March 2009 Archives
Jodi Skulley-March 31, 2009-
Congratulations to
Anne Melancon -- the winner of our
March 2009 Giveaway!
Anne won one free
Crosspoint or
Centri-Kid camp registration this summer!
Thanks to everyone who left comments in March!
Be sure to watch for our April 2009 Giveaway ... coming tomorrow!
Jodi Skulley-March 30, 2009-
My 8-month-old, Jack, just recently began crawling which has turned our calm, orderly world completely upside-down. I'd like to say my husband and I were completely prepared and had the entire house child-proofed already, but I'm afraid that's not the case. So as soon as we realized Jack was mobile, we dedicated a weekend to child-proofing the house as much as possible.
Jack is also teething, therefore everything (and I really do mean everything) goes straight into his mouth. So one of the most important aspects of child-proofing for us at the moment is poison prevention. Check out the following poison prevention tips from the
American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Store Poisons Safely.- Store medicines and household products locked up, where children cannot see or reach them.
- Store poisons in their original containers.
- Use child-resistant packaging. But remember -- nothing is child-proof!
Use Poisons Safely.- Read the label. Follow the directions on medicines and products.
- Are children around? Take the product or medicine with you to answer the door or the phone.
- Lock products and medicines up after using them.
- Is it medicine? Call it medicine, not candy.
- Children learn by imitation. Take your medicines where children can't watch.
Teach Children to Ask First.Poisons can look like food or drink. Teach children to ask an adult before eating or drinking anything!
If you think someone has been poisoned, call your poison center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Jodi Skulley-March 27, 2009-
6-month-old Harrison says: "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."
Thanks to Tracey R. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday
Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a
suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each
Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
William Summey-March 26, 2009-
I love to watch TV! In fact, some of my favorite downtime at the end of the day is getting to watch a favorite show we have recorded or to start a movie.
But with kids, there are often so many things to be careful about regarding the TV shows and movies they watch. We definitely draw boundaries as to the type of shows and movies that our boys watch, but sometimes they hear from friends about other shows and movies we would not let our boys see. So how do you decide what to let your kids watch?
One resource that I have used for evaluating movie and TV content is
Common Sense Media. They provide a target age range for every movie and TV show and even video games, books, and music. Common Sense Media gives an age that they evaluate media to be appropriate for and then evaluates content based on several subject categories: Violence; Language; Sex; Consumerism; Drinking, drugs, & smoking; and Message & role models. Check out their
evaluation on the new video release of
Bolt to get an idea of how their system works.
The
Parents Television Council is another good source for information regarding TV shows and what kids are actually watching. Check out their
research on the best and worst TV shows for kids.
No matter what tool you use to evaluate shows and movies, sometimes the best option is to sit and watch shows together and talk about what you are watching. So many times even the best shows or sporting events can have commercials that are violent, sexually charged, or promote alcohol, so the best bet is to be involved and communicate about media with your kids.
Are there other tools you use to evaluate movies and TV shows? What are the best shows that your kids watch?
Jodi Skulley-March 25, 2009-
For most first-time mothers, the prospect of caring for a newborn produces serious apprehension. For unwed teenage mothers, that sense of anxiety is multiplied exponentially. To alleviate some of that stress, The Kentucky chapter of the
Baptist Nursing Fellowship (KyBNF) developed an innovative program called
Baby Boot Camp based on the devotional book of the same title by
Rebecca Ingram Powell.
During the five-hour seminar, young mothers learn the fundamentals of infant care. Most of the participants have no idea how to care for a baby, so the first component of the program is baby basics. Under the tutelage of a professional nurse, students use lifelike dolls to learn how to hold, feed, burp, bathe, and diaper their own bundles of joy.
The second component of the program focuses on wellness. "We teach them that in order for them to be totally well, they have to be mentally well, spiritually well, and they have to be physically well. In order to take care of themselves and their babies, they have to be happy in life," says BNF President, Jessica Childers.
At the end of the day the new mother's get a big surprise ... a baby shower! Each of the girls is sent home with a laundry basket overflowing with donated baby supplies. The baskets are so heavy that the girls need help carrying them out. For many of them, the generosity of strangers is overwhelming.
The Baby Boot Camp program has been a wild success. To date the KyBNF has held a dozen camps and has reached more than 100 girls and their families. In response, they have just written a "How To" guide for use by other state organizations that are interested in adopting their ministry.
Amy Hammond Hagberg is an author, speaker, radio host, wife, and mother. Amy's award-winning work has been featured in publications all around the world. Learn more at www.amyhagberg.com.
Baby Boot Camp is a very special ministry to parents in need. What ministries are you involved in or know of that relate to parenting?
William Summey-March 24, 2009-
Sometimes we spend too much time and energy listening to what experts say we should do as parents. Oftentimes it is our kids who tell us what they need the most!
Proof positive are these real-life student comments submitted by ParentLife writer, Mia Pinson, a middle school teacher in South Carolina. Their assignment was to write down advice they would give their parents to help them be a better student in school.
Listen to what some students said they really want from their parents.
• Help me with homework.
• Don't ignore me when I ask for help.
• Help me study so I don't have to make bad grades. I am embarrassed when I do.
• Don't yell at me when I don't get my homework.
• Don't scream at me if I mess up.
• Don't yell at me to wake me up in the morning. It starts me off in a bad mood.
• Reward me for good grades with a surprise.
• Please congratulate me more.
• Be happy when I make a good grade.
• When I tell you the truth about something, don't go and try to fix me.
• Spend time with me. Talk to me about school.
• Don't fuss if I get a C on my report card and I tried my best.
• Don't make me feel bad because I am not smart.
• Stand up for me. Show other people you are proud of me.
• Show me how to love school.
• Pay more attention to me. Encourage me to do well.
• Thank you for always asking me what my day was like and for trying to understand me.
• Thank you for saying you love me.
This list was humbling to me. I think it shows that, no matter the context, our kids need our love, help, support, and encouragement. And it makes me want to ask my sons, "How could Daddy be a better parent?" I think they would say, "Play with us more!" What do you think your kids would say?
William Summey-March 23, 2009-
If you are a fan of
peanut butter, you certainly took notice when the peanut product recall information was hitting the airways. Unfortunately, when the press stopped reporting the recall information, many people assumed the recall was over. There have been new peanut product recalls as recently as last week.
Do you know where to go to find the latest information on food recalls?The
U.S. Food & Drug Administration is responsible for issuing recalls on both food and medical products, as well as products that can impact your health, such as cosmetics and other beauty products. Their
product recall page keeps an open list of all recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts from the last 60 days. There also is a searchable database of past recalls.
The peanut product recalls have been so widespread, the FDA has developed a
separate page for all peanut product recall information. This page includes a history of the problem, a searchable listing of all products that have been recalled, and contact information if you need to follow up. On this page, you also can
sign up for recall alerts via e-mail or follow e-mail alerts via RSS feeds, Twitter, or their blog.
Has the salmonella outbreak in peanut products impacted you or someone you know?
Jodi Skulley-March 20, 2009-
As an only child, Gabriel has learned to amuse himself on long car
rides. On this particular afternoon he was "cleaning out his backpack."
And yes, that is a Pull-Up® on his head.
Thanks to Shawna W. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday
Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a
suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each
Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-March 19, 2009-
Looking for something fun to do with your preteen this Spring? If so, consider attending an
iShine LIVE! event.
iShine LIVE! is a high-energy, 2.5 hour event that is not only
biblically based but is geared just for preteens! The I stands for
Identity, because iShine LIVE! is all about teaching kids to find their
Identity in Christ, as a child of God.
Hosted by Luke Benward, star of How to Eat Fried Worms and Disney's
Minutemen, iShine LIVE! features Robert Pierre, The Rubyz, and speaker
Paige Armstrong. There will be a DJ, dancers, live video, and many other
kinds of high energy entertainment all centered on finding your
identity in Christ!
For tour dates and more information, visit the iShine LIVE! Web site.
Have you been to an iShine LIVE! event? Tell us all about it.
Jodi Skulley-March 18, 2009-
We most often think about giving thanks during the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though it's not close to November, today I feel like taking a moment to think about thankfulness.
I don't know about you, but I was raised in a home where I was taught to express my thankfulness for gifts by writing thank-you notes. Every Christmas, my brother and I always knew a pack of thank-you cards would be in our stockings. The same was true for our birthdays. My mom was so good about making sure we expressed our appreciation when others showed us kindness. I am so thankful for her example! (Maybe I should write her a thank-you note!)
And while I have not been as consistent about writing thank-you notes as an adult, the basic principle has been established. I still try to do the best I can to show my gratitude even if it's not in the form of a formal, handwritten note.
Now that I am a mother, setting the example of thankfulness has taken on a new sense of urgency. I want Jack to grow up with a grateful heart and a thankful spirit. I want him to appreciate the importance of saying thank you ... not just at Thanksgiving but every day of the year.
Saying thank you is just one of the many social manners we are responsible for teaching our children. Be sure to check out this month's "Dr. Mom®" column for practical strategies for teaching your child to be polite.
What are some fun ways you have taught your children to say thank you? Or what are some creative ways people have shown you thanks?
Jodi Skulley-March 17, 2009-
Is your preteen tired of school? Is she feeling the pressure of completing school work, earning good grades, and fitting in with her peers? Help her take the stress out of school.
Encourage excellence but emphasize to your preteen that she does not base her self-worth on grades. There is a balance here. Push her to do her best but assure that her value is grounded in being a child of God. - Ensure that your preteen has enough time to study and complete homework. Procrastinating or rushing through assignments will catch up to your
preteen sooner or later. Be proactive in this area. Know what
assignments are coming up and help your preteen set aside enough time
to get all of them done.
- Celebrate your preteen's success. Be eager and quick to point out when your preteen does well. When she earns a good grade, praise her! When she writes a paper, ask to read it and give her positive feedback. If the only time you talk about school is when you are critical, your preteen most likely will worry more.
For more help on teaching your preteen to see herself through God's eyes, be sure to check out ParentLife's 9 to 12 Years Growth Spurt article "Self-Identity" in the March 2009 issue.What school struggles is your preteen facing? Do you have
stress-reducing suggestions to share with other parents? Leave a comment and
let us know.
William Summey-March 16, 2009-
If you like
ParentLife magazine, you'll love
BabyLife -- our special edition of
ParentLife designed for expectant parents and parents with infants and toddlers. Filled with tons of practical information on what to expect in those first precious months with baby,
BabyLife makes a great supplement to any baby shower or new-parent gift.
BabyLife is also great to take along when visiting a new mom in the hospital or new families who visit your church. Check out
BabyLife today!
Tell us what issues new parents care about most -- and help shape our next issue of BabyLife!Don't forget! Anyone who posts a comment on our blog during March is automatically entered to win one free
Crosspoint or
Centri-Kid camp registration. Click
here for all the details.
Jodi Skulley-March 13, 2009-
Whatever the color, the neckline, the sleeves ... for Heather's girls (7-year-old Taylor and 5-year-old Avery), all that matters
really about an Easter dress is that it spins
perfectly.
And before even looking in the mirror to see what they looked like for
the first time, the music was on and the dresses were spinning.
Thanks to Heather W. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday
Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a
suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each
Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
William Summey-March 12, 2009-
Yesterday the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
in cooperation with Infantino, announced a voluntary
recall of the following products: Lil' Chef Set, Activity Stacker, and Tag Along Chime Trio. The infant toys have blue metallic fabric that can detach from the toy, posing a choking hazard to young children. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. The firm has received 45 reports of the metallic fabric detaching from the toys. No injuries have been reported. Visit the CPSC Web site for the complete recall information.
Visit the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall site for complete recall information and safety information for all types of products. You can find information on over 4,000 product recalls and recall alerts through their search engine and RSS feeds. You can also
sign up for the latest recalls delivered directly to your inbox through e-mails blasts.
What other Web sites do you regularly visit that provide helpful information for parents?
Jodi Skulley-March 11, 2009-
In one of the most anticipated tours of the spring, the
Rock & Worship Road Show will launch on March 17th in Billings, Montana. The diverse line up boasts current GRAMMY® nominee and multi-platinum band
MercyMe, award-winning and multi-gold selling male vocalist
Jeremy Camp, and
Hawk Nelson, as well as new and burgeoning bands
Tenth Avenue North and
Addison Road. The tour will hit over 20 U.S. cities.
With a $10 admission price, the Rock & Worship Road Show aims to be an event for fans of all ages, especially families.
In addition to bringing a night of exciting performances, the tour is also dedicated to a bigger purpose: helping kids with juvenile diabetes via
Imagine A Cure, a non profit organization to support research that will lead to a cure, and those with medical needs around the world through
Compassion® International.
"We are all living in a new world today, and an economy that is affecting everyone around us," comments Bart Millard, lead singer for MercyMe. "We all wanted to be able to bring some family-friendly and Christ-centered entertainment that will uplift people and not break the bank. We are really excited to get out on the road with all of these acts. It's going to be a blast!"
For more information and tour dates, visit www.therockandworshiproadshow.com. Be sure to check out the July 2009 issue of ParentLife featuring Jeremy Camp!
William Summey-March 10, 2009-
Have you seen the latest research on parenting? A study released by LifeWay Research, the research arm of LifeWay Christian Resources, conducted a survey of 1,200 parents with children under age 18. The study reveals that most parents are consistently looking for guidance to help them be better parents. But where do they look to better themselves? Research shows that parents primarily depend upon their own experience to guide them in their decisions as a parent. Only about 14 percent of parents look to the Bible as a source of parenting advice. Even Christian parents look to the Bible at a low rate.
But parents do express the need for help. Ninety-two percent of parents say they need encouragement in parenting. These numbers show the great need for parents to have support, understanding, and mentoring in the task of parenting. But many times parents are too busy, stressed, or even embarrassed at their failures to seek help. So the question is: How can we make time in our schedules to form relationships with other parents where we are vulnerable, willing to listen, and use our weaknesses to help others?
I was challenged this weekend on our Sunday School class retreat to do just this -- to see my story with its successes and failures as a gift from God. As parents, this is so important as we face the uncertainties and questions that come with parenting our kids. I want to challenge you to do the same and to be willing to impact other parents in your life -- to be an encourager, to be available to follow God's plan for your life, and to be real with your challenges as parents.
ParentLife is so grateful to be a small part of your parenting journey. When we developed our slogan -- Encouraging and Equipping Parents -- we recognized how important these tasks are in helping parents carry our their sacred calling as parents. We hope this blog and each issue of ParentLife will encourage and equip you to be a better parent.
Do you agree that parents need more encouragement? Where do you find encouragement as a parent? Let us know how we can better partner with you in your parenting journey.
Jodi Skulley-March 9, 2009-
Google™ recently announced this year's
"Doodle 4 Google" competition. The competition invites all K-12 students in the U.S. to design a Google logo inspired by the timely theme,
"What I Wish for the World." The winning student's doodle will be displayed on the Google homepage on May 21, 2009. The champion "doodler" will also receive a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school. This year's competition also includes a $10,000 award to recognize the school district with the greatest quality participation.
This year, Google is partnering with the
Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, a leader in encouraging the next generation of designers and advancing public understanding of design. After the competition concludes, the top 40 winners' doodles will be displayed in a national exhibit at Cooper-Hewitt in New York City.
Teachers can register their class online by going to www.google.com/doodle4google.
Registration closes on March 17 and all entries must be postmarked by March 31.
Jodi Skulley-March 6, 2009-
One-year-old Logan is normally smiling/happy so his parents found this blank stare quite humorous.
Thanks to Jeni G. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday
Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a
suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each
Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley--
Did you know that every child learns differently? How does your child learn best?
There are eight primary ways that children learn. To find out how your child learns, check out the article
"How Am I Smart?" (
HowAmISmart.pdf) by
Dr. Kathy Koch from the September 2009 issue of
ParentLife.
Which of these eight learning styles describes your child? Let us know.
Jodi Skulley-March 5, 2009-
Do you ever have "one of those days"? Yesterday was one of those days for me. I'm still new to the whole working mom routine, and balancing work and home is a daily challenge. Well ... yesterday was a test of my balancing skills. I won't go into all of the details of our crazy day, but I'll try to give you the short version.
My 8-month-old, Jack, woke up with a fever which meant an afternoon visit to the pediatrician's office. Making it to the pediatrican's office meant I had to reschedule a meeting, leave work early enough to dash home and get the stroller that I had forgotten that morning, and then pick up Jack.
Once at the pediatrician's office we waited almost an hour and a half to see the doctor. (
Ever tried entertaining a sick, tired 8-month-old for that long in a strange, germ-filled place? It's hard work!! I'd love some pointers!) Jack was diagnosed with ear infections in both ears. (
Poor guy!) So there was a prescription to fill and evening child-care arrangments to be made since he couldn't go to the church nursery and we had Wednesday-night responsibilities. Jack and I both ate dinner on-the-go and made it home just in time to get things ready for the evening for Ma (Jack's grandmother and one of our favorite babysitters). After church, there were bottles to wash, a diaper bag to be packed, and other preparations to be made for the next day.
By the time I was able to get to bed last night I was completely exhausted, but I couldn't help thinking about all of the things I didn't get done at work and all of the chores that seemed to be piling up!
Luckily, not every day is quite this hectic.
However, balancing work and family is never easy. It is so hard to find time to do some of the things I know I should be doing -- spending more time with God, exercising, spending one-on-one time with my husband, or just doing something fun for myself.
So here are a couple of questions for all of you working moms out there.
How do you make time for God, your spouse, and yourself in your busy schedule?
What encouragment and/or practical pointers can you offer to other working moms?
William Summey-March 4, 2009-
This time of year always makes me think of
Upward™ Basketball. I have helped coach Upward three years and love this organization for its sports philosophy and emphasis on teaching kids about Jesus. I thought you would enjoy these words from Upward's founder and president,
Caz McCaslin.
What we do: Specifically designed for K5 through 6th grade boys and girls, Upward sport leagues provide a fun, positive atmosphere for children to grow in a sport they love while also learning about Jesus Christ. Who we are: Upward™ Unlimited is
an international nonprofit children's sports organization designed to
give children and their families a positive sports experience. To
fulfill their mission, Upward partners with evangelical churches across
the country. By working with and training local churches, over half a
million children will participate in Upward this year. How we operate: Giving
children the opportunity to learn and grow through participating in
games they love is one of the most rewarding aspects of conducting a
league. Unlike traditional sports programs, Upward programs are
structured so children participate in practices and games without
league standings. Characteristics such as sportsmanship, kindness, and
character are valued as winning qualities. Coaches primarily focus on
ministering to children and their families instead of game strategy.
Teams are arranged in a substitution system where all players are
allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement. What we emphasize: To
further the "Every Child Is a Winner" philosophy, Upward coaches
encourage each player with a game-day star award following each game
that builds self-esteem and team spirit. Coaches also are prepared with guides containing a Scripture
learning verse and devotions for practices and games. In addition, the
referee will lead all sports teams in prayer in the center of the field
or court at the beginning of each game.
Upward offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, and several camp options so
find a church near you who offers one of our sports leagues.
Have you participated in an Upward league? Tell us about your experience!
William Summey-March 3, 2009-
Looking for a great summer camp for kids? Check out these great camps!
Everyone* who posts a comment on our blog in March will automatically be entered to win one free
Crosspoint or
Centri-Kid camp registration this summer.
A winner will be drawn randomly on March 31, 2009. So let us hear from you! Tell us about your great summer camp experiences.
Centri-Kid is the home of high-energy worship, age-appropriate Bible study, highly-trained and relational staff, and more fun than you can handle! Designed specifically for kids who have completed 3rd-6th grades, Centri-Kid averages over 20,000 campers in 27 locations across the country.
Crosspoint is a sports camp specifically designed for 4th-8th graders. Being an athlete is not a requirement but is specifically designed for students with varied levels of athletic ability. Crosspoint helps kids combine excellence in sports with a relationship with Christ.
*LifeWay employees are not eligible for this giveaway. Multiple comments do not increase chances of winning.
Jodi Skulley-March 2, 2009-
The National Education Association annually sponsors the Read Across America program. Now in its 12th year, the program focuses on motivating children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills. The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, community centers, and more participate by bringing together kids and books, and you can too!
Be sure to check out the
NEA's Read Across America Web site for information about Read Across America activities happening in your area; free digital read-along versions of Dr. Seuss books; and lots of downloadable resources like posters, bookmarks, and book lists!
And don't miss the articles about reading in the
March 2009 issue of ParentLife:
- "Raising Bookworms" -- Crystal McDowell helps you develop your child's love of reading.
- "Talk, Read, and Listen" -- Donna R. Hoomes gives the keys to increasing your preschooler's vocabulary.
- "Practice, Practice!" -- Mary Ann Bradberry helps you build on your 6- to 8-year-old's reading skills.
Are your children participating in Read Across America Day activities? Tell us about them! What tips do you have for helping your children love to read?
Jodi Skulley-March 1, 2009-
Congratulations to
Terri Broussard -- the winner of our
February 2009 Giveaway!
Terri won an autographed copy of Rebecca Ingram Powell's new book
Season of Change: Parenting Your Middle Schooler With Passion and Purpose (Tate Publishing, 2008)!
Thanks to everyone who left comments in February!
Be sure to watch for our March 2009 Giveaway ... coming next week!
