Before You Speak Think - Free Printable

Our kids will tell you that they have grown up hearing "When someone walks away from you do you want them to feel better or worse about themselves?"

Of course they want others to feel better about themselves when they walk away from them.  Our goal in saying this to our children is to teach them that their words can and do make a difference in someones life and the importance of thinking before you speak.

What a simple rule to teach our kids to think before you speak it can make all the difference.

This free printable from Sweet Blessings would be a great reminder in our homes to think before we speak so that our words are an inspiration to others.

DIY Children's Growth Stick

For the past 20 years we have been keeping track of our Children's growth with a wooden growth stick.  I often am asked where one can purchase this or how to make one..  I went out searching for the how to DIY ( Do It Yourself) and found a great article over at Chica and Jo www.chicaandjo.com and they gave us permission to share it with our 24/7 MOMS.



How To Make Your Own Hand Painted Growth Chart

By : Chica
When my friend’s little girl became a toddler and started growing like a weed, we knew it was time to track her growth, and we brainstormed to figure out how best to do it. Most of us have the fond memory of marking our height on a door frame in the house where we grew up, and it’s quite nostalgic to look back at it over the years (I have such a chart in my garage from the family who lived here before and I refuse to paint over it). But these days people don’t stay in one house their whole lives and you can’t really take a door frame with you, so we need a portable — yet sturdy — solution. I solved my friend’s problem by surprising her with a hand-painted wooden growth chart that she could mount on the wall.
Sure, you can just buy a growth chart. They sell them everywhere. My problem with the ones that I see in stores are that they are either too short, too flimsy, or just plain ugly! In addition, it’s nice to have them personalized with the child’s name. Plus I prefer homemade over store-bought crafts almost all of the time, so I just had to make this for that sweet little girl.
I started with a trip to the local home improvement store where I picked up a simple piece of wood that was 6 feet long, 6 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. Look in the “nice” wood section (not the construction lumber) and you can easily find a nice piece of pine for just a few dollars.

I took the wood home and decided how I would mark it. I knew I didn’t want my friend to have to put the board all the way on the floor because the baseboard would make that hard to do. I decided the board should be mounted one foot above the floor. That means that my first mark at the bottom of the board would be at 1 foot, and I had enough room to take it all the way to a 6 foot mark at the top. I decided I wanted an inch or two of blank space above the 6 and below the 1, so that means my entire board needed to be 5 feet, 4 inches long. I took it to the garage and made a quick cut and I was all set. (I certainly could have kept the entire 6 feet of length, but I decided to trim it a bit.)

After a quick light sanding, I painted the entire board white on both sides, using some leftover trim paint I had. I then marked all my measurements with a ruler and a pencil. I put the “1″ mark 2 inches from the bottom and marked every inch and foot from there on up to the top, where I finished with the “6″. I then painted over the pencil lines with acrylic paint.
Next was the fun part — painting the design! I started with large block letters that spelled out Emily’s name which I outlined in blue and then filled in with pink. I then decorated the top and bottom with lots of tiny flowers and leaves. For simple flowers, just make 5 round petals and put a dot in the middle. For the leaves, just a quick swish with a paintbrush will do it.

The finished growth chart now hangs in Emily’s room and has lots of markings on it, measuring what a big girl she’s turning out to be… she’s up to 38 inches so far!

Toolbox ( what you need)

• long piece of smooth wood (6' x 6" x 1")
• wall / trim paint
• acrylic paint
• brushes

Nurture Thankfulness in Your Child

By: Brenda Nixon

Among the early words you teach your tot are "thank you." Young children need prompts like, "What do you say to Aunt Becky?" Hopefully, over time, it becomes an automatic response. But parents need to continue teaching an attitude of thanks even to teenagers. As you celebrate the busy holiday season, utilize every moment as an opportunity to nurture thankfulness in your child. Incorporate these free and simple ways into your family life:

Live the Lesson

It has been said that we're always teaching; sometimes we use words. Remember to say "thank you" to others, but more importantly, live a life of appreciation. Your children are watching their first and most influential teacher!

Notice Nature

Encourage your child to appreciate the inspiration that surrounds him. Marvel at the power of the wind, the immensity of the ocean, the perfection of a snowflake, the night sky, or the rugged beauty of a mountain range. I've reminded my girls of the saying of Goethe, "Nature is the living, visible garment of God."

Convert Attitude into Action

A small gesture, such as a smile, can lighten the day of the waitress who hands your child a glass of milk or a hug for the teacher is always welcome. When a child empties the dishwasher, it is an action of appreciation for home and food. Thankfulness is also expressed through homemade cards and drawings. To appreciate their classroom teachers, my girls and I always made little gifts for them at the holidays.

Discover Dictionary Descriptions

Although we have our own terms to explain thankfulness, it helps to see new definitions. Go to the library and see what a variety of dictionaries say about the word. I like what The Webster's Dictionary says, "Impressed with a sense of kindness received," because it takes the focus off a material possession and puts it on an attitude.
In researching for this article, I found websites that offer all types of quotes. A humorous one about thanks comes from Woody Allen, "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose."

Contrast Your Family with Folks Less Fortunate

Help your child see that there are those in your community who aren't as blessed: families without homes, people who are sad and living alone, or those who must go to food kitchens to eat. When my daughters were young, one of our family traditions was to serve a meal to the homeless. My husband, two daughters, and I spent one evening at a rescue mission every Autumn. After seeing the faces of those accepting a plate of food and their expressions of thanks, my daughters quickly appreciated going back home to their safe, cozy bedrooms.

Make a Medley of Thankfulness

Grab a pile of old magazines. Encourage your child to look through the pages and cut out pictures of things for which they are thankful. Glue these on one page, overlapping pictures. Soon your child will have a visual reminder of the blessings in his life.

Pen a Poem of Thankfulness

Together with your child, try to write words that rhyme with thanks, gratitude or thankful. This can be a fun, language learning time also.

Practice Gratitude Permanently

Showing thanks and appreciation need not end with this time of year. I believe letter writing is becoming a lost art. Help your child write thank you notes for their Christmas gifts. Preschoolers can dictate to you their gratitude or express thanks by drawing a picture of their appreciation for their gift-giver. Find opportunities during this upcoming year to reinforce your lesson. For more ideas on teaching children about good manners and attitudes go to mannersoftheheart.com.

As a parent, I hope my children learn to be thankful by the way I live my life before them. After all, as William Bennett said in his book, The Moral Compass: Stories for a Life's Journey , "Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that thankfulness is indeed a virtue."

---

As a parenting speaker, educator, and author Brenda Nixon desires to build stronger families through parent empowerment. For free tips, articles, her books, tapes, and speaking topics go to brendanixon.com

*Article reprinted with permission from the author Brenda Nixon

Fun Kids Thanksgiving Table Ideas

Thanksgiving is such a special time of the year.  Getting your family and closest friends together to celebrate your love and being thankful for one another is such a blessing.  I love decorating for Thanksgiving and getting the table all set up.  I tend to not put all the kids at one table because they complained years ago that they wanted to sit by other people like Grandpa, etc...  So I mix them in with the adults.  But they can become restless sitting there for that long.  So keep them occupied.

Here are some ideas to help you out!

Picture by Pottery Barn Kids



Turkey Pencil Holder Party Favors

These handmade turkey pencil holders serve lots of purposes: they're festive table decorations, great party favors, and the perfect way to give kids something to do while they wait for Thanksgiving dinner to be served. Make one for each of your littlest guests and set the table with sheets of paper for them to draw on, and watch their faces light up when they sit down.  (you can use color crayons for the younger ones too)

Click HERE to see the instructions on how to make this cute little guy from Pottery Barn!

Here is a whole place setting for your kids!

This might look tricky but once you see how it is all made you will be surprised how easy it is to make!  Click HERE to get the instructions from Fiskar

Simple and sweet – an easy way to keep ‘em busy with a cute coloring page

Click HERE for instructions and more ideas from Blissfully Domestic

Mayflower Treat Holder

Click HERE to get instructions on how to make this from My Cotton Creations

Sugar Cone Cornucopias

(you have to read the instructions on this...  the tips are curled slightly)  :)

Click HERE for this cute idea!

Gumdrop Turkeys

Look at these cute gumdrop turkeys!  Click HERE

Kids Straw Toppers

Click HERE for instructions

Pom-Pom Turkeys

These could even be used for everyone... not just kids.  :)  Click HERE for Martha Stewarts instructions

Kids Placemats

Click HERE for instructions

Turkey DIY Placemats w/ Clear Plates

Click HERE for instructions on how to make these

Hopefully these will help you out with your Thanksgiving table decor! :)  and don't forget to get the kids involved (if you want)!!



Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"!!

Melissa and Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa adn Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

This is perfect for the Holidays!  Don't miss out on saving some money on quality educational product for your children! :)  You can't go wrong with Melissa and Doug!

Five Everyday Math Games

              Create DIY ( do it yourself)  Math games out of your everyday games at home to teach your kids their mat facts.

Go Fish - (addition)
Use flash cards from 0-10 (3 sets of each number) as your deck of cards. Play "Go  Fish" to add numbers up to 10. (Ex: Tim  has the number 8, he asks another player  for the number 2 because 8+ 2+10.)

 Concentration -(addition, subtraction, multiplication,  division)

Using index cards make one set of math facts (addition, subtraction,  multiplication, or division)writing the math problem on one index card and the answer on another index card.

The object of the game is to find pairs of matching cards in all of the face down cards.

Shuffle the cards and place them face down in rows (like the memory game). The first player  turns over two cards. If they match, ( Problem and answer) the player keeps the two cards and takes  another turn. The next player continues by trying to find two matching cards.  When all cards have been collected, the player with the most pairs wins.


 Board Games -  Choose any of your kids favorite board games, such as " Candy Land"  "Chutes and Ladders", "Sorry," "Monopoly,"or other game. Take post-it notes and write math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication,  division) and place them  onto the game spaces. Play the game as you usually do, but whenever a player lands on a math space, they must answer the problem correctly before moving forward.

The 1 to 10 Game - (addition)

Supplies Needed : 2 dice, 1 deck of cards, and one other player.

Separate the cards and use only the ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 cards.

Divide the cards into two piles one red and one black. One player takes the red cards,  and one  takes the black cards.

First player rolls the dice and figures out the sum. Then removes the cards from their hand to add up to that sum. For example, if they roll a 4 and a 2, you can make 6  in several  ways (3+3, 2+4, 1+3+2, 6, etc...). If they can't make up the sum with the  cards in their hand, they roll again. After three rolls they can't make up the sum in their hand , you  lose the game. You win the game if the other  player can't make the sum in three rolls or if  you use up all of your cards.
           Number of the Day - Choose a number for each day and have your child think of a variety of Math problems that the answer is the number of the day..for young children begin with single digit numbers. ( Today is October 31 -  15 + 16 = 31, 50-29 =31 etc.)

Fall Family Fun Ideas

I believe in the saying children spell love T.I.M.E. – Time playing with them, time creating memories, time listening to them, time talking with them and even time serving in volunteer opportunities all  create T.I.M.E. with our kids.   

Here are some simple and fun ideas for spending T.I.M.E. with your kids both playing and serving together this fall.

Ideas for Family Fun – Playing Together

Movie night

Game night
Roller skating / Ice skating
Bowling
Indoor putt putt golf
Indoor rock climbing
Indoor play parks
Museums / Science centers
Pumpkin patch farms
Family book clubs/library visits/ book store visits
Coffee shop or bakery visits
Fall hikes
Walks in the rain
Indoor swimming
Cooking together – pizza, theme it
Attend local theaters and playhouses.
Baking cookies – start your holiday baking.

Ideas for Family Fun – Serving Together

Local soup kitchens
Habitat for humanity projects

Operation Christmas child

Meals in a bag for the homeless
Retirement centers
Yard-work or housework for Elderly
Help for Military families that are deployed
Volunteer to help at Fundraisers
Neighborhood cleanup /  School cleanup
Church projects / Missions Projects 
Toy drive
Book drive
School supply collection

How do you spend T.I.M.E. with your kids in the Fall?

Morning Routine Organization

By: Trisha Novotny
24/7 MOMS 

From what to wear and eat, to requests regarding where to go and what to do, moms are bombarded with tons of questions while trying to get their children out the door. Sometimes the morning routine can be complete chaos. How do we eliminate the stress and get our children off to school in peace?

You can read my  Morning Routine Organization steps over at SC Johnson Family Economics blog.  Click here to read  them now.

Be sure to leave me  a comment over at SC Johnson

*Each week Trisha Blogs on SC Johnson Family Economics website as a paid writer be sure to read her weekly articles

Rituals of Gratitude

From weekly dinners to special holiday traditions, rituals provide a foundation for family identity. Often, these rituals involve an element of gratitude and celebration of family life. Whether it is a daily or yearly practice, taking the time to be thankful offers many benefits by reducing stress and cultivating an optimistic outlook. Here are some ideas to help your family start practicing thankfulness today.

Gratitude at Home
Practicing gratitude daily can be a challenge when schedules get hectic, but when kept consistently, simple habits can turn into meaningful family rituals. Start small. At family dinner, have everyone share one positive thing that happened during the day — one person who made them smile or one thing for which they are thankful.

Daily gratitude is powerful. If you do not get to sit down to family dinner often enough, or if you want to extend the practice, try keeping a gratitude journal and fill it with happy memories, uplifting quotes, peaceful pictures and a list of the things that fill you with happiness. Reflect on this journal whenever you are feeling stressed or downtrodden. Reminding yourself of your successes and joys is a powerful way to lift your spirits and find a renewed sense of hope.

Keeping a gratitude journal is something the whole family can enjoy. Have your children create their own journals and allow them to personalize them. Whenever they write in their journals, not only will they be honing a fundamental skill, but they will be developing a penchant for the positive. Just as in reading, writing and math, practice makes perfect in optimism as well.

Gratitude in the Community
Keeping a journal of gratitude is a great way to reflect on the things we are thankful for in our own lives. However, often the deepest feeling of gratitude can be experienced when helping others. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and to gain a deep sense of perspective in your own life. Try incorporating volunteering into everyday life by working once a month at a food bank or shelter. Oftentimes, volunteer opportunities are family-friendly and are an excellent way to introduce your children to the joy and reward of giving back. For more ideas about where to volunteer, visit www.volunteermatch.org.

Giving to others can be more than a yearly practice. Small, daily acts of kindness can have a huge impact, too. Whether it is paying for someone’s coffee, opening a door or helping when you see someone is in need, a little extra kindness can lead to a lot of extra gratitude in the world. For more ideas of how to practice random acts of kindness, check out the story of Robyn Bomar, who decided to complete 38 random acts of kindness in celebration of her 38th birthday: http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/?p=1358 . Robyn made an immense difference in her community and in her family, and so can you!

Printed with Permission from Kumon  - Like them on Facebook

Teaching Thankfulness With Fun - Countdown To Thanksgiving

We are only days away from November which is the perfect month to place focus on being Thankful and use family activities to teach our kids about showing gratitude as we countdown the days until Thanksgiving.

With these simple ideas you can have fun creating a new family tradition to repeat year after year.

Step 1 -  Decide how many days you would  like to count down with activities

- The entire month of November.

- 12 Days of Thankfulness ( start 12 days until Thanksgiving with day 12 being Thanksgiving).

- Choose the number of days that works for your family.

Step 2  - Create a Countdown to Thanksgiving

1.  Write daily Thankful activities on slips of papers that you then roll into scrolls and place  into a decorated  jar.

2. Make A Tree or Turkey out of poster board. Then cut out leaves or feathers and write on each one a Thankful activity allowing your children to choose one each day to do.

3. Number envelopes and fill with slips of paper that you have written daily activities on allowing your children to open one envelop each day.


4. Make a paper chain out of strips of construction paper. Write a thankful activity on each slip of paper. Allow your kids to tear one off each day as they count down.

Click here for a FREE down loadable Thanksgiving paper chain

 
Step 3 - Choose Thankful activities for you and your family to do each day of your Thanksgiving countdown.

Below you will find a list I created of activity ideas you can choose from or create your own ideas.


We are Thankful for our Grandparents

Call or send them an email saying how much you are thankful for them.


We are Thankful For our Missionaries

Send them a letter, email or care package to let them know you are praying for them.


We are Thankful for our Teachers

Make a thank you card or bake a treat to give to them


We are Thankful for our Fire fighters. Policemen, Doctors etc.

Deliver a basket of treats to them.


We are Thankful for our toys.

Clean out your toys and donate to a local shelter.


We are thankful for Daddy.

Do something nice or a chore for Daddy - Wash his car, take out the trash.


We are Thankful for Mommy

Do one extra chore today for her.


We are Thankful for our Clothes.

Clean out our clothes and donate clothing to a local shelter.


We are Thankful for our Sister (s).

Write a Thankful note or do a chore or something nice for her.


We are Thankful for our Brothers (s).

Write a Thankful note or do a chore or something nice for him.


We are Thankful for our friends.

Write a note, send an email, bake a special treat for them.


We are Thankful for our family.

Have a family game night.


We are Thankful for our food.

Collect food for your local shelter.


We are Thankful for our Eyes.

Watch a Movie together as a family.


We are Thankful For a Church to go to.

Volunteer to help at church this week or sign-up for a project.


We are Thankful for books.

Start a new book to read together as a family.


We are Thankful for our Neighbors.

Deliver a treat and  note of thanks to their porch -  play door bell ditch.


We are Thankful we are able to pray.

During dinner time prayer have each person pray one thing they are Thankful to God for.


We are Thankful for our Country.

Decide as a family another way yo will become ECO friendly.


We are Thankful we can write.

Write three things we are thankful for.


We are Thankful helpers.

Draw names of family members and do a secret chore for that person by tomorrow.


We are Thankful for our classmates.

Make blessing mix or another treat and give to your classmates.


We are Thankful for shoes.

Fill empty shoe boxes with items and donate to Operation Christmas Child.


We are Thankful for our pet.

Take them on a walk, clean their cage, play with them.


We are Thankful for our Military.

Make a care package to send to them or write a letter.


We are  Thankful to be Thankful.

Make a Thankful box  - all year the entire family can write what they are thankful for and then read them next Thanksgiving.


We are Thankful for our Car,

Go for a fall drive, visit a relative or friend.


We are Thankful for family memories.

Start a Thankful journal or scrapbook.


We are Thankful we can spell.

Spell out the word T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L. go around the table and ask each person to say one thing they're thankful for. The first person's answer must begin with "T." The second person's answer must begin with "H," and so on.


We are Thankful for our City.

Volunteer for a city clean-up project or other way you can serve your city.


We are Thankful for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Provide Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need or invite a family to join you.

Dads Need Tips Too!

If you haven't realized by now that 24/7 Moms is kind of for MOMS.  :)  Sure men can come here but I am sure most of them would prefer a site just slightly different...  a little more manly.  None of the girly craft ideas.  Plus I really couldn't see my husband chatting away during the webcast shows talking about all that "stuff" we talk about.  However, if you got my husband on a forum about motorcycles or how to build the ULTIMATE theatre he would be all over that. All of our husbands have their own hobbies but how often do you actually see them pick up a book to better themselves about being a better father our spouse?  Now I know there are a Ga-Billion mommy websites out there for us to go to to gather information from.  Where do then the dads get theirs from?  From other men???  No, cause they usually don't talk to other men, right??  :)  Most of the time they get their information from how they were raised.  Could be good...  could need improvements.

So after doing some research I was pleasantly surprised to find so many Dad websites out there.  Now the trick is to get your husband to actually look at one of them.  You might have to do your own research... pick the one that you like then send it his way.  Or if you think he will do it... then let him go through and check them out.

What a great way for men to not feel alone.  Just like us!  Here we can talk, share stories and know that we are not alone out there.  I really think that men need to feel the same way.  They need those tips, share stories (or just read them), and learn something.  They can do all of that with out us nagging them!  :) 

I bet that the family as a whole will grow as he grows as well!  Don't you feel that way when you grow... learn...  then you pass that on and teach. 

Below are some of the wonderful sites I found!  I am telling you... I looked through these and I couldn't stop reading them myself.  I was actually learning stuff about the men.  :)

www.diyfather.com

www.dadz.com

www.greatdad.com

www.fathers.com

www.mrdad.com

www.fatherville.com

And stay tuned they just might be a 24/7 DADS in the works - That's right a team of dad's are already brain storming.

Getting Conversation Back on the Dinner Table

By: Trisha Novotny

24/7 MOMS www.247moms.com

 Unlike the families of the 1950s who seemed to have more time for family meals, we the millennial families find ourselves heading a million different directions at once. Work, activities, television, computers and homework all compete for our time and often our homes begin to feel like hotels, with family members waving to each other like guests as they pass in the hallways.  

In our home with 5 children, we counteract this millennial family craziness by placing a priority on family dinnertime. While it takes some effort, planning our dinners in advance allows us to spend more time enjoying the meal together than we do preparing it. This is important because over the years, my goal has been not only to provide healthy, balanced meals for my children, but also to create an atmosphere of togetherness and openness through conversation. 

So, how do we create conversation and get it back on the table in 2011?  Click here to read my full article and fun ideas over at Meals Matter.  Be sure to leave a comment and thanks for reading.

 

Tips and Tricks For The Tweens Roaming Our Halls From Tween Academy

 Several years ago a new word describing another community of children became part of our vocabulary "TWEENS" Thefreedictionary.com defines a Tween as

tween  (twn) n.

A child between middle childhood and adolescence, usually between 8 and 12 years old.

 Do you have Tweens roaming the halls in your house - I have two of them and there are days they still seem so young and days they seem so old. They are trying to find who they are and where they fit in- Is it ok to still play with action figures and Legos? do I still have play dates or are they now called hang outs? Is it still cool to wear my cookie monster hat?

Tweens are finding there way to being teenagers yet caught between still wanting to be kids and wanting to to be treated as mini teens. As a parent you may be asking yourself  How do we communicate with them?  Their bodies are changing how do I talk to them about it? Are there really mean girls in my Tweens school?  Why does my tween seem so scattered brained? and many other questions about your Tweens.  Last week I participated in moderating one of the chats during the Tween Academy sponsored by Unilever held at The Motherhood website along with several other mom bloggers.  They had four different chats with author Rosalind Wiseman, parenting expert and New York Times bestselling author of Queen Bees and Wannabes  the chats were informative and full of great tips and tricks for us parents who have Tween roaming our halls. I left the conversation feeling equipped and ready to face my Tween journey.

Click the below topics to read the chat recaps and highlights of the tips and tricks shared during these conversations over on The Motherhood.

Tweens and Building Self-esteem

Tweens and Heading Back to School 

Tweens and Personal Hygiene

Tweens and Communication

Like Don’t Fret the Sweat on Facebook

Disclosure: I received compensation for this post and participation in the Tweens and Building Selfesteem discussion however all opinions are 100% my own. Unilever sent me a gift pack as a Thank You for my participation.

Concussions - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

After three of Nate-no's fellow team mates have experienced concussions this season on his football team.  I thought it was time to once again share with the 24/7 MOMS on this topic - I posted this article two years ago  after learning some valuable and new information every mom needs to know:

Concussions and Your Child

I recently sat in a school meeting listening to one of our High School athletic trainers share  with us the  latest information on our children and concussions.  You would think that with 5 kids and  all these years on the MOMhood journey I would have this down.  What I did not know was they have new findings and information that this mom was unaware of so knowing that -  I thought  every Mommy should know the latest info on  Concussion and our Children so that we can be equipped  should one of our sweet children incur a possible concussion.




It's estimated that more than a half million kids in the U.S. go to the hospital each year with a concussion.  That's an average of a kid per minute- every minute of every day

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls


What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a disturbance in brain function that occurs following either a blow to the head or as a result of the violent shaking of the head

In the United States, the annual incidence of sports-related concussion is estimated at 300,000. Estimates regarding the likelihood of an athlete in a contact sport experiencing a concussion may be as high as 19% per season. Although the majority of athletes who experience a concussion are likely to recover, an as yet unknown number of these individuals may experience chronic cognitive and neuro behavioral difficulties related to recurrent injury.


Common Signs and Symptoms:
Signs observed

-Appears to be dazed or stunned

-Is confused about assignment

-Forgets plays

-Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

-Moves clumsily

-Answers questions slowly

-Loses consciousness (even temporarily)

-Shows behavior or personality change

-Forgets events prior to hit (retrograde amnesia)

-Forgets events after hit (anterograde amnesia).



Signs reported by athlete

-Headache

-Nausea

-Balance problems or dizziness

-Double or fuzzy vision

-Sensitivity to light or noise

-Feeling sluggish

-Feeling "foggy"

-Change in sleep pattern

-Concentration or memory problems

Consulting w/ a Doctor:

Recovery

Athletes that are not fully recovered from an initial concussion are significantly vulnerable for recurrent, cumulative, and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussive injury. Such difficulties are prevented if the athlete is allowed time to recover from concussion and return to play decisions are carefully made. No athlete should return to sport or other at-risk participation when symptoms of concussion are present and recovery is ongoing. In summary, the best way to prevent difficulties with concussion is to manage the injury properly when it does occur.


NEW Laws to protect children in Washington state:



A Washington state bill, soon to become law, will add a new rule to kids' organized sports.

A child won't be able to return to play after a concussion until a health care provider gives the OK.    

    

Letting Go With a Bike Lesson

"Its just like riding a bike with training wheels only you don't get stuck in ditches" was the advice little brother Nate gave to his big brother Caleb the day we decided it was time for Caleb to learn to ride a two wheel bike. Yes, Nate was already a confident two wheel rider.

Caleb had never had any desire to ride a bike, he was happy to continue to ride in the bike cart on family bike rides being pulled along as he enjoyed the ride munching on his snacks and observing the scenery.

However, the Novotny mom and dad had decided it was time for Caleb to face the 2 wheel bike with or without tears we were determined to see Caleb ride a bike. It was one of those Parents know best moments.

I had heard my front door open and shut one to many times as Caleb arrived back in to our home because the neighborhood  children had gone from playing a game of tag to  riding bikes and scooters and after about 15 minutes  he was tired out from running after them as they rode down the street. Still with no motivation to learn to ride a bike.

So, it was time. Caleb resisted a few whines and tears but once out the door with dad and feeling secure that dad was not going to let him fall and get hurt Caleb was eager to try. After a few days of practice with dad hanging on, it was time for the big let GO and watch him GO. Another letting go experience in raising our kids.

He wobbled, he swerved and put his feet down to save a fall and then tried again and again and again until finally he was riding a two wheel bike all on his own.

The following few weeks Caleb enjoyed the freedom of bike riding up and down the street practicing his starts, turns and stops he rode along with the  biggest smile of accomplishment on his face.

Looking back had we as his parents given in to the whines to the tears to our own doubts of letting go and letting Caleb attempt to ride solo he would have not accomplished this milestone in his life  - we very well could have allowed the fear of failure, the doubt of abilities and the lack of confidence overtake us only to keep Caleb from attempting something he had only dreamed of doing, only wondered if he could really do it when in reality we let go and he rode away.


Have you ever had a dream? ever wanted to accomplish something big? ever desired to attempt something only to allow fear to keep you from accomplishing it?

I am guessing we could all write out a list or tell a story of the many things we have wanted to to do, accomplish or try if we knew we would not fail.

Just as  our son Caleb  climbed onto his bike full of fear of failure let me challenge you today to step out and attempt something new, something you have dreamt about.  What's holding you back? Let go and ride off into a new adventure discovering you can do it if you Let go of your fears.

It is time to take a chance, step out, dream big, let go and ride away fearless- What will you attempt this week?   sign-up for a class, invite a new friend to coffee, write an article to be submitted to a blog, start a craft project, launch that business idea,  join a gym ?   Share your stepping out and letting go stories with us.

Time For Family - Lesson #1

by: Trisha Novotny

My five Children range in age from 9 to 22 years old.  So,  I am often asked what lessons did I learn as a MOM that  I am  now using  with our two younger children?

This question got me thinking and what a good question it was. So, I thought I would periodically post my mommy lessons I learned with the older children.

Lesson#1 - Don't allow outside TIME to take over Family Time

When our first three kids were younger they were overly active playing baseball and soccer, taking piano, dance, art, cooking, swim lessons - the list of  their  activities was endless. Our motives were pure when we enrolled them into each activity or opportunity. However our Family calender quickly became full and when it came time to have those unscheduled impromptu family times, take a family mini-vacation or just sit home and watch a movie together we often had to say no to family time because we had said yes to outside time for our kids.

Looking back today - My older three kids had some great experiences on the many teams they played with, the great friendships they developed and yes we enjoyed cheering them on as well as  watching their performances.  But what memories do they have?  Crazy schedules, moving from one event to the next.  Yes,  at the time they thought is was fun. However,  when we talk about those busy crazy years  they talk about those trips we took, those times as a family we spent enjoying each other not the long list of activities they were involved in.

So, here is where  I learned my lesson - a few years ago my husband announced to me that we were going out of town with the kids to our friends cabin in the snow and that we would be  leaving on February 14th (did he forget this was Valentines day?) The kids would have to  miss two days of school as well as  their school parties not to mention I was room mom in two elementary classes which meant I was responsible for planning and assisting in the class Valentines day parties. My First thought and response was are you kidding the kids will not want to miss out at school and I have to be there. After taking some time to think about it I realized:

1. There were plenty of other moms to take over the class parties  - delegate was what I needed to do.

2. Ten years from now would my kids remember their Valentines day  party at school or the AMAZING trip we took as a family to the cabin - snowmobiling, sledding and spending time with family and friends for five days?

My final answer was that the  family trip to the cabin would be the life time memory not the school parties.

So, off we drove on February 14th leaving behind the school celebrations. The following  5 days were absolutely amazing watching my kids smile, laugh and enjoy every waking moment playing together as a family - now move forward 4 years and what do my kids talk about?  Not the Valentines day party they missed but the fun trip we took that year to the cabin in the snow.

Time with your family is not replaceable - Stop and look at your calendar  is it overfilled with  to many activities to many commitments that keep you from spending time as a family?

Start today scheduling in Family time you wont regret it.

21 Tips for Raising Great Kids

By: Sue Searles

The following tips are not in order of the importance or in chronological order; they are just tips that I’ve learned over the years.

1. Start praying for your children before they are born, whether that means you pray to get pregnant or once you are pregnant for a healthy baby and easy and quick delivery.

2. Give your children a lot of hugs and kisses. Children need physical touch to be healthy, the reason so many of the orphan children in third world countries fail to thrive is because they do not have any physical touch. Don’t stop giving hugs even when they get bigger.

3. Tell them you love them often and then teach them to say I love you back.

4. Read to them often, some people start reading to their babies in the womb, I started reading to them when they were babies, I have many books memorized from reading them so many times. Keep reading until they don’t seem to be interested, it could be a long time.

5. Start teaching them to pick up their own messes as soon as they are old enough to make them. Make it fun, perhaps sing the pick up song, and be realistic about what they are able to do at the age they are at. Teach them chores at a young age and when you do teach them be sure to teach them the proper way to do them and then hold them accountable for doing them right.

6. Give them plenty of smiles and encouraging words, be their biggest fans. Kids need to see that you approve of them, it so important.

7. Listen to them and give them your undivided attention, this may mean that as they get older you will have to stay up later. I remember my kids really opened up to me very late at night often.

8. Discipline them, set boundaries and bed times at an early age. Kids are more secure when they know that you care enough to tell them no, be the “bad guy” if they get themselves into situations where they have a hard time saying no. Bed time is sooooo important, kids will be grouchy if they don’t get enough sleep, try to get into a good routine and keep it the same as much as possible.

9. Share your faith with them, start young and keep it up until they leave home. My kids often want my prayers and advice because they know that it will help them in their lives.

10. Remember that actions speak louder than words, if your words are saying one thing and your actions are saying something different then your children will be confused and may even get angry at you for having a double standard.

11. Have fun with your kids, go outside to play with them, take them to parks, to play at the mall, go swimming with them, play games with them, pizza movie nights, where you sit down with them to watch a movie of their choice, go camping if you are able to, those times will build great esteem as you teach them proper ways of winning and losing, also will bring about good memories for many years to come.

12. If you are married keep your husband your top priority, show your kids by your example how to respect and honor their father. To do this will make a much more peaceful home.

13. Learn their love language it will change the way you feel about them and the way they feel about you

Words of Encouragement

Acts of Service

Physical Touch and closeness

Quality Time

Gift giving

14. Cook and bake with them, whether they are boys or girls they will all need to learn how to cook basic meals, be sure to teach them to clean up as they go, those things are taught, don’t assume they will just do this without your guidance.

15. Talk with them about making healthy food choices.

16. Exercise with them and teach them the importance of keeping fit.

17. Teach them good manners, once again children are not born knowing how to do things properly it is only because we teach them that they know how to not eat with their mouth full of food, not to interrupt when you are talking, to say please and thank you, especially to write thank you cards for birthday/Christmas gifts, you fill in the blank. . .

18. Teach them to honor age and to be respectful, don’t expect them to be rebellious, this is something that you need to work on them at a young age.

19. Remember your children are born without morals, anything they learn as far as not being selfish, mean, stingy, lying, hitting etc are only there if you teach them, they are born without knowing right from wrong and the only way they learn it is from you.

20. Take them shopping with you and then while you’re there teach them how to look for good bargains, also a good time to teach them how to act and how not to act in public.

21. Talk about the importance of budgeting their money, whether you give them an allowance or not is entirely up to you, but it is vital that you teach them about money or they will have a rude awakening the day they move out and realize that money doesn’t grow on trees.

Bonus: Teach your kids how to act around other children/people who have disabilities, it’s never rude for them to say hi to that person or to show interest in asking questions, instead of just staring which is rude.

I would like to encourage you to sit down and make up a list of things that are important for you to do or teach your children as they grow up into responsible adults, because whether you want them to or not they are going to grow up and leave your home one day. I hope and pray that when they do you can say with a good amount of humble pride you did the best you could for your children and your family.

Written by:

Sue Searles, who has been married to her husband Gordy for 27 years, they are blessed to have 7 beautiful children, Daniel 26 who is married to Sarah, Amy 24, Natalie 22 who is married to Joshua, Isaiah 12 ½, Ezekiel almost 11, Luke 8 and Lily 6.  If you would like to learn more about their family and Luke’s journey since his near drowning accident 7 years ago check them out at howsluke.blogspot.com.