Monsters under the Bed and in the Closet by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                           Monsters under the Bed and in the Closet by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

When a small child, no adult could immediately erase your fear or convince you that there were no monsters under the bed and/or hidden in your closet(s).

When Mom and/or Dad realized that such was a serious concern they set about helping you conquer those fears. Such may have consisted of them having searched under the bed and in the closet to show and convince you that monsters were not hidden there; they may have remained awake until after you fell asleep; read an extra bedtime story thus having enabled you to fall asleep before they left the room, left your bedroom door slightly ajar and/or left a light or lamp on in your bedroom.

As a child, it was reassuring having caring Parents who with patience took time to set about easing our fears of monsters under the bed, in the closet and elsewhere; such served as a blanket of security and protection until our fear(s) were conquered.  Thanks Dad and Mom for helping us feel secure and protected as we conquered our fear(s) of those monsters under beds and in closets.

Parents we can often get busy and/or preoccupied with the pressures of life and forget or disregard what it is like to be a child. You may attempt to brush off your child’s concerns or fears and in the case of monsters being under the child’s bed and in the closet tell the child there are no monsters, but to the child monsters are very real. Do not disregard or take your child’s fears lightly and leave the child to try and conquer his/her fear(s) alone.

The manner in which you handle those monsters under the bed and in the closet can set a pattern/example as to how your child will address and handle future fears in his/her life.

Note: The above Illustration is by Artist Niks.

A Public Announcement 

                                          Today, April 27, 2012 is National Arbor Day

As a former 4-H Leader, I have fond memories of having planted trees with students on this day. Why not plant a tree; if you do not care to plant one take your child/ren to a park and enjoy playing and sitting under a tree(s). For more information about Arbor Day; research it!

Note: The photo of a tree which accompanies the public announcement of Arbor Day is by 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

When Competition and the Competitive World becomes too much by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

When Competition and the Competitive World becomes too much by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Does your child have a hobby? Has your child found something he/she truly enjoys and something at which he or she does very well? The questions are asked because 1) we live in such a competitive society; a society wherein one has to be the greatest and best in and at everything and 2) this continuous pressure to be the best can lead to some extreme adverse situations, conditions and behaviors of all involved.

Take for instance some television Reality Shows; with a number of these shows there can be only one winner, first, the best when in many cases there are clearly more than one winner. In many cases, the person(s) who decides the competitive winner or best may be biased, partial and/or his/her decision(s) flawed. Also, the one to three judges (usual number) attempt to speak for a large audience, which consists of people with different preferences and tastes.

Some of the greatest people in the world were not recognized for their talents, gifted skills and unique abilities by society or the world until long after they were dead; men and women who were Artists, Philosophers, Astronomers, Scientists, etc. In spite of not having received recognition while alive, some lived a fulfilled life while others a life of despair. I would like to think the difference in the two were 1) those who truly enjoyed and realized they were very good at what they did and 2) maintained belief in self and their self-worth and found ways to boost their self-confidence which provided stability to ride out the storms of doubt and moments of despair.

Society and the world are too fickle to put one’s ultimate trust, but if and when one does, have a hobby to sustain one. When competition and the competitive world become too much or too competitive for one; have a hobby. Hobbies can serve as escapes, retreats and continue to be the basis and stepping stone for productive and great opportunities. Our world is broad with a bigger scope and it constantly shifts. I foresee individuals who truly enjoy that which he/she does and does very well being more productive in this large and shifting world.

Parents assist with molding, shaping and nurturing your child, but do not attempt to make a carbon copy of yourself; allow your child to be the unique person he/she was meant to be. Sometimes the discovery of their unique qualities, talents or abilities can begin with a hobby. Does your child have a hobby?

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

Keep Hope Alive in Your Child by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                 Keep Hope Alive in Your Child by Mrs. Dorothy Barron           
               

Life is beset with difficult times, disappointments, failures, injustices, sorrows and regrets; such are part of life. Believe it or not; adversities can actually make one stronger. When confronted:

      Assess the situation

      Work through both the emotional and other aspects of the situation

      Find solutions – make the best choice(s)

      Include your child/ren – depending on age, his/her capabilities and circumstances explain, discuss and get their feedback; do not underestimate your child/ren’s level of perception)

      Find a silver lining and understand  that the situation can and usually does get better

      Do not give up hope, faith or belief in one’s self

Parents, you set the tone and example; you teach your child/ren valuable lessons through and by your actions. When you keep hope alive you encourage your child/ren to do the same. Do not dwell on adversity or adverse situations 24/7. Even if it is solely for the child/ren’s sake engage in something different for a brief moment; sometimes you can gain a different perspective by doing so. April is National Kite Month; make or purchase a kite and may I suggest you get your child/ren and Go Fly a Kite! I got mine for the inexpensive purchase price of $2.99. Keep hope alive in your child/ren.

Acknowledgement and thanks to Artist, Niks

Mrs. Dorothy Barron, FounderParents Taking Charge in Education   http://mrsdbarron.blogspot.comTwitter:

http://twitter.com/PTCnEducation

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

E-mail: barron.dorothy@yahoo.com

9 Ways to Assist You and Your Child with Coping in a Confusing and Often Overwhelming World by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

9 Ways to Assist You and Your Child with Coping in a Confusing and Often Overwhelming World

by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

Although life is a challenge, challenging and comprised of series of tests, one’s life should not be an unceasing contest, competition or battle” (Mrs. Dorothy Barron).

We live in a world that can be confusing and often overwhelming, fast pace, ever-changing, unstable, crisiatic, violent and scary; competition and undue pressure to be first and best rules our society. If the world appears at times confusing and overwhelming to adults, what must children think and how do they cope?

Parents, I encourage you to take time to stop often; look closely and engage your child/ren in conversation about the world at large and impact on his/her world, specifically. We have for your consideration listed 9 ways to assist you and your child with coping in a confusing and often overwhelming world:

·         Listen to your child regardless of the issue and which side or position he/she takes on the issue.

·         Talk with your child- discuss the pros and cons of an issue or situation

·         View the issue from  both you and your child/ren’s perspective

·         Offer and be supportive, but realize that there are some issues/situations a child must work through his/herself; keep the lines of communication open and monitor as applicable

·         It may be necessary to spend a little time in a different environment or provide a different experience – take time not only to “stop and smell the roses,” but pick a few

·         Try and retain balance and harmony of both you and your child/ren’s mental and physical being

·         Tell your child/ren often that you love him/her

·         At the conclusion, try and leave a positive thought(s) for consideration

·         Encourage  and help your child make the world a better place for all; it will soon be theirs to manage  

The world can be a confusing and often overwhelming place; however, children look to and depend on Parents to protect and provide them with a stable and safe haven. Thanks Parents for all you do!

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

Who is molding your Child? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron

                                     Who is molding your Child? By Mrs. Dorothy Barron   

                                                                                                               

Most of us at one time or another have handled or played with clay or play dough.   While pliable, one can shape it into various molds, but once it hardens, the changes are irreversible; should one try and change the mold after it has set, one generally succeeds only in breaking it.

Children can be likened to clay or play dough. When very young, they are impressionable; they often mimic exactly what they see and/or the person(s) with whom they spend the most time. According to some child psychologists, a child’s formative years are between birth and age six and by the age of six, the child’s character has been formed. Some children specialists have determined that such can begin while the child is within the mother’s womb. Women who are enceinte are encouraged to think positive thoughts; read; sing and talk to their unborn children.

Parents invest much time and money in planning the future of their children- jockeying for enrollment in what some view as the best schools often years in advance of the child beginning school and/or saving for the child’s college education at or before the birth of the child. Although each Parent has the prerogative to decide what he/she thinks is best for his/her child, let us not focus so far into the future that we overlook those things that are important in the here and now; today.  Parents, who is molding your child?

I viewed two television drama series for the last two seasons. One drama’s plots delve into the actions and motives of individuals and the other examines criminals’ deviant actions and mental behaviors and often link such back to the individual’s early childhood. The two-fold recurring theme is 1) the extent to which an adult’s thought process and actions mimic his/her early childhood and 2) the extent to which a child’s experiences or lack of shape and become his/her character in adulthood.

Thoughts do shape character and often the actions of an individual. Assist your child in this area by noting what they view; who and what they listen to and the amount of time they spend doing either and/or all. Remember, most do not live in the same era in which we grew up.

It would be catastrophic to invest in your child’s future only to see him/her denied such because of failure to mold and shape during his/her earlier or formative years or having allowed someone else to adversely mold your child who did not have his/her best interest at heart or in mind.  

Most, if not all want a better world, especially for our children. If, the molding and shaping of a child’s characters begin at such an early age, does it not seem logical to begin where the greatest impact can be made in an effort to obtain a better world?  We leave you with the question, who is molding your child/ren?

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 Jailing of Parents because they Seek Quality Education for their Children by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

The Jailing of Parents because they Seek Quality Education for their Children by Mrs. Dorothy Barron

I have written on the subject of jailing Parents before as it relates to matters in Education. The jailing of Parents in this instance and due to the fact that some Parents have faced prosecution and/or jailed because they enrolled their children in schools other than the assigned school within or outside their own school district in an effort to seek quality Education for their child/ren is ludicrous and it will continue. Such tells us two things- 1)Promulgation that most Parents do not care about their child/ren’s education are false and incorrect; Parents who do not care about their children’s education do not go to such extents. In fact many situations of this type occur; they simply do not make the news and 2) Choices of this nature or similar ones will be made by many Parents, because they have worked too hard in an effort to provide for their child/ren’s needs to watch their efforts and their children’s deferred dreams and goals for a quality education go down the drain; some will willingly accept the risk of jail.  

Parents, prior to making a decision that may lead to or land you in jail, let me offer eight (8) suggestions that you may want to consider, first.

1.       Document and keep a record of your concerns; actions or lack of, taken by all involved; those with whom you correspond and all responses.

2.       Should you desire to enroll your child in a different school, discuss your concerns and request for a school transfer with your child/ren’s School Principal; he/she may be instrumental in assisting and/or pulling some strings to get your child in a school better equipped for his/her needs.

3.       Should the school Principal not be able to assist, discuss your concerns and request for a school transfer with Administrators at the School System/District Level.

4.       It helps to be an involved Parent with the school and/or PTA/PTO.

5.        Depending on the involvement and knowledge of your school’s PTA/PTO President, you may want to discuss and garner assistance from this individual or body.

6.       Inquire and obtain a copy of policy or law as well as the rights and alternatives for Parents and their children when your child’s assigned school does not meet education proficiency standards.

7.       Should you be told that to allow your child to transfer or enroll into another school would induce other Parents requesting the same; inquire as to the specific number that have made the request? If, the Administrator cannot provide information to support his/her argument; it is not a bona fide argument at this point. Should there be a substantial number, then one could conclude that real problems exist with the school.

8.       As for the argument that Parents are stealing services and/or an Education when Parents enroll their children outside their assigned schools and/or districts; perhaps someone should inquire and collect data as to

a.       Whether monies collected from taxpayers are limited to paying only for services within the community of which they live?

b.      What particular school district and/or community does one belong when without a home or homeless?

 Parents are busy, struggling often to juggle a plethora of responsibilities in an effort to care for their families; fighting to obtain a quality education for one’s child/ren should not be a struggle.

We need to provide Educators with all that are necessary to operate, maintain, and advance education as they provide a quality education for all children at all schools; or give Parents Choice and funding to place their children where they can best be educated; and certainly as aforementioned, without Parents landing in jail for doing so.

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