Related posts:

1. Wordless Wednesday: It’s ready, Yay!!! #WW (w/Linky)
2. Wordless Wednesday: He looks different on TV
3. Wordless Wednesday-One Snowy Day

Source: vichie81, freedigitalphotos.net

Negotiating your insurance rates can save you thousands of dollars.  A lot of people do not realize that they have every right to negotiate their insurances rates to a lower price.  Insurance agents have the goal of signing new policies, so it proves prudent to negotiate with them.  Agents will jump through hoops in making your insurance shopping easy.  If you have been contemplating negotiating your insurance costs, it proves advantageous to read this article to find out how you can prove successful in this venture.

• Research Insurance Companies and Rates Before attempting to negotiate with insurance agents, you must conduct thorough research.  One of the greatest assets that our society has is the Internet.  Go online and search for reputable insurance companies and collect term life insurance quotes.  You want to find insurers who can provide the same coverage you have with your current policy.  It proves wise to not gather so many quotes that it proves tedious to keep up with them.  Begin your task with a minimum of six quotes.  This task will give you a chance of finding insurance policies that prove more cost-efficient in comparison to your current policy.

• Gather Your Evidence (quotes) After gaining quotes, sort them in order ranging from less expensive to most expensive.  When contacting life insurance agents, have the less expensive quotes in hand, for they will prove a powerful negotiating tool.  Be willing to send the company a fax or email containing the less expensive quotes proving that you can get cheaper rates from the other insurance companies. There is an excellent chance that the agent you are negotiating with will go out of his or her way to match or exceed the lower price from the competitors.

• Call Your Insurance Agent The next step is to call your insurance company.  It proves essential to stay polite, yet firm when negotiating new insurance rates. Inform your agent that you are seeking better pricing for your insurance coverage.  Request their help in reaching your financial plan.  Often, agents will do whatever it takes to assist you as long as you remain polite and friendly.

• Brace Yourself No matter how polite, firm and friendly you are when speaking with your insurance agent, there is always a chance they will not give a better price.  When this proves to be the case, you should seek out other options.   Always remain open for negotiation. When you negotiate insurance rates, this can lead to tremendous savings.  Let us face it, our economic times have proved difficult for everyone which is why experiencing a decreased price for your current policy or a new policy proves worth every effort in negotiating new insurance rates.

You want to save as much as possible while having policies that provide comprehensive coverage.  Nothing in life is free, but this statement does not mean that families have to settle for whatever rate insurance companies want to offer.  You do have choices, and it proves more critical than ever to renegotiate or negotiate insurance rates.

—–

Guest Post Author: This post was written by George Martin. George can help you to choose best health insurance plan also he can suggest best prices available in the market. He not only aids you to compare health insurance plans, but also provide you top things that you need to know.

Related posts:

1. 3 Rules for Managing Student Loans Smartly
2. Protecting Your Financial Interests During a Divorce

Courtesy of cooldesign, freedigitalphotos.net

Does your child like making things? Are you looking for a fun event that everyone in the family will enjoy? If so Sears is having a Family Fun Day, this Saturday 2/25/12 from 12-3 p.m. The you can help your child make a Smasher Monster Truck. In my experience, both girls and boys like toy cars and trucks so it is a fun activity for any child.

DETAILS

Smasher Monster Truck

Cost: $5/kit, the kit includes goggles, an apron, and the materials for the truck

Ages: 4-10 years old recommended

Possible limit: Only 60 kids per workshop

Location: Within the tools department at Fair Oaks Mall and Columbia Mall

Click here for a full list of locations (cities and states) if you are not in the Washington, DC area. (Call your location in advance to see if they are participating.)

Reader Action:  If you decide to attend, I would love if you would let us know about your experience and how much your child enjoyed it.

No related posts.

Enter for a chance to $1000

February 27th Swagbucks is having a huge 4th Birthday Bash and there will be some big winners.

RSVP HERE:

THE PRIZES:

FOUR $1000 PRIZES

NEW TO SWAGBUCKS?

WHY JOIN:

Related posts:

1. How to Create a Linky
2. I Just signed-up for Business 2 Blogger

*Source: Safe Start Center

February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice, teens between the age of 12 and 19 years old experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Did you know that “one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner?” The statistics are very painful to read. Teens who are struggling trying to find themselves and cope with the physical and mental changes that take place as they grow; unfortunately also have to struggle to survive. Not surprisingly, there is a link to teens that inflict violence on others and teens that were abused.

Who is at risk? Our “Children and adolescents, regardless of their race, culture, or economic status, appear to be at approximately equal risk for sexual victimization.”

What are the risk factors that cause this violence?

• Exposure to Violence – When young people see violence in their own environment they are more likely to allow violence within a relationship. They may live in homes or communities where violence is prevalent and may think it is a normal way of life. Many perhaps suffered abuse and use violence as a way to act out their past frustrations. “A recent longitudinal study (Simons, Lin, & Gordon, 1998) found that although corporal punishment by a parent was not associated with later delinquency, it was associated with later teen dating violence, suggesting that corporal punishment specifically “teaches that it is both legitimate and effective to hit those you love (p. 475).”
• Acceptance of Violence – Messages of violence is so pervasive in our children’s world: on TV, on the internet, among friends, on video games, etc. Children are becoming desensitized to the pain that violence causes. I remember last year when Chris Brown was interviewed after his abusive relationship with Rhianna came to light, Chris Brown discussed how he witnessed his stepfather abusing his mother while he was a child. Chris Brown told Giant Magazine, “I remember one night he made her nose bleed. I was crying and thinking, ‘I’m just gonna go crazy on him one day.’ … I hate him to this day.” Now, the domestic abuse that transpired between his parents played out in his own life. The abusive relationship between Chris Brown and Rhianna is often written off and dismissed, but it a real life story playing over and over in the lives of many teenagers. When parents allow their children to see them being abused, their children are affected in many ways, which is a form of secondary abuse within itself and can fuel a vicious cycle.
•  Common Denominator among Peers – Many teens see their friends going through the same negative violent experiences that they do, so they write it off as if it is no big deal.
• Emotional or Under-diagnosed Issues – There are times when violence escalates because the perpetrator is depressed, bi-polar, suffers insecurity, needs anger management, uses drugs or alcohol, etc.
• Unaware of Successful Relationships – In some cases violence within relationships take place because young people don’t know how to maintain positive non-violent relationships with others.
• Many have never witnessed love without hurt.

Please view the CBS news report with Katie Couric below.

Additional Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 1800.799.SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org
• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 866-331-9474
• Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women
• “The facts on Tweens and Teens and Dating Violence”, Future Without Violence
• American Psychological Association “Protecting Children From Sexual Abuse“
• Teen Dating Violence: A Review of Risk Factors and Prevention Efforts
• Futures Without Violence
• Choose Respect: Campaign to prevent teen dating violence

No related posts.

When I was in elementary school Pizza Hut’s reading program made a huge difference to me. Participating in Book It, Pizza Hut’s reading program encouraged me to love reading. I enjoyed the challenge, competing against other students, learning new things, and the free personal pan pizzas the program awarded to students. Now that I have children of my own, it is great to know that the program is still in full swing and has a website full of events and different resources.

Today February 15, 2012 is America’s Biggest Storytime day on the Book It Calendar. Tim Tebow, the Denver Broncos Quarterback, read to kids from Dr. Seuss’s book “Green Eggs and Ham.” It is great to see an athlete giving back to children and talking about his own struggles with reading. In the interview, Tim discusses how living with dyslexia affected him and how he found books that he enjoyed reading, which made a difference in his life.

Click Here to watch the Webcast.

Click Here to watch his interview.

The Book It website also has many fun resources for kids such as:

• Printables
• Green activities
• Games
• Reading tips
• Bookmarks
• Coloring pages
• and more…

No related posts.

Released 3/3/12

Veggie Tales has a new DVD that will be released on March 3, 2012, it is entitled “Robin Good and His Not-So Merry Men.” Click Here to pre-order your copy before February 22, 2012 and you will receive a FREE clock.

This DVD encourages children to the right decision, even if it means going against peer pressure. Robin good has to learn how to make the right decision in front of his friends and stand up for what is right. The overall message is about hope and comfort knowing that good will always prevail in the end.

• A Lesson in Handling Hurt
• Runtime: Approx. 50 minutes
• Key Verse: Psalm 55:22 “Give your burdens to the Lord, for He will take care of you.”

Watch the trailer below

Sale Ends February 19, 2012

Some $5 titles are:

• Madame Blueberry learns “A thankful Heart is a happy heart!”
• “Sweetpea Beauty” VeggieTales DVD
• “God Made You Special“

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Did you know that 1 out of every 10 Americans is Lactose intolerant? Lactose intolerant is not an allergy to milk; instead, it results from the body not being able to produce enough lactase (“an enzyme that breaks lactose down into simpler sugars called glucose and galactose” Source), which helps sustain your bodies energy.

Because so many American’s suffer from Lactose intolerance, Yoplait has come up with a solution for people who are living with this disorder who want to eat yogurt. Yoplait’s newest brand is called “Yoplait Lactose Free.” It is just as creamy, fruity, and delicious as their other brands of yogurt without being harmful for those who disagree with dairy products.

Eating yogurt is also a great way to help get your daily calcium intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for building strong bones. In fact, building bone mass is critical in adolescent years and important throughout life. Unfortunately, about 50% of children 2 years and older are not meeting the recommended amount of calcium and 90% are not meeting vitamin D recommendations” Source.

Learn more about Lactose Intolerance:

More about Yoplait

BUY IT

January 2012 this new yogurt became available at your local grocery store.

WIN A YOPLAIT LACTOSE FREE PRIZE PACK

Your prize pack will contain:

• A VIP coupon to purchase Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt
• Lunch tote
• 2 Gel packs
• Individual bowl
• Spoon

Your giveaway winner´s prize pack will contain:

• A VIP coupon to purchase Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt
• Lunch tote
• 2 Gel packs
• Individual bowl
• Spoon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure:  Prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.”

*The coupon offer for Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt is not valid in some states, including Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Additional Resources:

• Kids Healthy Lactose Intolerance
• Everyday Health – “How to Know If You’re Lactose Intolerant”

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If you like Kohls, they are having a great sale this weekend (Feb 10-Feb11, 2012). Some of sale items include 50-60% off Sportswear for men and misses, 40-60% off bedding sets, 55% off decorative frames, 50% off playwear for boys and girls. Click Here to view their ad for this week.

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The first time I heard of Bessie Coleman I was around 13 years old and I was looking at a US postal stamp. The young black woman wearing a pilot cap and aviator glasses intrigued me. At the time, I remembered learning about Amelia Earhart in elementary school, but who was Bessie Coleman or as some people called her “Brave Bessie”? I then, started an intellectual journey to find out.

Born in Texas around 1893, she was the 10th child of 13. Bessie’s mother saw that her daughter was gifted in math and sent her to school. Bessie even went on to college, which was uncommon for a young black female during this time. Unfortunately she did not have enough money to finish and started working as a laundress and then as a manicurist. After listening to one of her brothers, a World War I veteran, she heard about women in France who were pilots and made up in her mind that she also wanted to be a pilot. A spark ignited within her and she learned French and enrolled in Ecole d’Aviation des Freres Caudon at Le Crotoy in France. In 1921 she received her pilots license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. She was the first licensed black pilot in the US. During her life she was considered one of “the world’s greatest woman flyer.” In 1926, she died in a plane crash and it wasn’t until 2000 that she was inducted int he Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. (source)

Children’s Books about Bessie Coleman:

• Fly High! The Story Of Bessie Coleman
• Nobody Owns the Sky: The Story of “Brave Bessie” Coleman
• Bessie Coleman: Daring to Fly

Additional Resources

• 101 Fast Facts (Fact #73 Bessie Coleman)
• PBS: Bessie Coleman
• BessieColeman.com
• Bessie Coleman – Aviator

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3. Wordless Wednesday: Out and About (W/ Linky)

Sears Outlet has an amazing deal if you are a Shop Your Way Rewards (SYWR) member, get one piece of free clothing. SYWR is Sear’s Free Rewards card. I have been a member for several years and it does not cost anything to join. You can join in the store or online. The coupon below excludes outerwear and is only valid today 2/7/12. Click here to see participating Sears Outlet Locations. This coupon is not valid at regular Sears stores only their Outlet stores.

Sign up for Shop Your Way Rewards online

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It is almost hard to believe that for more than a decade our children have enjoyed the “Dora the Explorer” series on Nickelodeon. The show is geared for the viewing pleasure of preschoolers, but one character on the show continues to worry me: Swiper. Swiper is a sneaky, thieving bully that takes things from Dora or her friends. My concern is whether or not our children are learning to enjoy the thrill of being a cruel bully from Swiper and other TV bullies as well.

Children like different characters for a variety of reasons, but Swiper’s character has no point, other than to show a villain. We spend a lot of effort as parents to get children to stand up to bullies, but how much effort is going into preventing our children from being the school bully? When we see incorrect behaviors in children’s programming do we use this as a platform for discussion with our child? And are we nurturing our children to be compassionate to others regardless of race, gender, religion, etc.

As parents we must have a plan of action to teach our children to care about others; thus, helping to prevent bullies from forming. I recently watched a CNN report about Michael Palomino, a father who saw his son with six of his friends on a YouTube video bullying 1 other kid. The father turned his son into the authorities and now his son is in jail. This story is heart-breaking for all involved, but wouldn’t it be great if we recognized the signs and behaviors of bullying within our kids before they act out?

Do you know the signs of bullying? What are the preventative measures that we can try to help deter these behaviors from growing within our children?

Excessive Aggression

Some aggression is not entirely negative. In fact, it is a part of growing up. Some people call it aggression, while others refer to it as assertiveness. Dr. Claudia M. Gold reports in her article Prevent bullying by accepting healthy aggression that “If a child does not have a way to think about his feelings, he is likely to simply act them out. Children who continue, as they grow up, to behave in aggressive ways that are inappropriate for their age are often describes [SIC] as “impulsive.” Impulsive literally means to act without thinking. A child needs to learn from the adults around him how to think about his feelings” (source).

Excessive aggression in children however, has been linked to children who may have suffered from childhood abuse, beatings, witnessing hostility within a marriage, etc. So what can we do? For starters, when our children are young even toddlers we need to recognize these behaviors and teach them healthy ways to channel their aggression/express their feelings. Depending on the child writing, dancing, drawing, singing, fixing things etc are all different ways a child can use their talents to express themselves.

Insecurity

Healthy self-esteem is challenged in most children during their early years, but the insecurities they may feel does not always have a negative effect on their behavior in relation to other children. Both the bully and the child being bullied are experiencing different forms of insecurity. As parents it is important to support our children so they will be able to build their self-esteem. We need to let them know when they make good decisions to encourage them to make more. We need to exemplify the behaviors that we want our little ones to learn. We need to model self-assurance, strength, positive thinking, self-awareness, self-control, contentment, etc.

Parents’ relationship with others needs to display how we want our children to relate to their peers. When something at work doesn’t go well for us, we need to show our children how to handle disappointment and frustration by acknowledging our feelings, but also learning to move on and get other things done without allowing storms to cloud our ability to cope with life.

We should make sure our kids home environment is safe, peaceful, and supportive. Throughout our children’s lives we need to constantly reassure them that we are willing to listen to them and we care about what is going on in their lives. When they need our undivided attention the most, they should know they can count on us. As our wee ones grow we also need to compliment as they experience a variety of changes.

When my daughter broke her tooth and realized that it was not going to grow back over night, she asked, “Mom am I still pretty?” I didn’t think that my child was concerned about her physical appearance yet, but even at the age of three when she looked in the mirror she did not like what she saw. I recognized the problem and made it a point to let her know that she is beautiful on the inside and the outside as well.

Hatred

Children hate for a variety of reasons. Some causes of hate are jealously, physical differences, betrayal, traumatic experiences, chemical imbalance, pain, etc. If a child experiences hate if they don’t learn to address the root of the cause they will continue to hate as an adult.

One of the best ways to combat hatred is to teach tolerance. KidsHealth reports that “Many parents live and work in diverse communities and have friends who are different from themselves in some (or in many) ways. Parents’ attitudes about respecting others are often so much a part of them that they rarely even think about it. They teach those attitudes simply by being themselves and living their values. Parents who demonstrate (or model) tolerance in their everyday lives send a powerful message. As a result, their kids learn to appreciate differences, too.”

Lack of Empathy

A couple of months ago, my daughter was at a local indoor playground. She found a little girl that she wanted to play with and they hung-out and ran around until the child had to leave. After her new friend left my daughter saw a slightly older child around 5 or 6 years old that she wanted to play with. My daughter said “Hi,” and tried to strike up a conversation with her. Instead of acknowledging my daughter the little girl ignored her and then gathered a few other kids and created a game where everyone was advised to run away from my daughter when she turned toward them. Pretty harmless, I thought to myself at first, but my 3 year old eventually became extremely crushed. I then recognized the other child’s behavior as a mild form of bullying called Relational Aggression. Then I talked to my daughter and helped her understand that everyone will not be her friend or want to play with her. If and when this happens, she just needs to move on, don’t be crushed, find something else to do.

Ignorance

This may sound like a strong word when dealing with children, but in some cases kids just don’t know better. For instance, a child who is drawn to TV bullies may only be mimicking learned behaviors. Also, there are times when children may see others that are different and are not sure how to react; instead of getting to know the other child they join in taunting and teasing others because of their differences. In this case we have to teach them how to deal with people that are not the same as them. The best way for us to teach them this lesson is to model the behavior through the way we react, look at, and speak to others.

Additional Resources:

• Kidshealth.org Bullying.org
• http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/bullying
• http://www.tolerance.org/
• Ways to teach tolerance.

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I spend a lot of time doing laundry so I am always trying to find products that will get the job done well, quicker, and cheaper. I have used Purex products in the past and they are great. Purex also seems to be at the cutting edge, always looking to restructure their products so they are the best option for consumers. Purex’s tag line is perfect for their brand: “Pureclean. Purevalue. Purex.” It accurately seems to capture the quality of the products they have on the market. Recently, Purex launched a new and improved liquid detergent to add to their brand family called “Purex Triple Action.”

With two toddlers that love to play and get dirty I don’t mind letting my children explore their environments when I rely on a cost effective product like  “Purex Triple Action.” For starters, the product is helping me save money because I don’t have to buy a separate color safe detergent that will keep my whites white and my brights bright. I have been using this new formula for about a month and my children’s clothes continue to like like they have only be wished a couple of times. The color has remained the same. On tougher stains I add a little of the detergent directly onto the soiled spot and my laundry comes out fresh and clean. I am pleased with it’s performance and problem will not go back to other costly brands.

There are 6 different scents to choose from

• Free & Clear
• After the Rain
• Mountain Breeze
• Lavender Fresh
• Original Fresh
• Linen & Lilies
• Lilac & White Lavender

Also safe for High Efficiency machines

Download the FREE Purex Laundry Help App for iPhones/ iPads or Droid

The app is great because there is a stain guide, fabric guide, label decoder, and a washer and dryer timer.

BUY IT

Amazon.com

Most local stores like, Walmart, CVS, Riteaid, and grocery stores will carry this detergent.

WIN IT

Enter via the Rafflecopter box below either with your name and email address or via your Facebook account.

• About Purex
• Purex on Facebook
• Purex on Twitter

“Purex provided a free sample of their Triple Action laundry detergent so I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.”
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Michaels – valid Feb. 3 and Feb 4. For every $10 you spend at Michaels Stores this weekend they will give you $10 off 30-$59.99, $20 off 60-89.99, $30 off $90-$119, etc. Some exclusions apply, CLICK HERE for the printable coupon. There is also a 40% off one-regular priced item coupon.

Gymboree is having their Semi Annual Clearance Sale. For every  $50 you spend Gymboree will give you $25 in GymBucks to spend later.

Shop Through Ebates at Philosophy FEB. 3rd Only and get 10% cash back. Philosophy has a great collection of lipgloss, lotions, body wash, soaps, etc.

Kodak Gallery – 30% off site wide. No coupon necessary. Valid Feb. 3 only. Shop Through Ebates and get and additional 2% cash back at Kodak.

Legos Stores – Every month Legos has a free build going on at their store locations. The build usually starts at 5 pm. There is one to build a FREE LEGO Hockey Player: February 7, begins at 5:00 pm.

Office Depot – $10 off of a $10 or more purchase in the Copy and Print Depot area (Valid in store only until Feb. 14th). There is also a coupon for Buy 1 get 1 50% off for all Office Depot brand Ink. 75% off select Foray Calendars and Planners. (Exp. 02/05/2012. Shop Through Ebates and get and additional 1% cash back. Click Here for printable coupon.

Family Christian Stores – Save 30% your entire purchase of regular-priced items. Click Here to print your coupon.

Banana Republic – Valid in-stores and online until February 4th at 11/59 pm EST, get 25% off your entire purchase of regular-priced items. (coupon code: BRSUPER).

NY & Company – Tops and Sweaters are Buy 1 get 1 50% off. Can be combined with additional coupons. Shop Through Ebates and get and additional 2.5% cash back.

No related posts.

Source: Salvatore Vuono

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and more than 70 million Americans have some form of Heart Disease? The CDC reports that “One in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day,” which makes sharing heart healthy knowledge extremely important. Almost all of of us has know someone affected by heart disease or who have suffered from a stroke. This most I want to share some healthy living tips and resources to help us make show our hearts are in good condition.

What you should know about cardiovascular disease?

1) Cardiovascular disease doesn’t only affect the heart. There are over 60 different types that can effect any part of the body.

2) Coronary Artery Disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States and is just 1 type of Cardiovascular Disease. Some symptoms associated with this disease are:

• Chest pain or chest discomfort (angina)
• Pain in one or both arms, the left shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Faster heartbeats
• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Feeling very tired.

*source

3) Warning signs of a stroke

• A sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Weakness or inability to move one side of the body. This is due to our brain controlling opposite sides of our body. If a stroke occurs in the right side of the brain it will affect the left side of the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty understanding what others are saying (confusion)
• Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance and co-ordination
• Sudden severe headache, which has been described as being like a blow to the head (associated with a hemorrhagic stroke)
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting (consider this particular symptom in combination with the others)

*source

Here is an animated video that shares information about a stroke. The video is playful but the information is very thorough and memorable. Remember “Smile, Reach, Speech.”

GET A FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING AT SOME LOCAL SHOPRITES

ShopRite is hosting FREE blood pressure screenings all month long! A schedule for your local store is posted on ShopRite.com. (http://www.shoprite.com/cnt/HeartMonth.html)

Free Blood Pressure Screening at ShopRite

• CDC quote source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/
• Stroke Video source: Developed by MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland, Michigan.
• Stroke warning signs source: http://www.speech-therapy-on-video.com/strokewarningsigns.html

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Source: massvacation.com/BlackHistory

February is here. How do you plan to celebrate Black History Month. Regardless of race or nationality. One unifying message I gain from the civil rights leaders and great black leaders throughout all of history is that we need to live our lives with others in mind. A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Martin Luther King Day; although we typically have the day off of work, some people say MLK Day should be a “day on” not “off.” What do they mean? Martin Luther King was selfless. He devoted his life to helping all people not just blacks, his fight was for oppressed people in general. Thus, this month and on his birthday I believe  the best way to commemorate the day and celebrate the month is to volunteer and serve our undervalued communities.

If you would like to learn how to find volunteer opportunities in your community. I recently wrote a guest post on social moms that is called “Volunteering: How to Find Ways to Serve Others.” The post outlines how to plan, evaluate, and secure a volunteer opportunity that is right for you and in line with your interests. If you are thinking that you don’t have time devote to helping others, consider helping out on a weekend with your family every couple of months or a few times a year. It feels good to help others while at the same time adding joy to your own life.

Why Black History Matters?

Black history month is important because it is a symbol of hope. The month is a reminder to Americans that our nation was founded by immigrants from many different parts of the world. It reminds us that even when faced with adversity, through hard work and perseverance change is possible. It says that dreams do come true. It also proves that we all need each other. The triumphs in black history were not achieved by only black people, people from many different heritages had a role to play.

This month I will teach my children about black inventors like:

• James S Adams who patented a propelling means for airplanes
• George Edwards Alcorn patented a Imaging X-ray spectrometer
• Nathaniel Alexander patented a Folding Chair
• Bertram F Baker patented a Automatic Cashier
• Patricia Bath patented the method and apparatus for ablating and removing cataract lenses
• Edmond Berger patented the Spark plug
• Bessie Blountpatented a device to help the disabled eat
• David M Bondu patented the Golf tee
• Cap B. Collins patented a portable electric light
• Samuel T. Crawford patented a comb
• John Thomas Darkins patented a ventilator
• Lewis B. Dorcas patented a stove
• Robert F. Flemmings Jr. patented a Guitar
• William Hale, patented a Motor vehicle
• Alice Parker of Morristown patented a new and improved gas heating furnace that provided central heating.
• Valerie Thomas received a patent for inventing an illusion/TV transmitter.
• James E. Young is crediting with inventing improved battery performance control.

The African American list of inventors is long and interesting, I will teach my children about them because I want them to learn that learning is important and the more they work hard and study, the more they can grow, develop, and help others. Growing up my mother taught me about black inventors and I remember feeling a sense of pride and a sense of accomplishment.Being able to see inventors that I could relate to gave me hope that no dream or achievement was out of my reach if I set my mind to it.I want my own children the Think Big and achieve their dreams.

*Additional Resources

• List of Black Americans who hold patents for their inventions
• African American Inventors
• ShopRite’s Black History Month Heroes & Heritage pages

No related posts.

Yesterday, I looked at my daughters and became a little emotional. I cannot believe how tall they are growing. The chunky cheeks and chubby legs are long gone. Their questions are more elaborate and the answers much harder for me to come up with. My babies are now little girls. Little ladies is what they prefer to be called.

Related posts:

1. Wordless Wednesday-One Snowy Day
2. Wordless Wednesday: Life
3. Wordless Wednesday: He looks different on TV

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If you are looking for a good DVD to introduce or reiterate to your child how to use the potty and go to the bathroom “Potty Time With Bear” is an excellent DVD. The DVD doesn’t just focus on going to the potty, the DVD is very descriptive in the words they used. I really like how the bear explains as he talks, which is similar to how I try to teach my children at home. The bear is very positive and has a soothing voice. The characters are likable and fun to watch.

The bear calls children that go to the potty “Tolieteers,” which is a cute and cool name. The name makes a child feel special, older, and apart of a unique group. The DVD brings up core values that your child needs to learn to be successful at potty training or other things. One of the values mentioned is PRACTICE. Practice is not exclusive to potty training. The bear tells children not to give up and the songs are catchy and likable. I recommend singing the songs to your child when he or she goes to the potty. One chorus I really like is “You gotta keep at it, give it all you got.”

When teaching children about going to the potty, the bear repeats the steps below and encourages children remember each one.

He tells children to:

• Listen to their body and don’t wait too late.
• wipe
• flush
• wash hands

It also mentions what children should do when they have to go to the bathroom in a  new/unfamiliar place. Overall, the DVD alone will not teach your child to be successful at potty training, but it will reinforce concepts that you want him or her to learn.

Buy it on Amazon for only $7.99 if you are an Amazon Prime Member

Here is the Good-bye song from the DVD so you can get an idea of what the characters are like.

 *This is not a sponsored post, but it may contain affiliate links.

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