Suicides from Bullying-How parents and schools can help!

Bullying in schools in becoming all too prevalent today! Many children around the world end their lives from bullying. Now our children have to deal with bullies in school and online. Cyber bullying is the most damaging due to the extensive exposure. Texting about the victim, posting information on the net, posting videos or pictures are among the many tools a bully uses now. These tools are even more effective compared to teasing, pushing a child or excluding the victim.

Children are known to bully others if they have been bullied before or are going through rough times or simply do not have guidance at home. Parents or guardians need to be more involved by helping teach their kids on the need to be kind, sensitive and helpful to other kids. Extra brownie points need to be given to our kids for kindness towards people. Teachers need to practice praising children who are helpful to others, are polite and friendly towards all kids and not just their buddies. We need to highlight the goodness in people through praise. Children are then motivated to be nice when they see their classmates being nice to them and being recognized for the effort. Excellence is academics and sports should not be the only reasons for praise!

Schools need to lay down strict rules against bullying in any form. PTAs and school counselors need to hold informational sessions on bullying and its harmful effects. Please check the website http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/what-is-bullying.aspx for more information. Even if your child is not a victim of bullying, make them aware of the problem.

What Books and TV shows are appropriate for kids

We are constantly bombarded with videos and games that claim to be very good for your child. But, how do we parents decide what TV shows or videos or movies or even books are going to benefit our young children? I have one mantra that I talk about in many of my posts. It is "DO YOUR HOMEWORK".

There are a lot of books that may be inappropriate for your child. Check out book reviews on sites like Amazon or talk to the school librarian or other parents. I prefer not to judge a book by its size or its popularity. Just because a book has over 500 pages does not qualify it to be a good book for your child. If your child is a gifted reader, it becomes even more important for you to check books before your child reads it. If the material is graphic or mature for your child, then delay reading until your child is old enough. Also discuss with your child as to why they cannot read a particular book. Peer pressure applies to books as well. Kids want to read what their friends are reading. My bet is on the classics. Classic literature with its rich stories and vocabulary never goes out of style!

Regarding TV shows or movies, my mantra applies. Another important note is that you need to supervise or watch the show with your kids. There are many shows on TLC or Discovery channel that are very informational and enjoyable. The following shows are not your typical kids shows but can be turned into many teachable moments.

1. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman (different foods consumed around the world)

2. Unwrapped (how different foods are manufactured)

3. Amazing Cakes (creativity and execution of ideas)

4. House Hunters International (prices of real estate overseas)

5. River Monsters (species of large river fish)

Good luck and remember how important your role as a parent is.

Free activities for the summer!

Wow, we are in the middle of July already! The extreme heat makes it difficult to be outside during the day. There are a lot of free activities for you to do during the day and here is a patial list:

• Do some yoga with the kids before breakfast
• Cuddle up with lots of nice books
• Play some board games
• Watch a good funny movie or show on TV
• Teach your kids (if they are old enough) to cook some simple meals.
• Check out the local museums where you can stay indoors during the day
• Free movies are usually offered by cinemas during the summer

Have fun with your kids because summer will soon be over!!

Why do we feed our kids foods that we do not consume?

This summer, our kids will be attending pool parties, summer camps, birthday parties, beach parties and so on. Cupcakes, processed foods and sugary drinks are usually served to kids. Have you noticed most parents avoid the foods served to kids and usually gravitate towards the fruits and vegetable trays with the healthy humus and bean dips? Parents want to award children with special treats. However, if these special treats are unhealthy and are served more often than needed, it can hurt your child's health.

Children are usually flexible about foods as long as they are tasty. Also, after an exhausting swim and running around with friends at the pool or beach party, kids are famished. Parents can take advantage of this by presenting healthier food alternatives. The best beverage is water. You could squeeze some fresh lemon for added flavor.

We want our kids to enjoy their treats and have a wonderful time with their friends. But remember, your child's health is also very important, especially if there are many events during the week where your child is offered a lot of the junk foods.

Safe sunscreens and bug repellants

Summer is almost here!! When we leave for the pool or a park, I always have to pack our caps (with visors), sunglasses, water, sunscreens and mosquito repellants.

When I shop for a sunscreen, I particularly look for one ingredient-Zinc Oxide. Recent research indicates that even Titanium Dioxide is unsafe. According to EWG or the Environmental Working Group, there are a list of ingredients to avoid.

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/127/1/Sunscreen---protection-or-poison.html

Mosquito repellants are another concern. DEET is unsafe!! Please consider safer products that have essential oils such as peppermint oil and lemongrass oil. Always check for skin allergies first.

Always do your homework and do not fall for smart marketing tactics. Remember organic or all-natural products may also include toxic ingredients. We are accountable for our purchase decisions and so we need to get educated about our choices for our family and ourselves.

Expect more from your kids!

Our kids have amazing potential and it is up to us to unleash that potential. Teachers and parents share this responsibility to expect more and not settle for mediocrity. Always communicate your expectations to your child and encourage them to do their best in their studies and activities. Expecting more does not mean putting more pressure on your child. Parents and children need to set goals together when it comes to education. Reach for the stars when it comes to teaching your children! This is your gift to them which will make their future brighter and successful.

Uniforms in schools can improve grades, self esteem and money!!!

I wore a uniform when I was in school. Although I would be very excited about wearing civil clothes to school on special occasions such as feast days, birthdays and festivals, I did not have peer pressure that children experience today. Wearing uniforms placed us all on an equal platform. We did not have to focus on what brands of clothes or shoes our peers wore, but rather on enjoying school and having fun. Parents also do not experience any guilt feelings or pressure to purchase branded clothing. The money saved is a big bonus. Studies have shown that uniforms in schools have led to improvement in grades. I relate good grades to happy confident kids who are focused on learning! So, what is stopping our school systems to make a change for the better?