.

Door of Hope 4 Teens is a Christian-based free counseling resource for young women and teens who struggle with self-injury. We provide help via a toll free support line, instant messaging, e-mail and a local youth group. Our team of counselors rotate around set posted hours to pray, encourage, help and direct young people towards recovery through the saving knowledge and power of Jesus Christ.

Our aim is to get teens the help they need in their local communities. This help may come in the form of linking young people with a local church or para-church organization which will help the young people overcome self injury on an ongoing basis. Door of Hope will call for you and contact local pastors and youth pastors in order to involve you with a church and/or youth group. We believe the local church is what God has ordained to help people. Likewise, Door of Hope provides referrals to hospital and mental heath professionals in your local area to help those who need crisis intervention and medical treatment.

Door of Hope 4 Teens provides additional help by mailing out at no cost to you: Bibles, books and media resources to help teens better understand self-injury and to help them learn healthy Godly coping mechanisms to overcome their struggle.

Door of Hope 4 Teens gathers young people for spiritual retreats, youth meetings, and seminars to help young people on a more personal one-on-one level. On a case by case basis, Door of Hope may help in providing transportation costs, housing, food, and other related costs to get people to these meetings.

Are you looking for private residential therapy? Visit www.helpyourteens.com.

Mistakes Parents Make with Teens

2011-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Parenting books - so many to choose from!

Parenting.

It is probably one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs there is. Although there are many times you have to look hard for those rewards, as they can become hidden during those teen-hood and pre-teen times, you will eventually see them.

WebMD put together five mistakes that parents make with teens and tweens. As second semester is progressing, there are many parents struggling with their kids to understand the importance of finishing school and doing well in it. As with many adolescents, they see their social life is more of their priority.

Teen Parenting Mistake # 1: Expect the Worst
Teenagers get a bad rap, says Richard Lerner, PhD, director of the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University. Many parents approach raising teenagers as an ordeal, believing they can only watch helplessly as their lovable children transform into unpredictable monsters. Expecting the worst sets parents and teens up for several unhappy, unsatisfying years together.

Teen Parenting Mistake #2: Read Too Many Parenting Books
Rather than trusting their instincts, many parents turn to outside experts for advice on how to raise teens. “Parents can tie themselves into knots trying to follow the advice they read in books,” says Robert Evans, EdD, executive director of the Human Relations Service, Wellesley, Mass., and author of Family Matters: How Schools Can Cope with the Crisis in Child Rearing.

“Books become a problem when parents use them to replace their own innate skills,” Evans tells WebMD. “If the recommendations and their personal style don’t fit, parents wind up more anxious and less confident with their own children.”
Use books (and articles like this) to get perspective on confusing behavior and then put them down. Spend the extra time talking with your spouse and children, getting clear about what matters most to you and your family.
Teen Parenting Mistake #3: Sweat the Small Stuff
Maybe you don’t like your daughter’s haircut or choice of clothes. Or perhaps she didn’t get the part in the play you know she deserves. Before you intervene, look at the big picture. If a certain mode of self-expression or set of events does not put your child at risk, give her the leeway to make age-appropriate decisions and live with the results.

Teen Parenting Mistake # 4: Ignore the Big Stuff
If you suspect your child is using alcohol or drugs, do not look the other way. Parents should address suspected drug or alcohol use right away, before it escalates into a bigger problem, says Amelia M. Arria, PhD, director of the Center on Young Adult Health and Development at the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

“The years when kids are between 13 and 18 years old are an essential time for parents to stay involved,” Arria tells WebMD. Parents might consider teen drinking a rite of passage because they drank when they were that age. “But the stakes are higher now,” she says.

More drugs are available today, illegal drugs and legal medications. For example, cough remedies with DXM (dextromethorphan) have become a new drug of choice for some teens. DXM is easy to get and teens and parents alike underrate its potential dangers. Studies show that between 7% and 10% of U.S. teens have reported abusing cough medicine to get high. Although safe when used as directed, DXM can cause hallucinations and disassociations similar to PCP or ketamine (Special K) when used in excessive amounts, as well as rapid heartbeat, unconsciousness, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Watch for unexplained changes in your teen’s behavior, appearance, academic performance, and friends. If you find empty cough medicine packaging in your child’s trash or backpack, if bottles of medicine go missing from your cabinet, or if you find unfamiliar pills, pipes, rolling papers, or matches, your child could be abusing drugs. Take these signs seriously and get involved. Safeguard all the medicines you have: Know which products are in your home and how much medication is in each package or bottle.

Mistake #5: Rule With an Iron Fist, or Kid Gloves
Some parents, sensing a loss of control over their teens’ behavior, crack down every time their child steps out of line. Every day brings a new punishment. The home becomes a war zone. By contrast, other parents avoid all conflict for fear their teens will push them away. They put being a cool parent ahead of setting limits and enforcing rules. For these parents, discipline is a dirty word.

To read the complete report by Joanne Barker, visit www.webmd.com.

It is very easy for outsiders to judge and give advice about raising our teens. Remember, each family is unique and each child is different. Although some people believe in the tough love approach, it is diffcult to employ when your teens are still minors.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: 5 Parenting mistakes with teens and tweens - Fort Lauderdale Parenting Teens | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/parenting-teens-in-fort-lauderdale/5-parenting-mistakes-with-teens-and-tweens#ixzz1EExJX3cf

Summer Jobs: Get Your Applications In Now!

2011-02-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

The time is now to apply.

Is your teenager ready to get a job this summer?

The time is now to get your applications in and schedule your interviews. Summer camp is a tradition for many families. Whether you are involved in day camp programs or sleep away camps, it is a great time to make new friends and have lots of fun.

Part of that fun is generated by the staff of the camps. Have you considered working at a summer camp? What activities are your favorite? Find a camp that has your interests and you may find your dream summer job.
Since 1999, MySummers has proved to be a great resource for applicants looking to work at a summer camp. Working as a camp counselor and watching the kids have fun is very rewarding. Campers always remember their counselors, and the impact that each counselor has had on their lives. For future teachers, camp jobs are a great way to gain experience working with and living with children.

To get started, sign up for MySummers and find out what jobs are open throughout the East Coast. Applicants must be 18 years or older by August 1st and a High School graduate. Some teen programs go into different countries; Canada, Europe, Australia, Central America, the Caribbean & Virgin Islands, and more. What an opportunity!

Learn more at www.MySummers.com.

Are you looking for a summer camp for your child? Visit www.CampFinders.com.

Read more.

School Loans, Educational Loans and Debt: Informational Blogs and Resources

2011-02-09T05:14:00.000-08:00

Guest Blogger, Julia Watson, prepared this fantastic, informational and educational list of Blogs that can help give you advice when you are overwhelmed with student loans.

Are you strapped with student loans?

Going to college, whether online or off, close to home or in a foreign country, can be an exciting, enlightening and ultimately life-changing experience. While it may be well worth it in the long run, it comes at a high cost to many students, and debt after graduation can be crippling for those who don’t have high paying jobs or who cannot find work at all. Finding a way to manage your finances and battle down that debt is a common struggle, so why not share in it with others who are where you are and who’ve come out on the other side? Here are some great blogs that will help you learn about debt reduction, pay off your debts and become a more financially savvy adult.

Education
These blogs will teach you the basics of managing your finances.

Engineer Your Finances: Want some great advice on how to structure your financial situation so that you’ll be financially secure instead of in tons of debt? Give this blog a read, or two.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich: One of the most popular PF blogs on the web, this blog will show you how to make the best use of your income.
Get Rich Slowly: It’s not going to happen overnight, so learn how to make your finances work for you the slow and steady way.
MintLife Blog: While using a site like Mint can help you really keep track of your finances, you don’t have to use it to appreciate the great advice offered on this blog.
Realm of Prosperity: Who doesn’t want to be prosperous? On this blog, you’ll get financial advice geared towards young adults.
Bargaineering: From saving to smart spending, check out this blog for all your financial advice needs.
Consumerism Commentary: Don’t be stupid when it comes to spending your money. Learn how to spend smart, save and plan for the future on this blog.
Independent Beginnings: Being out on your own and managing your own finances can be tricky. This blog offers help for young people in need of personal finance advice.

For Students and Recent Grads
Geared towards those who’ve just emerged from school or who are due to graduate soon, these finance blogs deal with a wide range of grad finance issues.

Studentnomics: This blog is all about helping young people like yourself pay off their students debts, save their money and enjoy living life in the real world.
The Frugal Law Student: Anyone with crushing school debt can understand the concerns of this law student struggling to save and make ends meet.
20 Something Finance: As you enter your 20s, you’ll learn more than a few things about personal finance. This blog is there to help you along the way.
Poorer Than You: Check out this site for posts on financial issues that affect students and young grads, like school debt, building net worth and much more.
Money Under 30: There are some money issues that are a lot more important to fresh grads and twenty-somethings than those over 30. Learn more about them on this site.
Grad Money Matters: Your education may have helped get you a job, but it doesn’t guarantee smarts when it comes to money. Learn more about financial issues that all grads should be worried about here.
Green Panda Treehouse: The financial articles on this blog are geared towards money issues that new grads face, from finding a first post-college job to paying off those horrible school debts.

Debt Blogs
Through these blogs you’ll find the information and inspiration you need to help pay off your student debts.

No Debt Plan: These bloggers share how they’re working their way out of debt and into financial security.
Stop Buying Crap: Want to focus on getting your school debts paid off? This blog could offer the solution.
Man Vs. Debt: Even with kids, this young dad shows that it is possible to pay off even huge amounts of debt.
Debt Free Adventure: If you’re unsure how to even begin paying off debts, give this blog a read. It offers pointers on everything you’ll need to know to get rid of debt and get on your feet.
Single Guy Money: If you’re like many college grads, you’re single, have your first job and not much practice managing your money. This blogger shares your struggle, so read on to see how he got through.
The Simple Dollar: The articles on this blog are easy to understand and can help you learn how to save more and pay off your debts before doing anything else.
Debt Hater: Hate your debt? So does this blogger. Learn what measures they’re taking to battle debts and how you can follow suit.

Inspiration
These bloggers prove that paying off your debt really can be done, and they’ll show you how.

TeacHer Finance: Teachers don’t make big bucks, but even on a limited budget this young teacher is trying to power through paying back her debts.
My Money Blog: This blogger is working towards financial security bit by bit, and you can follow along here.
Budgets are Sexy: Learn why creating a budget, however boring it sounds, can really be a boon for your finances. Don’t think so? This blogger shows off just how it’s helped.

Loan Blogs
Learn more about student loans, from consolidation to payment options, on these sites.

Forgive Student Loan Debt to Stimulate the Economy: This blogger supports helping students and the economy at the same time by forgiving loan debt.
Student Loan Blog:From finding a job post-college to understanding your loan repayment, this blog has loads to offer debt-saddled students.
The Credit Blog: Loans are a form of credit, and you need to learn all you can about them to best pay them off.
Financial Aid News Blog: This financial aid news site offers not only information about programs to help you pay back your debt, but helpful information you might not find elsewhere.
College Loan Consultant: Learn more about what kinds of loans are out there, how to repay them, and what kind of tax breaks you can get from this site.