Blessings and Blessings in Disguise by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Blessings and Blessings in Disguise by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Many grandparents have the responsibility as caregiver to a second generation of young people – their grandchildren. Many have assumed the entire or sole responsibility of raising their children’s children or grandchildren. For some, such may be a struggle and for others, much like riding a bike after not having done so for a long period of time – such requires time to readjust and still others – it is smooth sailing.

Such may not have been that which you initially intended, but you assumed the responsibility. Grandchildren are a blessing and can be blessings in disguise. In today’s Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season Series Part 4 Blessings and Blessings in Disguise, I want to introduce you to the Haskells; they have the sole responsibility of raising their three grandchildren, but before I do, I want to take a minute or so and share 12 Ways which Grandchildren can be Blessings and Blessings in Disguise to many Grandparents.

Grandchildren can:

1.      Teach Grandparents different and new things

2.      Give Grandparents a purpose

3.      Put a smile on a Grandparent’s face

4.      Develop a special bond with a Grandparent(s)

5.      Keep Grandparents lively and energetic

6.      Learn new things from Grandparents, often readily, due to the patience of some Grandparent(s)

7.      Assist Grandparents with little errands and help them around- physically

8.      Keep Grandparents mentally alert – they have the tendency to ask lots of questions

9.      Become Grandparents’ pride and joy

10.  Give some Grandparents the opportunity to do for them that which they were not able to do for their children

11.  Make Grandparents feel important

12.  Reverse the situation and at some point in time become your devoted caregiver and thus, your blessing in disguise.  

To those Grandparents who have accepted the sole care of your grandchild/ren, we want to take a moment and offer a heartfelt thank you. To Grandparents who engage positively in some manner with your grandchildren; thank you for doing so and making a difference. We wish you and yours a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!

Now to Parents Taking Charge in Education Channel at YouTube for Pt. 4 Blessings and Blessings in Disguise; please click the link to access the video:              http://youtu.be/vEpln0m9FVI  or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEpln0m9FVI

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

 

Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season Series Pt. 1 of 4 A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season Series Pt. 1 A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

 

Mrs. Dorothy Barron of Parents Taking Charge in Education presents during the month of December our 4 Pt. Series - Keeping Hope Alive this Holiday Season. Each part of the series has an accompanying holiday video consisting of 2-3 illustration panels and a narrative which will be featured at our Video Channel on YouTube.

This Series portrays “hope,” depicted sometimes through wishes; other times, endurance and most often through faith demonstrated by action(s). Regardless of wherever and whatever the circumstance(s), hope does not allow one to give up; hope sustains! Hope gives one the fortitude to keeping seeking and searching - looking forward and relying on a brighter and better tomorrow. Instead of providing you with the title of each part of the series, we would rather surprise you each week with both title and Holiday Video.

Keeping Hope alive this Holiday Season Series Pt. 1 A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand

Being a one-Parent family is not easy. Many challenges are greater because one Parent for the most part is doing the parenting alone. It is perhaps this time of the year for a Parent(s) when if unable to provide you little ones with the gifts they desire or you would like them to have sometimes give Parents the impression that they have somehow failed the child and/or themselves in some respect as a Parent. It does not make it any easier with all the commercialism surrounding the Holiday. Many within society’s culture measure the value of a gift by the popularity of the gift and/or cost; which for some equals the worth of both giver and receiver and therefore, the most expensive gifts are the most desired by some.  Do not allow society to determine your standards, values and/or worth.

 Gifts which are the product of our own labor(s) and given out of love are still the most priceless and can be the most desired gifts of those who know and/or realize their true worth; they will often evoke memories that can last a lifetime.  Some of the most beautiful, loving and unique gifts do not have to be purchased; they can be created by one’s own two hands as shown in Pt. 1 of our video.

May this season and the New Year bring you and yours all your needs and many of your desires!

And now, to our Video – A Wonderful and Magical Christmas made by hand

                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdXFV7bX5nE&feature=plcp

 

Photograph Credit: P. Jarrod Barron

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

The Awesome Task of Raising Children by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

               The Awesome Task of Raising Children by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Raising children is an awesome task even with the assistance of others; it consists of physical, emotional and financial challenges and often consists of a juggling act. A large part of your child’s day is spent at school and at least one-half or more is spent outside the school in your care and as your responsibility.

Often Parents are labeled as being good or bad Parents, such is not perhaps the best terms for describing parents and their parenting skills and styles; they are too extreme, broad and nebulous.  We prefer to use the terms effective and ineffective parenting. There are various Parenting styles and on today we want to look at five and provide a brief overview of each.

·         Effective Parenting - encompass Parents who are well-grounded, responsible, steadfast, but flexible as necessary; they set positive examples through both words and actions and find ways to spend quality and quantity time with their child/ren.

·         Strict, Stern Disciplinarian – this Parenting style revolves around rules and discipline. The Parent can be over-demanding and inflexible. Much of this type parenting style has been handed down from generation to generation and sometimes do not take in consideration the individual needs of the child/ren.

·         Popular - most Parents want their children to not only love them, but like them and think of them as “cool” Parents. However, the popular Parent can go to the extreme and failing at times to exercise good judgment, because being liked and winning their child’s and/or their child’s friend(s) approval are more important.

·         Vacillating - this parenting style is much like the newest fad; here today and gone tomorrow. The vacillating Parent can become easily sidetracked changing parenting styles depending on the most popular or “in” parenting trend.  Often the child does not know what to expect on a regular basis.

·         Ineffective Parenting – life’s situations and/or circumstances overwhelm this Parent to the extent that it seriously impedes or prevents the Parent(s) from effectively parenting his/her child/ren.

This post is not written to judge; we are all in this together.  We encourage Parents to check his/her parenting style; set a foundation; rules and expectations; be a positive example for your child/ren and realize that each child is different and take such into consideration. It is important to tell your child you love him/her, but equally important to show them in ways that they understand.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrsDBarronPTCnEd

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

5 Things to Never Say to a Child by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

5 Things to Never Say to a Child by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

As Parents, we sometimes experience frustration, disappointments, anger and embarrassment by the actions of our children and at times, life simply overwhelms us. When such occurs be careful that you do not take it out on your child/ren. There are 5 things you should never say to your child and they are:

·         You’re bad – explain that the action is unacceptable or bad and not the child. If a person is told something repeatedly, he/she will eventually believe or accept it as fact.

·         You are no good just like your Dad or Mother – a serious mistake; the child may set out to prove it. The child is a product of both Parents, yet an individual- treat him or her as such.

·         You will never amount to anything – If you cannot find positive things to say, do not burden the child with negative baggage.

·         You are dumb and/or stupid – Most, if not all of us are inept at at least one things; look no further than the person in the mirror- “you” or “me.” The method and/or instrument could be barriers which prevents the child from grasping the concept and learning.

·         I wish you had never been born – regardless of your wishes, the child was born; uttering such cruel words can only make the situation worse.

Words said in anger and/or carelessly can never be retrieved. Once indelibly imprinted on the brain or heart, they lasts a lifetime. Weigh your words carefully, as well as your actions; they can speak even louder than words.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Building Confidence through New Experiences by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Building Confidence through New Experiences by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

“It is that we do well that gives us confidence to embrace new challenges and endeavors (Mrs. Dorothy Barron).

Can you assist your child with building confidence through new experiences? Certainly!

I want to share three reasons how new experiences can assist in this area.

Ÿ  New experiences can provide your child the opportunity to obtain knowledge on different topics, think independently and engage others in conversation with confidence.

Ÿ  New experiences can assists your child with becoming more self-assured and confident. 

Ÿ  New experiences can give your child the confidence to seek and accomplish even greater challenges upon having mastered previous experiences.

How do you feel when you have accomplished or mastered a challenge through a new experience? You feel great and most often ready to take on the world!

During my sixteen years as a parent school volunteer (7-9 years full-time), one of my primary goals consisted of introducing students to new experiences with the approval of Parents and/or school administrators. Parents, there are any number of tools and resources at your disposal to help you assist your child with building his/her confidence. I now want to share three past experiences with you.

                                           What’s in Your Food?

Many years ago, I served as 4-H Leader at an elementary school wherein emphasis was placed on health and nutrition. With the assistance of the school principal, 4-H students were taken to the grocery store. Students read product labels, noted and compared the nutritional value of and between various products. Such also provided the opportunity to practice Math and Reading skills. A menu had been compiled and students shopped. Social skills were utilized as we all worked together in preparation and enjoyment of the meal. Students having been a part of a positive experience in which they participated and accomplished gave them a sense of worth and increased confidence.

                                             Acts of Gallantry

At Middle School level with the invitation to conduct an Etiquette Workshop, a room was utilized to conduct the workshop. A beautiful table was set and students taught and provided the opportunity to practice setting the table (proper placement of silverware, glasses and plates). The young gentlemen seated the young ladies who suddenly became very shy and embarrassed (smile). The workshop was over and done, but evidently not what had been taught. One day as I walked down the hall, I glanced over my shoulder to view a small male student a good distance behind me. As I approached a school hallway door, suddenly someone zipped by me. When I looked forward again, the young male student had raced by in order to open the door for me. The young gentleman gave me a slight nod which indicated I was to precede him. I returned his acknowledgement with a nod, smile and “thank you.” The student strolled off a bit taller and prouder and I, proud of the young man’s achievement which increased his confidence and his act of gallantry.

                        Not on Top of the World Yet, but on Top of Atlanta

Not only have I served as a substitute teacher in both the public and private education sectors, I have taught Bible Class. My favorite age group level consists of students in Grades 5^th-7^th. They are in transitioning mode and more inquisitive. As a reward for a class of young ladies grades 5^th-7^th for having done a very good job in their Bible studies, I elected to provide a unique experience for them. Limousine reservations were made and the young ladies were treated to a fine dining experience at Atlanta’s Sun Dial Restaurant Westin Plaza (website info below). *The Sun Dial Restaurant is a unique experience within itself; it sits 723 feet above ground or 73 stories high and slowly revolves. As the young ladies comfort level of their surroundings grew, so did their confidence.

A word of caution: Parents, do not fail to expose your child to experiences simply because you are of the opinion the child will never have need of such. You do not know the opportunities of which your child may be presented in the future or you.

                               An Etiquette Activity Assignment

Parents, got a fork, knife, spoon and napkin (paper towel/piece of cloth)? Put them on the table along with a glass and plate. Allow your child to set the table (basic setting). If you have more than one child, allow each child to set his/her own place setting. If they do not have the experience or remember how, make it fun and interesting. Have them research via the internet. For those who do not have Internet at home, but at school, send a brief note to the teacher explaining your objective (you are teaching parenting skills) and make a request of the teacher to allow your child to briefly look up the information on the Internet at school. Have fun!

Parents Taking Charge in Education wishes to thank Mr. Anuj Sood, General Manager of the Sun Dial Restaurant Westin Plaza (Atlanta, Georgia) for having granted permission to include information about the restaurant in today’s post.

*The Sun Dial Restaurant Westin Plaza website: http://www.sundialrestaurant.com. Architect design by Mr. John Portman.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Turning Failing Schools Around by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Turning Failing Schools Around by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

As many of you are aware, the primary objective of Parents Taking Charge in Education is to assist Parents with becoming informed and knowledgeable about the Education process and involved in their children’s education and/or schools.

Another of Parents Taking Charge in Education objectives is to assist various sectors that serve Parents of children in Grades K-7^th, one of which are Educators. As all of us work to educate our young people, it is going to be important that we realize that Educators must have those needed and recommended resources in order to do an effective job; if they do not, then we are all wasting our time.

I will briefly offer three recommendations that I would  implement which I feel are instrumental in turning failing schools around; failing schools would also include those school which may not at this point be considered failing, but are not conducive to the needs of 21 Century students and the future.

I. Each elementary school would have both a principal and Vice-Principal; each with distinct job descriptions.

II. Elementary Schools would revert back to K-7^th Grades, with buildings designed to separate the two levels (elementary and those grades which encompass middle school).

III. Each elementary school would be structurally designed for the needs of youth, appealing and attractive within and without. Such could afford students a more positive environment for learning and the opportunity to become more creative in their approach to learning. The technology within should not only be equipped for the new millennium - 21 Century and above, but safety and non-overexposure to youth and environment should be major factors.

Some reasons for the above recommendations; the above

1.       Can save resources

2.       Provide stability and security; much of what are missing in the lives of many young people

3.       Can allow a longer period of relationship building between Parents and Educators

4.       Can prevent many Parents from over-extending (some Parents have children in different schools and at all three levels- elementary, middle and high school) and not as available as some would wish to be

Should any Parent or Educator wish to engage further on this subject with Mrs. Barron, please contact her via her e-mail address at barron.dorothy@yahoo.com . She will respond to your e-mail.

Mrs. Barron has been instrumental in implementing and bringing about positive changes inside schools at both elementary and middle school levels, as well as having written and implemented a plan which curtailed student behavior problems by 95-97% at middle school level.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author & Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

You Forgot You Had a Child? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

You Forgot you had a Child? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

You forgot you had a child; believe it or not, it happens to many of us at some point in time and more often than some may think or believe. You forget to pick the child up from school, rehearsal or a friend’s house at the appointed or scheduled time. When you realize you have a child waiting, you call, make alternative arrangements and/or pick up the child. For most, this brief lapse does not result in serious consequences.

I, too, have had one or two of those lapses, but the biggest and most serious one occurred about seven to eight months after our first child was born. It was a beautiful sun-filled Spring day; it was not too cool or hot. I decided to get out and go shopping. I had gotten my husband off to work; our little one was tucked away fast asleep and possibly the only way I can explain walking out the door without him.

I got dressed, grabbed the keys, opened the door, stepped through and turned to shut and lock the door when suddenly I thought, the BABY! From the time I decided to go shopping to the moment I begin to pull the door closed after me, I had simply forgotten my little one. I simply stepped back inside, shaken; shopping was definitely going to have to occur another day. I was extremely thankful that I had not actually left or was out and about in the stores. I most likely would have wrecked everything in sight in a state of panic to get home. Can you imagine being actually in a store clothed in store merchandise when the realization strikes that your infant is at home, alone?

Had something drastically happened to our child, can you imagine public censor and the outcry of my having forgotten I had a child? Who would have believed it or me? We know that sometimes willful and intentional neglect of and harm to children occur by some adults. Sometimes, horrible mistakes and accidents happen and when such does occur, how do you punish a Parent(s) that has already condemned him/herself and will spend a great portion, if not the rest of his/her life agonizing, blaming and punishing self? Most Parents try to do the best they can with what means they have. If you have a child, you are cognizant that it is not humanly possible to watch the child twenty-four hours a day, each and every day.

For a Parent(s) who has lost a child (through death or the child is missing) or those who have found themselves imprisoned as a result of some horrible mistake or accident that led to the death of your child, my condolences. It may help to write your story, also sharing and recalling the wonderful memories of and experiences with your child. Such will give you a purpose, hopefully and eventually some measure of peace and such may even benefit others.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author & Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com 

How Do I Prepare My Child for the Future? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

How Do I Prepare My Child for the Future? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Usually, when we talk about preparing a child for the future, discussion encompasses his/her educational future in the hopes that he/she will get a good education and as a result, a good job. Society often has gotten so wrapped up in formality and the formal education of the child that it has forgotten to encompass the “total being” of the individual.

With this in mind and in my opinion, the questions should be, what does my child need for the future and how do I prepare my child as a “total being”? After encountering, interacting with and assisting individuals at all ages and from various socio-economic levels, I have learned to “cut to the chase,” or get to the heart of a matter.

To answer the first part of the question, I briefly recounted history and saw a pattern which consists of 4 phases wherein members of society sustains/sustained self from a financial standpoint:

1.      The Individual Entrepreneurship- whether by necessity or choice, many individuals were self-employed. Some examples: farmers; cabinetmakers; blacksmiths; seamstresses; hairdressers, etc and etc.

2.      Industrialism- wars and factories replaced/displaced farm laborers and farms; many self-employed or solo entrepreneurs became factory workers or military employees.

3.      Corporations and Professionals- individuals obtained college and post graduate degrees and moved into professional jobs within the corporate world.

4.      Back to Individual Entrepreneurship- We are revolving full circle; more and more individuals are once again becoming self- employed and their businesses, if applicable, can even span globally.

What Does Your Child Need for the Future?

1.      He or she needs to be able to think independently and critically.

2.      He or she needs to possess interactive skills; the ability to engage with others, globally.

3.      He or she will need to possess self-confidence and self-esteem.

If your child possess these skills, he or she has the foundation to master many additional and necessary skills, create new ones and/or discover his/her inherent and unique talent, skill and/or ability; thus, preparing your child for the future and well on his/her way to becoming a “total being.”

How Do You Prepare Your Child?

Such can be summed up in one word - Exposure. You want to introduce your child to different experiences (places, cultures, food, traditions, etc.) and such does not have to cost you a fortune unless such is your preference. Exposure of which you should approve can occur in various ways:

1.      Visual- movies, videos, research on topics of interest via the Internet

2.      Mental- such entails something as simple as providing a child with books to read.  Make sure variety is available, but let your child seek that which interests he/she. The interest for many will expand to other topics and subjects, eventually.

3.      Physical- such entails your child having first hand exposure to an experience(s).

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author & Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education- http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Summer Fun: Is School Out? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                         Summer Fun: Is School Out? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron 

Parents, I hope you have some fun and activities planned for your child/children during their summer vacation from school. Having been a parent, I  know that many Parents will insist on some academics over the summer and course work often depends on how well the child did or did not perform in school during the school year. Hopefully, you took time and held a school conference with your child’s teacher(s) prior to the school year ending. 

It is important that a child rests and relaxes the mind, but I also understand that many Parents prefer to have their children accomplish one or more of the following goals over the summer:

ü  RETAIN knowledge garnered over the year

ü  IMPROVE or work at skills the child did not master or perform well over the school year

ü  LEARN new skills

If a child or even an adult enjoys or has fun at what he or she does, it often  does not appear as work; The “pressure” factor decreases significantly and/or does not exist.  Since learning can be fun, I have for this purpose selected three websites and honed in on a specific feature of each site, as well as a physical site.  Check the sites out; you may be able to accomplish one or more of the aforementioned goals while having fun as you and/or your child learn.

You know what is best for your child; utilize the sites below to assist you and your child over the summer and/or bookmark for future use. Parents, sites you may want to view:  

o   The Free Dictionary: This is a fabulous site to assist in the areas of English and language. It offers educational and fun skills in so many different areas; spelling, language, English, learning new words; history, etc. The information is offered in such a manner that you (along with your child/ren) can pick and choose and structure the information to make learning fun. Website: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

o   Education.com: Are you looking for activities that you do not have to search for extensively or create yourself? This site has an array of resources. For busy parents who do not have a lot of time to search and surf the Web, Education.com provides a regular newsletter with activities for each specific age group from pre-school through middle school. Website: http://www.education.com/

o   Khan Academy: If your child needs assistance with Math, Founder & CEO Salman Khan of Khan Academy makes Math look easy and non-threatening, regardless of the type of Math. Getting assistance from him in his short video tutorials is akin to sitting down with a friend or older brother who will patiently work with you until you achieve or master the learning objective – “you can do the Math.” Assistance is provided from basic Math equations to Calculus and beyond. Website: http://www.khanacademy.org/#browse

o   A Physical Site- The local library: Remember the excitement of reading 10 or more books in order to receive a Summer Reading Program Certificate from the local library. I carried on this tradition with our children. Summer break was about 10 weeks and therefore, one book per week could be read.  My husband and I insisted that our sons read at least ten books over the summer; however, I compromised with them and allowed our sons to choose their own books. Needless to say, many of those books they chose were below their reading levels and often consisted of very few pages. As young adult men, one son now is usually reading at least 2-3 different books (not easy reads) in conjunction or at the same time.

You and your child/ren have a good and fun summer; stay safe! 

Notes: 1.) Mrs. Dorothy Barron has listed the above websites and Public Library for informational purposes, only; she has not received any endorsements from the above websites or libraries.                                                                                         

2.) For access and/or use of materials at the aforementioned websites, please check the specific website’s terms/conditions.

3.) A special thank you to Mr. Patrick Barron for courtesy of and his permission to use his photographs (All Rights Reserved) for this blog post.  

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author & Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education: http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com 

                    

Two (2) Additional Factors that Can Affect a Child's Learning by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Two (2) Additional Factors that Can Affect a Child’s Learning by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Often when we address the issue of barriers that adversely affect and hinder or prevent children from learning, we omit two that will be addressed on today. I have paired these two factors because they transcend socio-economic, racial and national boundaries.

Children of Drug Users and Addicts

From the mid 70’s up through the early 90’s, the use of unlawful drugs and drug users escalated to the point that drug wars occurred. Much emphasis was place on the effects to society from a social and economic standpoint, but not really in terms of the lives of children who were born to drug user and/or addicts.

During the 1980s, sociologist and others opted for discussion and finally warned that at some point in time, society would have to deal with the issue. To my recollection, as a society, we did not or at least not adequately or in a manner as benefiting this issue. The issue was summarily dismissed because the African American race was especially singled out. Of course, as many did then and society has been fully apprised of the fact since then that unlawful drug use and addiction transcended socio-economic, racial and national boundaries; such adversely affected or effected the entire nation in one form or another.

If one does the math, what would be the peak years for first and second generation children of drug users and/or addicts; what affect(s) does such have on a child’s learning and depending on the affects and effects, how do schools handle both the issue and child?

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, Frequencies and Certain Energies

Most people are not aware of the adverse effects of Electromagnetic fields, frequencies and certain energies on both the environment and human beings. Some electromagnetic energy is part of our natural environment and other parts, manmade. The electromagnetic fields have continued to escalate with man’s advent of manmade products which emit electromagnetic energy and wireless technology. According to some who have studied this field, it has been documented that the human body can be adversely affected physically, neurologically and psychologically, as well as cell structure manipulation. 

It is my understanding that the most common devices that can be most hazardous are overhead power lines, cell phones and computers with the young and elderly being most affected and impacted. From a medical standpoint, some are attributing any number of medical symptoms (such as dizziness, lack of concentration, memory loss, queasiness, nausea, headaches, inability to sleep, unexplained pain, hyper-activeness and even more serious conditions) and unexplained medical conditions to and as a result of the effects of electromagnetic fields and certain energy.

We all understand that technology and wireless communications have and apparently will continue to dominate the future. Simply be cautious, ask questions and as Parents, become well-informed and educated about those things which affect your child/ren and how?

Note: Should you desire to read information about Electromagnetic Fields, Frequencies and Energies, google the terms.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author & Founder

Parents Taking Charge in Education

http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-Mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Ending the School Year by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                        Ending the School Year by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

“The most important phase of a child’s life is childhood; for it is here that all other phases emanate” (Mrs. Dorothy Barron).

Parents, attending school conferences are an important way to be involved in your child’s Education. End of the year school conferences can benefit both you and your child. Do not underestimate the importance of and/or fail to attend or schedule the conference simply because it is the end of the school year. Some important reasons for attending end of the year school conferences:

Ÿ  You can meet with your child’s teachers to access your child’s academic progress over the school year and they can provide you with knowledge about your child’s academic strengths, weaknesses and other pertinent information.

Ÿ  You can utilize the conference assessment information to plan some summer activities to assist your child with retaining, building and reinforcing academic skills.

Ÿ  You can balance meaningful academic activities with activities your child enjoys (if different) to ensure that he/she relaxes from the rigors and stress of the school year, thus, preventing overload and burnt-out. Learning and fun can coincide. Please see that your child enjoys his/her summer vacation.

Ÿ  Educators can often advise you of sources and resources that are available to you and your child over the summer.

As the school year ends for some parents, it is “ramping” up for others. Do you have a child who will begin kindergarten at a new school in the fall?

Ÿ  Have a conference with your child’s pre-school teacher(s).

Ÿ  If applicable, make sure you have all the proper school documentation necessary for your child entering school in the Fall, as well as required vaccinations.

Ÿ  Depending on your interest and anticipated level of involvement in your child’s Education and/or with your child‘s school, may I recommend you visit the anticipated school in which your child will be attending in Fall and prior to the school ending for the school year (summer). Check out the school and request a copy of the student-parent handbook. Obtain the Parent-School Organization Leader’s (PTA/PTO President) contact information; you may want to call and introduce yourself as a new parent.

Are you a Parent-School Organization Leader (PTA/PTO)? Many of you will want to meet with school principals prior to school ending (some will meet with you and officers over the summer) and spend time over the summer meeting with your officers and planning the organization’s agenda for the following school year. If you wait until school resumes to plan the organization’s agenda for the school year, you will have waited too late.

This school year is coming to an end and many students will soon graduate; may I extend Congratulations to each student and his/her Parent(s) for having reached this milestone.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author & Founder of Parents Taking Charge in Education

http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com

E-mail: barron.Dorothy@yahoo.com

Parents Taking Charge in Education Blog: Parents- Helping Your Children Achieve Outside the Classroom by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Parents- Helping Your Children Achieve Outside the Classroom by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Parents, there are a number of things you can do to assist your child or children with building self-esteem and confidence while teaching them to become more responsible.

Some of you would be pleasantly surprised at your child’s efficiency and proficiency when provided with certain opportunities and encouragement that challenge and test their skills and abilities of which you, the parent can provide outside the classroom.

The key is exposing your child to various experiences which allows him/her to find, develop, accomplish and achieve certain goals. There are a number of ways to accomplish such and may consist of activities in which your child is presently engaged.

Ÿ  Volunteerism - many children engage in this worthwhile endeavor. They may assist a neighbor, relative, church member, some organized entity or stranger on a regular basis. One way to expand this activity and give your child a sense of his/her importance and this important endeavor is to allow him/her to keep records - compute time, dates and hours, type of services rendered. Even though the child does not receive payment, have him/her assign a monetary value to each performed service.

Ÿ  Chores: assigning chores on a regular basis is necessary to assist the child with becoming responsible. If your child monopolizes the computer, utilize it as a teaching and chore tool. Examples: If, on a budget, assign the child the duty of locating food coupons each week and/or recipes to assist you or them with planning quick and easy menus/meals. Assign your child or children the chore of planning an excursion, whether it’s one day or the family vacation (try and limit your intervention by providing only the general and necessary guidelines such as the budget, number of days, dates).

Ÿ  Jobs- Introduce your child early to entrepreneurship and business skills. Your child may offer such services as babysitting, lawn care, or assistance to the elderly, etc. As baby boomers age, more assistance and services will be needed to accommodate them. Volunteerism to the elderly at some point may lead to you granting your child permission to provide services for hire to assist seniors or your child babysitting the young and advancing to sitting with the elderly. More seniors are opting to remain in their homes; some may not be able to afford a professional lawn care service, but with your permission, may be willing to hire your son/daughter to care for his/her yard. Your child’s earning of money can present a great opportunity for him/her to learn about budgeting, expenditures, spending and saving money.

During my experience in working with young people, I have found that most give you pretty much what you expect. Whatever activities or goals your child endeavors to accomplish, you, the parent want to ensure that they do their very best. Also, thank you, please and I am very proud of you are words that the young, as well as not so young enjoy hearing. Parents, do not underestimate the long term effects of positive endeavors and experiences of which you provide and expose your children to outside the classroom on today; they can and will definitely assist them in the future.

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, Author

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

Parents Taking Charge in Education at http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.com